I have size 8-9 feet, but they are a 'D' width. I spent a summer as a child in bare feet on doctor's orders and naturally they got wider. I like my feet, they do present a problem when I'm trying to find 'pretty' shoes, but that just makes shoe shopping a challenge, that should be accepted and faced with bravery and frequency.
Having said that I also don't leave the smallest environmental footprint.
Yesterday I met a young woman who was a slip of a girl and a non-car driving vegan. While I'm no vegetarian I do eat some vegan foods as I have a dairy allergy and if it's labeled vegan I'm pretty safe. So we discussed food and it was in that conversation she mentioned she doesn't have a car.
What a small impact on the environment this woman has.
I'm travelling right now and one of the things I do treat myself to, in a hotel, is fresh towels daily. I don't ask for clean sheets everyday, but I just love the fresh towels. Not the most environmentally friendly approach, but a small indulgence on my part.
That and the Globe and Mail!
I read 3 newspapers online daily, the Sun Times, The Toronto Star and the Globe and Mail. I tell myself I read online to reduce the use of paper, but actually if I had to pay for it, I wouldn't read them, well the office does have a subscription to the Sun Times so I read it in paper as well.
But when I'm away they always leave a paper on the door overnight. I wake up to a copy of the Globe and Mail and once I'm dressed and sipping my tea, before the day is public, indulge in a real newspaper.
Not the smallest footprint, and it doesn't happen often, and I may have to revisit it in the weeks and months to come, but for today, I have to shut off the laptop and go read the paper.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
90 of 'something'
I'm hotly pursuing '90 of somethings'. I am putting together 90 grab-gift bags for the Women's Gathering (details below). So if anybody has 90 of something that would be a real treat, has some information, or can educated then get it to the United Way building by Friday at close of the day.
It's going to be a really fun day!
The Rural Women Take Action on Poverty Committee is pleased to launch Phase 3 of the Rural Women and Poverty project, a multi year initiative to understand and address the unique issues facing poor women living in rural communities.
The work began in 2001 with a Phase One action research project with poor women and their advocates in Huron, Grey and Bruce Counties and the completion of a report called Rural Women Speak About the Face of Poverty.
Phase Two (2004-2005) was a direct follow up on recommendations from the research project. Women and their advocates came together to create a resource handbook for rural women and rural communities on poverty. The How We Count Handbook, updated in 2006, contains a wealth of resources on poverty, community services, and strategies for women and community members in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth. Copies are available at the Grey Bruce United Way in Owen Sound and at Women Today of Huron in Goderich.
Phase Three of the Rural Women and Poverty project starts with a Women's Gathering on June 6th at the Wescast Community Centre in Wingham.
The focus of Phase Three is to change community attitudes towards poor rural women. We are planning a number of projects and activities for 2007 and 2008 and want to consult with women and engage them in discussion about plans to address poverty and rural attitudes in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth.
An invitation and registration form is attached. The following is a brief overview of the Women's Gathering on June 6th
Counting Women In – The Voice of Rural Women in Poverty
A one-day gathering of women who live with poverty and women’s advocates from Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth Counties to develop:
o Leadership for rural women taking action on poverty
o Strategies to change rural community attitudes about women and poverty
o Celebrating women’s expertise and contributions to community and family
o Building networks for action across Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth
The Women’s Gathering will include:
o A great keynote speaker
o Small and large group workshops
o Discussion groups and plans for action
o Music, fun, information, resources
o Good food and good company!
The Women’s Gathering has space for 80 participants from Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth. There is no cost for this event and lunch is provided. Honorariums are available for women needing assistance with childcare and/or transportation costs. Women who need transportation should contact the organizers for assistance.
It's going to be a really fun day!
The Rural Women Take Action on Poverty Committee is pleased to launch Phase 3 of the Rural Women and Poverty project, a multi year initiative to understand and address the unique issues facing poor women living in rural communities.
