Around the Block Issue 6

AROUND THE BLOCK CHECK OUT THIS ISSUE FOR STORIES ABOUT > SUMMER FUN....HAD US A BLAST...

ISSUE 6, AUGUST 2009 sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com PLEASE TAKE ME I’M FREE

Gardens Blooming at Courtenay Bay

Canada Day Fun on the West Side!

by Carolyn LeBlanc

by Lacey O’Toole

Our potted plant gardens are coming along nicely at Courtenay Bay, despite the cool weather we’ve had. (See related story by Debbie McLeod.) Some of our plants have been nibbled by the slugs, but most are doing quite well. Cucumbers and peas are already blooming.

I suggested and helped with this project because I wanted Photo Courtesy of Debbie McLeod the children to know that you Residents of “The Courts” in Waterloo- don’t need a big area to plant a Village take part in planting garden. You can simply use a recycled pot. I’m also delighted that they are learning that fruits and vegetables don’t just appear in the grocery store, but instead come from soil, sunshine, rain, and a little care from the gardener.

On Wednesday, July 1st 2009, people from all over the West Side came down to the West Side P.A.C.T. office to join in the celebration of Canada’s birthday!

Parents as well as children enjoyed the various activities and even got down and dirty picking out worms from mud – candy worms out of chocolate pudding that is – with only their mouths!

Photo Courtesy of West Side P.A.C.T. Also, numerous water gun Youth participating in Canada Day activities and balloon fights broke out in the yard as everyone raced to hit their unsuspecting targets. The Saint John Fire Department even made a trip down to the event and helped some of the neighbourhood children pour a full kiddie pool of water on top of one of the West Side P.A.C.T. summer students. Everyone had a blast getting their face painted, eating cake and playing games and we can’t wait to do it all over again next year!

We’ve had such fun that we hope to plant our potted gardens next year.

South End Days 2009

by Kathryn Ferris

Picture a blue and white circus tent, barbecues, inflatables, horse rides, and games for children of all ages (such as story time, bingo, and street hockey). There was entertainment as well, including a magician who made balloon animals, dances, a beer garden, and so much more. Wrap it all up and what do you have? South End Days!

Crescent Valley Fun Days

by Elaine Orser

Photo Courtesy of Around the Block Staff Child having fun during South End Days

Local businesses, along with individuals, either donated goods or their time for our three-day festival. Children and adults were laughing or smiling, and people came back to see their old neighbourhood. People came along to lend a hand. This is what community is all about and I had the pleasure of being part of it.

Great thanks to all of our partners, sponsors, and committee members that made South End Days 2009 a success.

ONE Change Street Dance

by Diane Govindsamy

On Friday, the 26th of June the ONE Change Street Dance was held outside Lorne Middle School. There was great anticipation of the event by young and old. I remember days before the Street Dance my two children (Nathan and Abeni) asking me several times how many more days til the dance. The night was such a great success with children and adults sitting outside listening to music, some youth playing basketball and we even had an entertaining display of cycling.

Community Fun Days is a family event that has been taking place in CV for 19 years, with something for all to enjoy. The planning starts 7 to 8 weeks in advance with volunteers meeting to make many plans and lots of lists for our 3 days of events. We have to order supplies, sort prizes and double check to make sure everything is in place.

Photo Courtesy of Around the Block Staff Winners of the Best Leg Contest, 1st Lisa Clarke, 2nd Jessica Mason, and 3rd Quincey Peters

Events started Thursday with the CV Baby contest & the Best Leg contest and on Friday, CV You Got Talent. On Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. an army of volunteers started showing up to set up the tents, games and two barbecues. The event started at noon and ran until 4:00 p.m. We had a big BBQ, bingo, DJ, Police & Fire Departments, story tent and lots of games for all ages. President Janet McLaughlin, MLA Trevor Holder and Police Chief Bill Reid did the official cake cutting. Although we planned fireworks for Saturday evening at 10:00 p.m. to end the event, the fog rolled in and they were cancelled until finally on Monday August 3rd, NB Day, we had our fireworks. None of these events could have happened without the volunteers, sponsors and community partners.

My friend Serge Mbouli who is formerly from Congo was our DJ for the night. The music really livened the spirits of everyone. This joyful atmosphere was injected with bouts of laughter from those present and a deep sense of community. Truly a wonderful evening!!

Thank You to the Province of New Brunswick, Department of Social Development for sponsoring Issue 6 of Around the Block.

Photo Courtesy of Tammy Calvin Kristopher Howell and Ryan Ellis take part in the ONE Change Street Dance

Old North End ISSUE 6, AUGUST 9

Page 2

ONE Change 223 Victoria Street, Saint John, NB E2K 1L9 Telephone: 506-635-2035 Website: theonechangeinc.org Contact for Other Inquiries is: Tara Parlee at 635-2035 or taraparlee@gmail.com Contact for Youth: Gina Reid at 635-2035 or theonechangeinc@nb.aibn.com

sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com

Meet Brenda Hope: ONE Change Cal-Net Centre by Brenda Hope

A Garden Party Story

In my formative years, I was a base brat who lived in Winnipeg, Germany and Oromocto, NB. My adult years were spent travelling between Saint John and Fredericton where I was a single parent, student, and volunteer. While I was occasionally employed, most of my adult years were spent in poverty. Due to my daughter’s rare disorder (Prader-Willi Photo Courtesy of Penni Eisenhauer Syndrome) I spent a great Brenda Hope deal of time dealing with disability issues. While challenging, my life was filled with kind and helpful people who did their best to help.

A ONE Change Garden Party was held on Saturday, June 13, 2009 to weed, plant and ultimately improve two empty lots on the corner of Elgin and Victoria Street. Tammy Calvin and her team of volunteers and many residents planted beautiful flowers with a special thank you to one of our residents, Shirley Robinson. The Garden Buds assisted with the Garden Party. The Garden Buds is a business operated by persons with mental illnesses. The number of people that stopped by to comment on the progress was inspiring. Many residents are very involved with the garden and have been weeding, watering, and cleaning it up. The kids have even suggested the garden have a name, so the next step is to have a Name the Garden Contest. The ‘garden’ is looking for donations of gardening tools, mulch, hose, trimming shears, and a whipper snipper. Please feel free to contact Tammy Calvin @ 608-5844 or ONE Change @ 635-2035.

by Tammy Calvin and Penni Eisenhauer

I feel as though I have benefitted greatly from the various communities where I lived: The New Brunswick Lung Association, The Easter Seals March of Dimes, The Rotary Camp, The Special Olympics, andFredericton’s OPAL III program. These non-profit and volunteer organizations improved the quality of life for my daughter and me and promoted thankfulness towards non-profit agencies that interact directly with the community. I had hoped for many years to be employed in a non-profit environment both for the challenges it offers and the opportunity to repay the many kindnesses I have received.