The work began in 2001 with a Phase One action research project with poor women and their advocates in Huron, Grey and Bruce Counties and the completion of a report called Rural Women Speak About the Face of Poverty.
Phase Two (2004-2005) was a direct follow up on recommendations from the research project. Women and their advocates came together to create a resource handbook for rural women and rural communities on poverty. The How We Count Handbook, updated in 2006, contains a wealth of resources on poverty, community services, and strategies for women and community members in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth. Copies are available at the Grey Bruce United Way in Owen Sound and at Women Today of Huron in Goderich.
Phase Three of the Rural Women and Poverty project starts with a Women's Gathering on June 6th at the Wescast Community Centre in Wingham.
The focus of Phase Three is to change community attitudes towards poor rural women. We are planning a number of projects and activities for 2007 and 2008 and want to consult with women and engage them in discussion about plans to address poverty and rural attitudes in Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth.
An invitation and registration form is attached. The following is a brief overview of the Women's Gathering on June 6th
Counting Women In – The Voice of Rural Women in Poverty
A one-day gathering of women who live with poverty and women’s advocates from Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth Counties to develop:
o Leadership for rural women taking action on poverty
o Strategies to change rural community attitudes about women and poverty
o Celebrating women’s expertise and contributions to community and family
o Building networks for action across Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth
The Women’s Gathering will include:
o A great keynote speaker
o Small and large group workshops
o Discussion groups and plans for action
o Music, fun, information, resources
o Good food and good company!
The Women’s Gathering has space for 80 participants from Grey, Bruce, Huron and Perth. There is no cost for this event and lunch is provided. Honorariums are available for women needing assistance with childcare and/or transportation costs. Women who need transportation should contact the organizers for assistance.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Yard sale pay dirt
Saturday we hit the Owen Sound Animal Shelter's Yard Sale...hard. Three trips! The first was a great 'haul' for domestic purposes. The second was a return to pick up something we should have gotten the first time around but didn't. When we arrived the second time it was $5.00 per bag and they gave us a garbage bag! So we filled it with small appliances and extra plates for the United Way Centre as well as more stuff for home.
The third trip I sent my volunteer over (we were working on drywall stuff around the building), I was busy and I asked him to drop by and pick up a crock pot that I hadn't been able to fit into the bag.
I should clarify by the second trip we were down in cash hence the need to leave and come back for the third trip.
The irony of the shelter isn't lost on me. Here we have wonderful people, fully qualified, and yes you can get a college diploma in 'animal shelter management', looking after the abandoned, the abused and the homeless critters of our community. They also take in surrenders for people who can no longer keep their pet.
Yet what does our community have for the human homeless? What qualifications did we demand when we had a homeless shelter?
The contrast is ironic.
But hope is on the horizon, at least I hope it's hope. This was on this mornings news and I copied it from the Bayshore Broadcasting News website
Emergency shelters review
Written by Jody Johnson
Grey County is looking at the need for emergency shelters.
West Grey Mayor Kevin Eccles says the county has contracted Ken Thomson to research and prepare a recommendation on the emergency shelters issue in Grey County.
Eccles says Thomson has been involved in the non-profit sector and has a number of contacts that he can draw from.
Eccles says the county is hoping to be able to access some funding for the initative.
He says there is some funding available through the federal government rural infrastructure to address homelessness.
Eccles says there is pressure for emergency shelters since the closure of the Salvation Army hostel in Owen Sound.
He says there is an obligation for the county to provide options for replacing the hostel beds.
Eccles says the shelters will be predominately in urban areas, where there is the greatest need for them.
The third trip I sent my volunteer over (we were working on drywall stuff around the building), I was busy and I asked him to drop by and pick up a crock pot that I hadn't been able to fit into the bag.
I should clarify by the second trip we were down in cash hence the need to leave and come back for the third trip.
The irony of the shelter isn't lost on me. Here we have wonderful people, fully qualified, and yes you can get a college diploma in 'animal shelter management', looking after the abandoned, the abused and the homeless critters of our community. They also take in surrenders for people who can no longer keep their pet.