I love to learn and experience new things. I returned to high school after a three year absence in 1982 after which I completed a Chemical Technology Course (NBCCSJ). Then in 2004, I finished my BA in Philosophy (everybody asks ‘why’). In 2006, I took Microsoft Office Advanced at the Academy of Learning SJ. I think learning belongs to all ages and all ability levels and I am glad I work at a place that serves that purpose. With accessibility issues in mind I have arranged to have the centre’s laptop available on the main floor for those who cannot navigate the stairs.

I am very happy to be here. I would like this access centre to grow and prove to be a valuable resource to the community. I am interested in gathering resource materials, donations are welcome, especially upto-date programs and manuals. Online learning is available anytime and I intend to offer courses in August depending on interest. Our new summer hours are: Tuesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday 12 to 8 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., & Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please stop by or phone Brenda Hope 365-2035.

Moms in Motion

by Tara Parlee

The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) funded the Moms In Motion Program.

Ten communities across Canada were selected to collaborate with CAAWS on the development and implementation of physical activity and/or sport program for mothers of low socioeconomic status. Taking place at the North End Community Centre every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Moms In Motion is a free physical activity program for mothers and their children. Moms can enjoy a low impact workout session while the children are being cared for by members of ONE Change’s Youth Council. Led by our energetic instructor, Crystal Hache (Good Life Fitness), mothers will be provided with an easy to remember and structured physical activity program. The program runs from July 15 to September 2,2009. Come and join the fun!!

This page compliments of: Trevor A. Holder M.L.A. Saint John-Portland Constituency Office 229 Churchill Boulevard Telephone: (506) 657-2335 Email: trevor.holder@gnb.ca

Photo Courtesy of Tammy Calvin Ryland Conway and Isaiah Williams gardening

ONE Home

by Don Connolly

In November 2005 the Old North End community spoke up loudly regarding what improvements they wanted to see to their neighbourhood. More than 170 projects were proposed during a 5-day intensive neighbourhood planning event. A key goal going forward from this event was to find ways to make homeownership affordable for families that otherwise would find it difficult to purchase a home.

A group of over 15 community partners took up the challenge in the spring of 2006 and has been working diligently since then to demonstrate that affordable homeownership can be possible for working families with limited incomes. The result is ONE HOME (Old North End Home Ownership Made Easy), a demonstration initiative intended to establish a model that could be repeated. Eligible families will be given support during a rent-to-own period so that they will be ready once they become owners.

Three attractive, energy efficient homes have now been constructed on Metcalf Street in the Old North End and one of the homes is already occupied. There are 2 remaining homes waiting for deserving families. The family characteristics required for consideration under ONE HOME, along with contact information, are included in the ad below.

SOUTH END ISSUE 6, AUGUST 2009

Page 3

Rain, rain, don’t go away

YouthAction!

by Mark Leger

by Kate Blackman

Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Edison Gardener Milville Couture

The summer has disappointed many people because of the unending rain and fog. There’s a silver lining in those dark clouds though, for those of us with plots in the South End Community Garden in Rainbow Park. Unlike the gardens near Rockwood Park and MacLaren Boulevard, we don’t have access to a water supply to feed the beds. So what do we do? We bring pails of water on foot, by bicycle or car. Not so this year, though. Our hard-working crew has been blessed with heavy rains throughout July. Many vegetables are already being harvested, like peas and lettuce. Others are still growing for the fall harvest. There are tomatoes, broccoli and even several rows of corn. The community garden includes people from all over the south end. There are families and groups of friends, and several beds planted by students at St. John the Baptist/King Edward School. The city is planning to renovate Rainbow Park soon, so next year we’re hoping to have a water supply on site – just in time for the return of summer sun.

If you want to get involved in the garden next year, it’s never too early to let us know. Call Mark at 634-1070 or e-mail him at: fmleger@hotmail.com

Summer Time Fun 2009

by Tammy Garnett

“What is summer time fun in Saint John?” you may ask. Well for me it was going to the beach, having some picnics and finishing up my program called POWER UP! In July we had our South End Days here in the south end. That turned out to be so much fun. We had a nice BBQ, trolley rides, and a big beer garden. It brought people toTammy’s son Trevor volunteers at gether either to chat, dance, or just South End Days sit around together.

My youngest son Brandon has gone away to camp twice this summer, and is having a fun time doing that. Other than that, he is having fun at home playing with his Play Station 2. He plays the game he got for grading called Grand Theft Auto. I can’t even spell the rest of the title.

It’s just one of the new ones and he is loving it.

For the rest of the summer I think I will just be trying to relax and spend as much time as I can with my kids before the first lovely day of school is here. Oh my, when is that day ever going to come? I know I am bad but, hey, I think two months off is a bit too long. What happens when they grow up and they don’t get the summer off? It’s quite the shocker to them, believe me.

Well, that is all I can think of what I did for this summer besides work most of it. I will continue to work the rest of it like I always do. I really love my job that much. It’s great there I have a hard time staying away.

sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com

The YouthAction! program in the South End has been busy so far this summer.

Youth have come out to participate in a range of events including gardening, a South End clean-up, and mural painting. The South End clean-up was a great success, with 13 bags of garbage filled, and the youth from ONE Change also atPhoto Courtesy of Kate Blackman tending. Thanks guys! Trips Youth working around the PULSE building that we have taken so far include Tree-Go in Moncton, a beach trip, and a Wake-a-thon. Teens also participated in the South End Days, working at the canteen. It has been a blast! People can still join the group, which runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-5, with outings on Fridays. If you are in between the ages of 13 and 18, and are interested in participating, please contact Kate Blackman, at 6474850, or katebyep@gmail.com.

Parents heed the call

by Nicholas Shepard

It’s time for parents to play a more active role in their children’s lives, literally. I recently returned from living abroad and had my eyes opened to a sad fact. Childhood obesity (and the serious health issues that follow) is not simply a problem here, but a problem everywhere. It was a stunning revelation that even in countries decimated by poverty this can still be an issue.

It certainly forced me to take a good look at what kind of role model I was for my siblings. I was setting bad examples left and right. My down time was spent playing video games, and I chose burgers over salads.

But I’m happy to say, things have changed. There are no more video games or fast food outlets and my sister and brother are more active in the community .

It’s an excellent investment in my family’s future. An active child is a healthy child and a healthy child is a happier child.

South End Community Centre News and Highlights of the Year

The children and youth of the South End Community Centre enjoyed a number of activities and special events throughout the school year.

Some of the highlights include a significant donation from the RBC After School Grants Program, which was used to support the homework club and the after school snack program. Some of the highlights include a very successful Wake-a-Thon. Both the after school and evening drop in programs were very busy with activities such as the Monday night ball hockey with youth from the Boys & Girls club, weekly out-trips, Girls World (in partnership with the TRC), kids in the kitchen, teen basketball, Keystone Club and many more programs. Youth were recognized for their efforts at the Awards Night. Some of the major awards included the Yvonne Lee Trophy for outstanding commitment and leadership in the community awarded to Robin Fanjoy. Outstanding members included Brooklyn Marsman, Haden Dow, Haley Dow, Jacob Cromwell, Kylee Wallace and Michael Gifford. The homework club award was earned by Chelsie Burley.

Photo Courtesy of Around the Block Staff Participants and Volunteers at South End Days

Crescent Valley ISSUE 6, AUGUST 2009

Page 4

www.crescentvalleyresourcecentre.blogspot.com

New Ways to Think about Being Green

by Mariel Hunter

This summer projects at the Crescent Valley Resource Centre are focused around changes to the way people are able to recycle and compost. These changes mean it’s becoming even easier to reduce your garbage by almost half!

The Crescent Valley Resource Centre Staff are making every effort to do their part in cutting down on the waste put on the curb each week in the neighbourhood and have asked residents of the community to do the same.

For some of the area’s younger residents this means participating in the centre's Compost Bin Bingo program as well as making art sculptures out of recyclable items and found treasures. Some are even taking these lessons home and encouraging their families to adopt more environmentally friendly mindsets as well!

Photo Courtesy of David Connell L - R: Parent participant Susan Lewis; Cheryl Brown, Community Literacy Coordinator; Participant Shanice Burke Doucette; Kate Wright, QLNB President; Participant Delaney Savoie; Herménégilde Chiasson, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick; and Christiane Vaillancourt, Rogers Cable.

So far the summer has been fun filled with lessons about recycling, composting and cutting down on garbage. From now on we hope to see more compost bins by the side of the road on pickup day and more recyclables toted down to the blue bins instead of thrown into the trash!

Storytent Launch 2009

by Cheryl Brown

Rogers Cable Communications helped Quality Learning New Brunswick (QLNB) to organize their Summer 2009 Storytents launch. Rogers also donated books and an outdoor tent which was unveiled at the July 6th event.

The Honourable Herménégilde Chiasson, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, participated in the morning’s presentation. He was joined

by Delaney Savoie and Shanice Burke Doucette, two participants who spoke about their storytent experiences, and mom and long-time storytent supporter Susan Lewis who talked about the difference the program made for her family.

Major funding for the 2009 storytent project comes from the City of Saint John and the Saint John Free Public Library. This year we have received corporate sponsorship through Rogers Cable and Canaport LNG. Other supporters include the Crescent Valley Community Tenant’s Association, PGI/Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick, Patrick Mooney Bequest and various private donors.

The Quality Storytents program started seven years ago in the Crescent Valley neighbourhood in Saint John. This year it expanded to three additional neighbourhoods in the Saint John area: The Old North End, Anglin Drive and Crown Street.

With informational and moral support, five other groups are running Storytent programs elsewhere in New Brunswick. Tents will be offered in the greater Moncton area, Campbellton, the St. Stephen area and Edmunston. Combined with Saint John, this means storytents will be offered in 16 New Brunswick locations.

Since 2003, QLNB has facilitated a partnership in Crescent Valley (NB’s largest public housing neighbourhood) between the Crescent Valley Community Tenant’s Association (CVCTA) and the Saint John Free Public Library to improve the community's access to literacy and library services.

For more information about Storytent visit: qlnb.blogspot.com or call Cheryl at 333-2601.

Photo Courtesy of Around the Block Staff, CV Baby Contest Winners Left Photo (0-7 months): 1st Karsen Melanson, 2nd Kynan Perry, & 1st Hayden Johnston Right Photo (8 months - 2 years): 2nd Wyatt Perry, 1st Madison Roy, 1st Jayden Dorbyson, & 2nd Merdiee Burton

CV Sport Report

by William Turner

My name is William Turner and I work at the Crescent Valley Resource Centre as the sports coordinator.

This summer we have planned and worked on many different fun activities for not only the younger kids, but the adults also. We have planned and hosted several barbePhoto Courtesy of Lisa Morris cues and get-togethers for everyBall Hockey Tournament in CV one in the neighbourhood. When kids come up to me and remind me how much fun they had when they came to one of these events, that, to me, says "great success".

For me sports are a good way to keep kids active and they have fun while joining in. You can't expect a child of 5 or 6 years of age to go out for a jog every morning. That’s where the sports at the CVRC come into play. We always have a great time playing with, and getting to know, the kids.

So next time you want something for either you or your child to do, come on down to the CVRC and check out what we have planned.

This page compliments of:

Photo Courtesy of Marlee Comeau CV You’ve Got Talent Left: Makala Bourgeios, 1st place Junior’s Winner and Right: Lisa Morris, 1st Place Adult’s Winner

Lower West eXPRESS ISSUE 6, AUGUST 2009

Page 5

sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com

Bike Rodeo a Success

A Fun Day at 888 Danell’s Drive

by Mike Peters

by Wayne Fry and Geraldine Sherwood

On Saturday July 11th the residents of 888 Danell’s Drive had a wonderful barbeque. A big hand to our cook Guy Mazerolle, who flipped those weiners and burgers like a pro. Thanks to Mary-Eleanor for all her hard work in putting it all together. Also thanks to all the tenants for making such beautiful dishes: potato and macaroni salad, coleslaw, cucumber and tomatoes and more, to complement the BBQ. Not to mention the pop, chips, cake, ice cream and to our DJ John Henderson for the music.

Thanks to Debbie McLeod and Juanita Black for their time and the food they brought with them. Everybody gathered together and we had quite a few laughs. To close the day, Debbie and Wayne took on Guy and Geraldine Sherwood in a game of ring toss. Debbie & Wayne smoked the other team. Juanita kept score, enough said. Thanks to all.

Photo Courtesy of West Side P.A.C.T. Issac, winner of a brand new bicycle

On July 21st there was a Bike Rodeo and Fire Safety event held at the Carleton Community Centre. Workers from the Saint John Trauma Centre were there to inspect helmets, as dozens of eager kids waited to drive through a skill-testing bicycle course set up by Rob Scott and State Farm Insurance. Fire Inspector Mark Wilson then shared some fire safety tips before helping the kids escape through the window of the popular 'Fire Safety House'. Ambulance New Brunswick arrived later to provide an up-close look inside the back of an ambulance, while Community Police Officer Tammy Caswell patrolled the scene on a bicycle of her own. For lunch, everyone enjoyed free barbecued hotdogs and pop courtesy of the Lancaster Kiwanas.

The day ended with a raffle draw where every kid walked away a winner. Rob Scott and State Farm Insurance supplied many cool prizes and the Trauma Centre gave away several new helmets and gift cards.