Yet what does our community have for the human homeless? What qualifications did we demand when we had a homeless shelter?
The contrast is ironic.
But hope is on the horizon, at least I hope it's hope. This was on this mornings news and I copied it from the Bayshore Broadcasting News website
Emergency shelters review
Written by Jody Johnson
Grey County is looking at the need for emergency shelters.
West Grey Mayor Kevin Eccles says the county has contracted Ken Thomson to research and prepare a recommendation on the emergency shelters issue in Grey County.
Eccles says Thomson has been involved in the non-profit sector and has a number of contacts that he can draw from.
Eccles says the county is hoping to be able to access some funding for the initative.
He says there is some funding available through the federal government rural infrastructure to address homelessness.
Eccles says there is pressure for emergency shelters since the closure of the Salvation Army hostel in Owen Sound.
He says there is an obligation for the county to provide options for replacing the hostel beds.
Eccles says the shelters will be predominately in urban areas, where there is the greatest need for them.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Granny
Yesterday afternoon we were treated to the first public production of "Ya Canna Throw Yur Granny Off a Bus".
I've asked for a detailed explanation from Sheater on how to explain this play. The play was commissioned by the Seniors Advocacy and Awarness Network (SAAN) to bring the issue of Elder Abuse into the mainstream. To raise awareness, to inform the public and to assit victims.
It's a great play with music, laughter and some pretty serious issues, all presented by two seniors who make it all work together.
I am hoping we'll be putting on the play here in the building in the next two weeks or so. June is Seniors Month and we're putting on a big push for this month.
I've asked for a detailed explanation from Sheater on how to explain this play. The play was commissioned by the Seniors Advocacy and Awarness Network (SAAN) to bring the issue of Elder Abuse into the mainstream. To raise awareness, to inform the public and to assit victims.
It's a great play with music, laughter and some pretty serious issues, all presented by two seniors who make it all work together.
I am hoping we'll be putting on the play here in the building in the next two weeks or so. June is Seniors Month and we're putting on a big push for this month.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Meeting night
Tonight is our board meeting night and I'm furiously printing of paper after paper of what's been going on since the last board meeting.
We had our Starlight Film Festival Galaxy event, 200 teens, we've started a fund through the Community Foundation, we presented at the HICK Tech conference, dropped in at Bruce Power, had the Labour Council event....no wonder I'm tired!
I'm so excited about our newest event - The Amazing Race!
August 2nd here in Owen Sound. 15 teams of 3 to 4 teens, aged 13 to 18, on the Owen Sound Transit system, following clues and just having fun.
Stops and clues are needed so if you have ideas let me know. EVERYONE is talking about this event!
We had our Starlight Film Festival Galaxy event, 200 teens, we've started a fund through the Community Foundation, we presented at the HICK Tech conference, dropped in at Bruce Power, had the Labour Council event....no wonder I'm tired!
I'm so excited about our newest event - The Amazing Race!
August 2nd here in Owen Sound. 15 teams of 3 to 4 teens, aged 13 to 18, on the Owen Sound Transit system, following clues and just having fun.
Stops and clues are needed so if you have ideas let me know. EVERYONE is talking about this event!
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Fortune favours fools...
...and a fool he might yet still be!
I speak fondly of John Divinski who hosts Sounding Board on The Beach. One fateful day a month or so ago he called to invite me to be on his show, speaking about our poverty workshop we were hosting with NAPO. In that first conversation I dazzled him with my wit and charm and I joked I really wanted to host the show. He then mentions he was looking for guests hosts so he could go on vacation.
I quickly took him up on his offer and we set the date.
Then when I journeyed to Port Elgin for my first stint on air he tried to introduce me around the station. Didn't take long for him to catch on that I already knew everyone and that there was a lot of ribbing going on. Suddenly he seemed a bit concerned.
I was no longer the community activist that he was offering some air time to, I was an experienced media manipulator with an agenda.