And thanks to a fundraiser with Saint John Leisure Services, the West Side P.A.C.T was able to give away a brand new bicycle to one lucky Westsider named Isaac. The Bike Rodeo and Fire Safety event was a great success because so many kind folks worked together to make it happen. The West Side P.A.C.T would like to thank everyone who was involved, and a special thanks goes out to the Carleton Community Centre for hosting the event.

Do You Know About the Shark?

Story and Picture by Pat Montague

Residents of the west side received an unusual surprise when a 7 metre, 4 ton basking shark washed up on the beach at Seaside Park back in May. It is not known what killed it, or why it was even in the area at the time, as basking sharks follow their food source through warm water.

Basking sharks are the second largest type of shark. Only the whale shark is bigger. The shark that washed up on the west side was about average size and weight.

The shark, which is a vulnerable species, is actually quite harmless to humans. They filter water through their gills and feed on the plankton that gets trapped. The shark also has a row of small teeth that are generally not used to eat.

After hearing about the basking shark washing up, researchers from UNBSJ came to study the shark and take samples.

Since the shark was located in such a difficult spot for heavy machinery to reach it, the west side shark was going to stay on its new beach home until the tides were able to wash it back out into the Bay of Fundy. It remained there for at least a week and people were still coming to see it despite the smell.

It was definitely a very interesting event to come before the summer began. Things wash up on the beach all the time, but nobody was expecting to see this!

Photo Courtesy of Around the Block Staff Residents and family enjoying the barbeque

Meet Bobbi Craft

by Bobbi Craft (Photo Courtesy of Belinda Allen)

Hello, my name is Bobbi Craft and I am the new Lower West Side Neighborhood Assistant. I grew up on the lower west side and still reside there today. I take great pride in doing work with this community because it is my home and I want to help make it the best place it can be for my children and friends. I have worked in many capacities over the years and have always enjoyed assisting others. I decided to apply for this position because I want to be a part of all the positive changes on the West Side. I currently live as a single mother with two boys, Daniel and Nathan. As a single mother with minimum funds, knowing what resources are available to me to help better my living situation is important. I want to learn what our community needs and I want to assist the community by taking part and knowing what resources we have available. I am excited to be a part of the Vibrant Communities team. If anyone wants to join me by volunteering your time, making any suggestions or to find out what is going on in the Lower West Side, please feel free to contact me at 608-5990 or via email at neighbourhood.asst.lws@gmail.com.

This page compliments of:

Office Hours 9am-1pm Monday to Friday

Waterloo Village ISSUE 6, AUGUST 2009

Page 6

Coverdale Emergency Homeless Shelter for Women

by Crystal Scott Coverdale Emergency Homeless Shelter is a temporary residence for women ages 18 and up. We provide basic needs i.e: food, water and shelter.

The shelter has 10 beds to accommodate our clients. Typically, we do not have more than 6 to 8 women at one time. When each woman arrives, we assess her individual needs to determine whether or not professionals need to be involved. The women are then informed of our guidelines and everyone is assigned chores and advised of the curfews, Sunday-Thursday in at 10pm bed by 11pm and Friday and Saturday curfew is 11pm and bedtime at 12am.

All of the women are to follow the rules and guidelines or they are not permitted to stay. At anytime, should a resident create unnecessary incidents in the house or on the property, they are dealt with immediately, and appropriate action is taken. We do not allow clients to loiter on the property, which is why you do not see the women "hanging around" on the stairs out front; even smoking is supervised.

We take safety very seriously. This includes the safety of our neighbours. We understand that there are concerns with the shelter being located at 10 Culloden Court. We are conscious of the children in the neighbourhood and the women are even protective of the children in this community. Most of the women are moms themselves. On occasion there have been disturbances and we dealt with them right away and the problems were eliminated. This can happen in any neighbourhood with anyone, just as it happens here in this neighbourhood.

We do allow women to come to the shelter that are under the influence. We do not refuse any woman that has found herself in an unfortunate situation. Our women come from a wide range of backgrounds.

Any one of us could find ourselves in a situation that we are not able to control. We have somebody’s mother, sister, or grandmother here.

If at anytime anyone has any questions or concerns I invite you to come over or call us at 672-6285.

Teen Leadership Group The Keystone Club, a teen leadership group, focuses on leadership, education and career development, economic/political awareness and social recreation - elements that are crucial to channelling the high energy of teens in a positive direction. Keystone Club is for Boys and Girls Club members fourteen years of age and older.

This 2008 - 2009 season of Keystone Club was very successful.

Highlights of the year’s activities include several community projects, in-Club projects, leadership development opportunities and lots of fun stuff. Our community projects included a partnership with the City of Saint John Parking Commission in the delivery of several thousand flyers to South End residents, a community cleanup, helping with several events at Giant Tiger and Sears and serving a number of Christmas meals. Our in-Club activities included regular volunteering in the youth program, painting and purchasing some new equipment. A major highlight of the year was the Saint John Club hosting of the National Youth Conference in mid-May. Several Keystone members were members of the planning committee and several participated as members of 120 conference delegates. The fun highlight of the year was a group trip to Montreal where they hung out with youth from the LaSalle Boys and Girls Club, visited Olympic Park and LaRonde, and a Six Flags amusement park. A new group of Keystone will begin in September, 2009.

Thank You Sarah Woollven

by Joe Campbell

Saint Joseph’s Community Health Centre CALnet Technology Centre gives a great thanks and warm appreciation to Sarah Woollven for her time donated to the Technology Centre.

Staff, volunteers and clients all wish her success in her new endeavours and hope her positive attitude continues to have the same affect on people.

We can never thank you enough. Thank You Sarah!

sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com

Courtenay Bay Planting Day

by Debbie McLeod

On Saturday, June 13th, some of the residents of Courtenay Bay planned a vegetable and flower planting day with children and adults in the area. With the assistance of Halifax Seed, NB Housing, and the families in the area, this project was made possible. Children recycled containers to use as planters. Each child planted a vegetable of their choice and a flower of their choice. Some instruction was given by a local green thumb resident about the care of the flowers and vegetables and also Halifax Seed donated a book for reference.

The children took home their pots filled with their favourite vegetable and flower seeds with some good instruction and are full of enthusiasm to watch the seeds grow. At the end of the growing season a picture will be taken of the wonderful products.

A fun, educational, and sunny day was enjoyed by all.

“Arts in the Village” Arts Festival

by Ella Holt

On Saturday, August 1, 2009, The Village Neighbourhood Association held the first annual “Arts in the Village” Arts Festival at the Teen Resource Centre parking lot on Waterloo Street. ONE Change and Crescent Valley, two of the other priority neighbourhoods were actively involved in the festival, the first event ever involving multiple priority neighbourhoods!

Art classes were conducted prior to the event by Ms. Shirley Scott, a local artist, to give those who thought they needed it some instruction and encouragement to put brush to canvas or paper and produce wonderful works of art. Young and old used the supplied art materials to express themselves. The finished works were displayed on tables and on large easels on the ground for the enjoyment of the crowd. Cedar was the ‘canvas’ and paint was the media for some very artistic folk art on 4-foot high cedar poles that were displayed in several areas at the TRC. Local professional artists were also welcome and displayed their work as well. There were oil, acrylic and watercolours as well as fabric art and folk art. Altogether there were over 80 pieces of art displayed.

A BBQ was offered and many dozens of hot dogs were eaten. Music was supplied by Miss Emily Fox, whose violin blended well with the conversations and admiring ohhs and ahhs!

The crowd enjoyed the nice weather. Although it had looked like the event might be rained out, Dan Robichaud of the organizing committee had faith that the sun would shine and the event would be a success.

The sun shone AND the event was a success! The organizing committee would like to take the opportunity to express their gratitude for the support given.

Photo Courtesy of Around the Block Staff Left: Heather Button, and Right: Shirley A. Scott display their artwork at the first annual “Arts in the Village” Arts Festival

This page compliments of:

YOUTH IN OUR COMMUNITIES ISSUE 6, AUGUST 2009

Page 7

sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com

Building Bridges

ONE Storytent Success

by Brad Snodgrass

by Tammy Calvin and Penni Eisenhauer

Everybody has a story of the uptown malls, perhaps some involving a run-in with the security guards, whether it was you that was confronted or you saw someone who wasn’t treated with respect. But what if you could change that? Well, I am part of a teen-led group that is doing just that, working to build better relationships between teens and security guards at Brunswick Square. We have had our first meeting with Fortis Properties, and they are on board with this idea. Together, we decided that it has to work both ways. To get respect you have to give it, and you must also look from the other person’s point of view. You both could just be having a bad day and just ended up clashing. We are making progress and moving forward, with our next meeting scheduled for August. If you would like to share your experiences or want to be a part of the meetings, contact me at Mr.Brad.S@hotmail.com.

YES! Program by the Saint John Community Loan Fund

This summer the Saint John Community Loan Fund is giving youth ages 13 to 15 the opportunity to create and operate their own business. The YES! (Youth + Entrepreneurship = Success) Program is composed of 6 enthusiastic individuals who have a passion to make a change in their community.

The participants of the YES! program are offering a service to local bars, restaurants, offices, and residents in the area to pick up their recyclable bottles completely free! In return for the donation of their recyclable bottles, we will be issuing a charitable receipt to our large scale customers as a bonus and to ensure no lost revenue on their part! Also, a portion of the revenue earned through this venture will go back into the community through events (keep an ear out for upcoming talent shows and car washes!).

The participants have named their service “Triple Bottle Line,” a play on words from the business term “triple bottom line,” which means the company generates profit, brings the community together, and has a lasting impact on the environment. According to research, we may quite possibly be the only company that employs a triple bottom line in the province.

Establishments such as Holly’s Café, Manpower, Domino’s Pizza, & Scotia McLeod have signed up for our service but there is still room for much growth. The employees of Triple Bottle Line believe in building strong relationships with their clients, we know you will enjoy utilizing our services!

Please Contact Jessica Finnigan at 652-5602 if you would like more information regarding our program or the service we offer.

UNBSJ Sports Science Camp

by Brandon Basque

UNBSJ is offering a Sports Science Camp for kids and I got to go. We got to learn about lots of different things like sharks and how their teeth are like knives, visit the chemistry lab and tried different stuff like mixing Irving Oil Supports Crescent Valley chilcornstarch and dren with a $1500.00 Donation water, and made Nancy Savoie, children who attended the explosions with camp, Lisa Morris, Lisa Savidant, Ann Mentos and a Barrett, and Peter McGuire. bottle of coke and also we learned about the landfill. At the gym we played lots of different sports and outside had a water fight and played different water games. On the last day we had an eyecake for dessert and at the end of the day we went home and I was kinda sad. I think kids should all be able to go, it’s a good way to learn.

Photo Courtesy of Tammy Calvin Cheryl Brown reading at the first storytent in the Old North End.

The Storytent is an outdoor summer reading program provided by the Saint John Free Public Library’s Summer Reading Club. The program provides books to children and families who may not have access to a library. A Storytent consists of one or more canopies, blankets and ground sheets, a variety of popular books including picture, story, chapter and adult books, and two to three adult workers. The workers talk and sing and listen and read to the children, as requested by the children themselves. They build and maintain relationships and provide a positive social and learning environment for everyone. On Saturday, June 27, 2009 the Old North End enjoyed it’s first ever Storytent.

Tammy Calvin stopped by to see ‘many children enjoying the summer storytent.’ Cheryl Brown and her assistant Wendall really made the reading program enjoyable for the kids. The excitement to read was amazing. One little girl read 10 books on her first day. Cheryl Brown was amazed with the number of people that stopped by to read and said that the next week they would have to bring two tents and adult books. One person from the neighborhood even brought books to donate. Remember that Storytent will be every Saturday @ 2:00 – 4:00 pm throughout the summer. It can be found on the corner of Albert and Metcalf Street. For further information please contact Tammy Calvin @ 608-5844 or ONE Change at 635-2035.

YOUTH IN OUR COMMUNITIES ISSUE 6, AUGUST 2009

Page 8

sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com

Un été de pluie

Summer Students at ONE Change

by Geneviève Brideau

by Madison Howe

Je ne vous parlerai pas de la pluie et du mauvais temps. Il y a déjà beaucoup d’encre qui a coulé à ce sujet. Je vous partage donc ce que ce manque de soleil m’a offert. J’ai lu plusieurs bons livres tel que Mon cœur a des dents par Bernard Friot et j’ai découvert de la bonne musique aussi. Je vous suggère les groupes suivants : Trois gars sur le sofa, les BB Brunes et les Co-locs. Oui, je nous souhaite à tous plus de soleil pour le mois d’août mais en attendant je vais apprendre des nouveaux mots en japonais!

Did you Know?

by Catherine Derry

sjkid.com is run by hundreds of volunteer hours and costs $10,000 a year to maintain. New users visit sjkid.com and become members of the site everyday. It is free to become a member and you will receive a free monthly sjkid newsletter.

Advertising on sjkid.com brings in a small revenue for the organization and the rest must be raised through donations, grants and events. sjkid.com is run by a volunteer group of local families and the non-profit organization called Healthy Families, Healthy Communities Association (www.hfhca.com). Their vision is to build healthy families and communities in New Brunswick and connecting parents and families in their communities. It has a sister site www.fredkid.com to help connect families to each other and to the resources in the Greater Fredericton area.

There is always room on the sjkid team! If you are interested in being part of HFHCA or a volunteer on the sjkid team, don’t hesitate to email info@hfhca.com.

Celebrate What’s Right with the World

Photo Courtesy of Penni Eisenhauer Students Madison Howe, James Capson, and Brianne Lunn

The ONE Change summer students are having themselves a blast while leading this year's summer youth program. The students are providing lots of learning opportunities for youth between the ages of 12-17 years. Every day since the program started on June 29, 2009 approximately 20-25 youth show up at the North End Community Centre because they want to better their community.

Brianne L., James C., and myself (Madison Howe) are the summer students hired by ONE Change who help schedule, organize and lead activities, educational opportunities, and reward days for the youth.

Some of the activities the youth have taken part in are: tie dye t-shirts, garbage can graffiti, cleaning up the neighbourhood day, going to the driving range, and spending the day at Rockwood Park.

by Joan Wilkins

Our theme for September is “Celebrate what’s RIGHT with the world”.

School District 8 Celebrates what’s Right with the World by encouraging everyone to look for the good in people and to search for the positive in situations.

Thought for the Month: “If you celebrate what people do well, it’s like giving them oxygen and they perform way beyond your expectations.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

For the first reward day on July 10, 2009 the group went to Moncton, NB to go to Tree-Go. Tree-Go provided the youth an opportunity to zip-line through an obstacle course in the woods. Twenty-three youth and leaders took part and had themselves a great time. This is just one of the many opportunities the youth get to enjoy after giving back to the community all week. If this sounds like something you would like to know more about, please feel free to contact Gina or Jeremy at 635-2035.

For more information on the Celebrate what’s RIGHT with the world initiative, contact Joan Wilkins, Coordinator, School District 8 at 643-6884 http://www.district8celebrate.org

EYE SPY Nuggets

by Joan Wilkins

Over the past year we have shared some of the wonderful responses we received during our “EYE SPY what’s RIGHT” week held in the last week of May last year (2008). We hope you enjoyed reading what students, staff and members of the community were celebrating! Starting with the next edition of ‘Around the Block’, we will begin to share some of the responses we received during ‘EYE SPY A HIDDEN TALENT’ week which was held this past spring. Finding out someone’s Hidden Talent was all about: • Getting to know that person better & understanding that person more • Celebrating that person • Recognizing that everyone has talents, some are more obvious, and more celebrated than others, but they are all talents, just the same • Recognizing the talents and gifts in every person, because everyone has them • Recognizing that some talents are more widely accepted and recognized than others It’s those hidden talents that help remind us that everyone has something worth celebrating! Everyone! With over 7,000 entries from the Greater Saint John area, we have many talents to Celebrate!

Photo Courtesy of Around the Block Staff Jamal Gallant and Josh Smith take part in the Village Arts Festival

Photo Courtesy of Around the Block Staff Kimberly Barthelot and Emma Moriarty take part in the Village Arts Festival

COMMUNITY NOTICES ISSUE 6, AUGUST 2009

Page 9

sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com

The Key to Well Being

Saint Joseph’s CHC Technology Centre

THE KEY TO WELL BEING is a personal growth journey for women.

This FREE eight week course is designed for women who feel stuck and want to: 1) work towards a brighter future; 2) develop a stronger self-esteem; and 3) embrace a more positive, can-do attitude.

Free Fall Courses: Microsoft Word – September 8, 10, 15, and 17 - Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Microsoft Excel – September 22, 24, 29, October 1, 6 and 8 Time: 11a.m. to 2 p.m.

Microsoft PowerPoint – October 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 and 29 - Time: 11a.m. to 1 p.m.

Register by phone 632-5545, email camjos@reg2.health.nb.ca, or drop in to 116 Coburg Street, Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

When: October 12 - December 4, Monday-Friday (1:00-4:00p.m.)

Where: Community Health Centre, 116 Coburg Street This program is funded by the Department Of Social Development, childcare and transportation costs are available to clients.

Register today, seats are limited. Call Susan McKeon at 672-7451.

Consider These Opportunities TIES 2 WORK matches an individual with an employer through 9 weeks of essential skills training and three weeks job placement that meets the needs of specific employers and finishes with a job. Starts September 14th. Call The Saint John Learning Exchange at 648-0202.

POWER UP helps you to discover your best next step; set goals; learn new skills; strengthen your voice; solve problems together; discover your community and more. Next ten week program starts September 15th. Call Brenda at 642-9033.

CATCH THE WAVE TO WORK: This ½ day workshop helps individuals identify skills, looks at job opportunities and community and government resources that can assist in finding work. Next workshop is Friday, October 2nd. Call Brenda at 642-9033.

JOB BUS TOUR: Participate in short on-site visits with employers to better understand the kinds of jobs that are available and criteria for employment. Next tour is Friday morning, October 16th. Call Cathy at 832-5624.

YOUTH LEARN AND GO: This series of workshops will enhance the leadership skills of youth. One evening per week for eight weeks.

Starts end of September. Call Kate at 647-4850.

NORTH END WORKS: VCSJ, The Saint John Community Loan Fund, Enterprise Saint John, and City and Neighbourhood Groups are assessing the assets of residents in the North End and Crescent Valley and possible business opportunities needed. Call Alma at 608-0419.

COMING SOON: Free academic upgrading courses will be offered by the New Brunswick Community College in a new innovative way, combining online course content, daily telephone support, and classes two evenings a week in an uptown location starting in the fall. For more information, call Chris Smith at (506) 643-6295.

PASAGE Saint John Inc. Preventing Addiction, Substance Abuse and Gambling Education (506) 642-4035 / pasage@nb.aibn.com / www.pasage.ca PASAGE Saint John is available for youth presentations on drug, alcohol and gambling addiction education for all ages. We are also available for information tables at community events. Please call for more information.

Chili on the Beach Cook Off The Family Resource Centre (S.J.) Inc. 1st Annual Chili on the Beach Cook Off. Saturday 12, 2009 (Rain date September 19, 2009). Barrack Green Armories Ball field.

For information on how to enter a team, volunteer or become a sponsor go to www.chilionthebeach.ca or call Randy Wilcox at 645-8241.

St. George’s Church Events 100 Watson Street

• • •

Cold Plate Take-Out, September 19th, Tickets $10.00 (Includes Ham, potato salad, roll, tomato, cucumber, and dessert) Used Book Sale, October 17th, 9am-3pm Musical Extravaganza IV, October 24th, 7pm, Tickets $10.00

Learn & Go…still going!

by Lisa Morris

When I signed up for the Learn & Go program I had no idea that it would change my life the way it did. I picked a project that was more like a dream and learned to work with community residents and partners to make that dream a reality. It was not just a program but also a place I learned about self-worth and how to get things done. I am now the Community Development Coordinator for the Crescent Valley Resource Centre and part of my job is to speak up, be heard, and to listen to residents and work with community partners. None of this would have been possible without the support and experience I got from the Learn & Go program. Dare to dream and reach for the stars.

OUR CREATIVE COMMUNITY ISSUE 6, AUGUST 2009

Page 10

sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com

New Brunswick Trivia

Back to School Treat

by Linda Scott

by Laura Van Wart

1. What year did New Brunswick become a separate province from Nova Scotia?

2. What city is the oldest city in NB? 3. What city is the capital city of NB? 4. What is the official bird of NB? 5. What is the official flower of NB? 6. What is the official tree of NB? 7. Where do we find the tourist attraction known as the “Flower Pots”?

8. What two unusual foods is NB known for?

9. What is the town of St. Stephen known for?

10. True or False. NB is Canada’s only officially bilingual province.

Puffed Wheat Squares 1/3 cup hard margarine ½ cup corn syrup 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 2 tbsp cocoa powder 1 tsp vanilla 8 cups puffed wheat

A Soldier Ant

by Wayne D. Fry

The Soldier Ant came marchin’ across My bed the other night, and he Had on all his ballet gear, and He was lookin’ for a fight!

I swear I could hear the drum roll As he marched straight up my leg I must stand my ground and fight him For I am not about to beg!

A sudden swat and he went sailing Dead before he hit the floor, so I flushed him down the toilet, and Now he is no more!

I dreamed that night, I heard music Just my imagination perhaps but The music got louder and louder It was some Ant playin’ Taps!

Dip Recipe

by Dawn LeBlanc

1 small block Cream Cheese 1/2 cup of Mayo Varied amount minced Onion (to taste) 1-2 tbsp Ketchup Add: Shrimp or baby Clams (if desired) Mix well and chill until serving.

Mainly used for a chip dip, but a healthy alternative would be veggies.

Small Changes - Big Rewards

by Brandy Jones

Brandy Jones, a nutrition student from Mount St. Vincent University, has been volunteering with the Heart and Stroke Foundation in an effort to increase awareness of heart disease and its risk factors among food bank participants. She has gone to local food banks to pass out recipe cards with tips on a heart healthy diet and food preparation as well as information on heart attack and stroke signs and symptoms.

Recipe booklets are meant to encourage people to utilize and prepare the foods they receive from their local food bank in a heart healthy way.

Anyone who wishes to receive a recipe booklet can get them at their local food bank or at the Human Development Council on the 3rd Floor of the City Market.

Welcome Spring

by Rosie Young and Jennifer Edison

Gone are the cold chilly days, Of winter passing in its ways.

Grease 9"x9" baking pan. Combine margarine, corn syrup, brown sugar, cocoa and vanilla in a pot. Heat on medium; stirring constantly until mixture starts to boil with bubbles all over surface. Remove from heat and pour into bowl with puffed wheat. Mix until well coated and press in to 9x9 pan. Chill for 2 hours.

Banana Chip Muffins

by Elaine Orser

1 ¾ cups flour ½ cup white sugar 3 teaspoons baking soda ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips 1 egg ¼ cup cooking oil ¼ cup milk 1 cup mashed banana (3 med bananas) Measure the first 5 ingredients in a large bowl, mix well and make a hole in the centre. Beat eggs until frothy, mix in oil, milk and bananas.

Fill greased muffin tins ¾ full. Bake at 400 F for 20 – 24 minutes.

Makes 12-14 muffins.

Pizza Muffins

by Linda Scott

Use homemade or boxed pizza crust and put in muffin pans and let rise. Add pizza or pasta sauce - add cut up pepperoni, mushrooms, etc. and mozzarella cheese. Bake and they can be eaten cold or heated up. Freezes well.

Gives the lunch box a new look instead of peanut butter sandwiches.

Sugar

by Clyde A. Wray

Want an orange popsicle that glitters in the sun or a Twinkie the crystalline sweet rush should be fun in need of some good refined sugar so come-on baby pucker up!!

Neighbourhood Assistants Neighbourhood Community Developer Alma Beck, 608-0419 alma.vibrantsj@nb.aibn.com Crescent Valley Nancy Savoie, 693-8513 crescentvalleyna1@gmail.com

Crescent Valley Felicia Garnett, 693-8513 crescentvalleyna2@gmail.com

Old North End Penni Eisenhauer, 635-2035 oldnorthendna@gmail.com

Lower South End Jennifer Edison, 653-0672 seacats@live.ca

Chipping at the ice with the heels of our boots, Let’s throw away the mitts, the scarves, and toques.

Lower West Side Bobbi Craft, 608-5990 neighbourhood.asst.lws@gmail.com

The sun is shining. The spring is on its way.

Bring out the sneakers the ball and bats.

Around the Block

The trees are in blossom and the birds are singing Hurray it’s spring a new life beginning!

Coordinator Juanita Black, 693-5485 or 651-3044 sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com

COMMUNITY PARTNERS ISSUE 6, AUGUST 2009

Page 11

sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com

Back to School On A Budget

Keep Your Heat & Lower Your Bill

by Julia Higgins

by Efficiency New Brunswick

1. Make a list of what they will need to get them through one week of school. Explain to your child that the other kids will not notice if they are wearing the same jeans if they mix up their tops.

2. Jeans are hard to find second hand so spend most of your budget on 2 pairs of quality jeans. If budget allows purchase a couple of tops that can be mixed with other items purchased from thrift stores.

3. Do your thrift store shopping at least a month before school starts, that way the best stuff won't be picked over. **Don’t tell your child where the clothes came from until they see all the great stuff you found. ** 4. If you have access to a computer and credit card you can find clothing on EBay (or kijiji) for less than a $1.00 per item. Remember to take shipping costs into consideration.

5. If you don't have the money to buy everything your child wants before school starts, purchase the rest after. Stores have huge sales after school starts.

We will soon begin another long heating season in New Brunswick.

Did you know the cost for heating can make up 60% of your energy bill? Here are some tips to help you use less energy.

• Plug air leaks with caulking around doors, windows, baseboards – anywhere you feel a draft. Air leaks can represent up to 25-40% of heat loss.

• Use a programmable thermostat and set it to lower heat at night and when you’re not home. For every 1°C you turn down the thermostat you can save 2% in energy costs.

• Use energy efficient low flow shower heads to conserve energy and hot water. They use up to 60% less water than standard ones.

• Use compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) - They use up to 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer.

On the Move....Here we Grow Again!

by Business Venture Group

Simply Good Catering is a non-profit, community business run for and by persons with mental illness and is operated under the guidance of the Business Venture Group Enterprises Inc. This catering business has set economic and social goals, with an ultimate target of providing jobs and income for its employees.

Simply Good Catering has been serving affordable, home-style meals to many groups in Saint John since 1999. Over time, the business has moved three times as a result Wendy Fox hopes to find of continued growth. The upstart business a new home for Simply will be on the move yet again, as the Gothic Good Catering Arches (its current home) is up for sale.

Simply-Good is hoping to connect with someone in the community that has a practical, affordable and accessible space. The group is seeking kitchen space of roughly 30' X 30' and would welcome any gestures of sponsorship, donations or contributions. Any support from the community would be appreciated.

Wendy Fox, business manager, says “Working for Simply Good gives staff a sense of respect for themselves, they are achieving something”.

For more information about this social enterprise, or to place an order, please visit our website; www.simplygoodcatering.ca or call Wendy at 635-8895 or Andrew Cosman (Business Development Coach) at 6639155.

If you own your home you can get help to make it more energy efficient with Efficiency NB’s Existing Homes Program. Begin by getting a customized energy evaluation for as low as $50. Then complete recommended upgrades and qualify for a grant of up to $2,000, or an interest-free loan up to $10,000. Call 1-866-643-8833 or visit www.efficiencynb.ca.

Partners for Workplace Inclusion Partners for Workplace Inclusion (PWIP) is a one stop employment service for job seekers with disabilities. PWIP has been developed by the Canadian Council of Rehabilitation and Work (CCRW) and is funded by Opportunities Fund, Government of Canada. PWIP can assist clients with the skills that they need to obtain meaningful employment. Some of the many services offered by PWIP include: cover letter and resume writing assistance, interview coaching, job search assistance, access to short-term training, and access to workplace accommodations. For information contact our office at 506-635-2275 /506-635-2272 or via email at rharlow@ccrw.org or landerson@ccrw. org. Our office is located at 1320- 61 Union Street (3rd floor), Saint John, NB E2L 1A2.

What’s NEW? - North End Works!

New can mean many things, a new car, new clothes, new job, how about a new attitude, or a new beginning? New also means change, and like all things new, change can be exciting, a little scary, but exhilarating. Well fasten your seat belts, because NEW is you!!!

Two neighbourhoods, Crescent Valley and the Old North End, are uniting as one community for this project. They will be working together with Vibrant Communities to identify the skills and passions of residents, and use this information to help create one or more new businesses.

New is Pride! Can you feel it?

Contact Joyce Fowler, Project Manger, NorthEndWorks1@gmail.com, Janet at 642-7028, or Alma at 608-0419 for more information.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS ISSUE 6, AUGUST 2009

Page 12

sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com

Issue #6 Coordinator’s Report

by Juanita Black

With school approaching on September 8th, let's celebrate the “Summer Fun… Had us a Blast…” and the rainy summer we have had so far. I know that in the South End the big tent came in real handy for their South End Days. There were so many activities in our communities that we decided to highlight a story from each community on the front page with pictures to complement their individual pages. That is why my coordinator's report is on the back page.

I had the pleasure of visiting, volunteering and taking pictures at some of these events. It is always nice to see the number of volunteers who show up, event after event and year after year. In most communities it is a family affair with parents and their children helping out. On the wall at the Crescent Valley Resource Centre is this quote, “Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.” Each community group or organization could not run these activities without the volunteers, community partners or donations from businesses.

In this issue we have printed several favourite back to school lunch recipes which were submitted to us that are fun for the children to help with and easy to make. We even have hints for saving some money on back to school clothes. This is issue 6 of your community paper, your paper, because we try to publish what you send us and what you like to see and read. Uplifting stories from our 5 priority neighbourhoods and information from our community partners that tell you about upcoming events and job opportunities. Thank you to all the Around the Block team for issue 6.

Speech and Language Travel Games

New Brunswick Trivia - Answers

by Linda Scott

Summer is here and plans are being made to take your vacation, but what about the car ride there? Do you have things to do to keep the children occupied? Here are some fun activities to do that also help with your child’s speech and language development: 1. Sing songs and listen to stories in the car: Listening to a CD, singing songs, and listening to stories/nursery rhymes (on CD or making them up yourself) are good ways to help your child’s listening skills while filtering out background noises.

Extra: Magic Word. Pick a word before you start and have your child do something special (e.g., clap their hands) whenever they hear that word.

2. Do these words rhyme?: Say two words to your child and ask her/ him if they rhyme (e.g., do the words hat and bag rhyme, or do the words fan and tan rhyme?). This will help your child to identify rhymes.

3. Play I Spy: When starting the game, you could say, “I spy with my little eye something that rhymes with tar.” Your child tries to guess what you are thinking of that rhymes with tar (answer: car). This helps your child generate rhymes.

Sound Awareness: Find something that starts with ssssssss sound answer is sneaker.

Letter Awareness: Find something that starts with the letter B – answer is bag.

4. Road sign bingo or travel scavenger hunt: Either create or print ahead of time the papers needed to play this game. Momsminivan. com has a variety of printable games to take while traveling. Use these games to find items on your travels. This helps your child put the picture and word together.

5. Memory games: Variations of this game can help with sound identification, vocabulary and rhyming skills. Start a sentence like, “We are going on a trip and I brought ________.” Examples: vocabulary - clothing, food, animals; sounds - hat, horse, hamper; and rhyming - hat, bat, mat, rat. If your child is older, you can try to have them remember each item added to the suitcase. If they are younger, just have them add an item.

Variations: “On my sandwich I put _____________.”

“For my birthday I want ____________________.”

“In my closet I found ______________________.”

“I went to the store and bought ______________.”

“I went to the zoo and I saw _________________.”

1. New Brunswick became a separate province in 1784, until that time we were part of Nova Scotia.

2. Saint John is the oldest incorporated city in Canada.

3. Fredericton is the capital city of NB. 4. The official bird of NB is the black- capped chickadee.

5. The official flower of NB is the Purple Violet.

6. The official tree of NB is the Balsam Fir. 7. The Flower Pots are the Hopewell Rocks, located at Hopewell Cape, Albert County, NB. 8. The two unusual but delicious foods associated with NB are fiddleheads and dulse.

9. St. Stephen, NB is well known for its world famous Ganong Chocolates.

10. True. NB is the only officially bilingual province in Canada. Quebec has both French speaking and English speaking citizens but is officially Francophone.

For more ideas/activities or if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s speech and language skills, please contact the Talk with Me office at 643-7561.

Around the Block Team Old North End: Penni Eisnehauer, Tammy Calvin, and Tara Parlee, Lower South End: Jennifer Edison, Waterloo-Village: Nikki Vautour, Crescent Valley: Elaine Orser and Lisa Morris, Lower West Side: Lisa Murphy, Bobbi Craft, and West P.A.C.T. Other partners: Human Development Council: Belinda Allen and Randy Hatfield, Proof readers: Rona Howald, Mary Collier Fleet, Cindy Horton, Linda Boyle, Anna O’Hara and Kathryn Asher, Vibrant Communities: Wendy MacDermott and Juanita Black, and Community Members: Mark Leger and Kelly Kelly Photo of Main Street Baptist Church (pg. 2) by Kate Robinson and the Dome (pg. 6) by Jessica Delong