Credit John as he shook off the doubts and stuck firm to his offer.
So tune in to 98 The Beach at 10 am Wednesday morning for a show I'm calling "Resource Poor - Community Rich"
I speak fondly of John Divinski who hosts Sounding Board on The Beach. One fateful day a month or so ago he called to invite me to be on his show, speaking about our poverty workshop we were hosting with NAPO. In that first conversation I dazzled him with my wit and charm and I joked I really wanted to host the show. He then mentions he was looking for guests hosts so he could go on vacation.
I quickly took him up on his offer and we set the date.
Then when I journeyed to Port Elgin for my first stint on air he tried to introduce me around the station. Didn't take long for him to catch on that I already knew everyone and that there was a lot of ribbing going on. Suddenly he seemed a bit concerned.
I was no longer the community activist that he was offering some air time to, I was an experienced media manipulator with an agenda.
Credit John as he shook off the doubts and stuck firm to his offer.
So tune in to 98 The Beach at 10 am Wednesday morning for a show I'm calling "Resource Poor - Community Rich"
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Energizing...it keeps going and going
Sometimes I just have sit back in awe of what goes on around the United Way Centre. Connections are made, what is surplus to one fullfills the needs of another.
Take the sand from the community garden for example. Most of the sand went to M'Wikwedong the Native cultural resouce centre, for thier day care. The rest went up to OSCVI for the track and field pits.
My initial thought was the sand would end up in a dump somewhere being cover for the garbage we throw away daily. Instead it's helped out two other organizations, with one more asking for sand.
I love that kind of energy.
Bruce Power was looking to renew thier sleeping bags so they gave us the 300 sleeping bags, blankets and some pillows they had. Hobart Food Equipment took delivery of them in Owen Sound (apparently a 'forklift' needs to be on my wish list of things the building needs) and from there the Metis, the Salvation Army and the United Way sorted them all out. About 70 went to southern Grey to Scouts, Beavers Cubs etc who needed them. Fifty went to Children's Aid and the rest went to the Salvation Army.
One donor, one supporter and boom - 4 organizations helped.
I find that kind of energy...well energizing! Makes my day
Take the sand from the community garden for example. Most of the sand went to M'Wikwedong the Native cultural resouce centre, for thier day care. The rest went up to OSCVI for the track and field pits.
My initial thought was the sand would end up in a dump somewhere being cover for the garbage we throw away daily. Instead it's helped out two other organizations, with one more asking for sand.
I love that kind of energy.
Bruce Power was looking to renew thier sleeping bags so they gave us the 300 sleeping bags, blankets and some pillows they had. Hobart Food Equipment took delivery of them in Owen Sound (apparently a 'forklift' needs to be on my wish list of things the building needs) and from there the Metis, the Salvation Army and the United Way sorted them all out. About 70 went to southern Grey to Scouts, Beavers Cubs etc who needed them. Fifty went to Children's Aid and the rest went to the Salvation Army.
One donor, one supporter and boom - 4 organizations helped.
I find that kind of energy...well energizing! Makes my day
Friday, May 18, 2007
the long week...ends
Thank you to everyone who has emailed, called and dropped by to express thier concerns and outrage over the closure of the SALEP Centre. It has sent a strong message to these kids that there is a community that cares about them and that they are valued.
I have been in discussion with the school board and they are pursing a new avenue of funding to re-open the school, under a different program, but for the same 'at risk' students. I have given them my full support and we will be in constant contact with the school board as this process moves forward.
There was no blog on Thursday as I was at a seminar south of London. While I feel that you learn something new anytime you interact with others, I was frustrated with this seminar. I was told the seminar was on building community partnerships, it turned out to be on leaderships styles.
I know my leadership style, it adapts to the situation and my role in the community, I didn't need this seminar. I did give feedback to the organizers and one of them did agree with me it wasn't what she told me, or what she thought it was going to be.
But as with all things, I'm sure I got something out of it, and if nothing else it was a great road trip with one of my board members.
Today is deadline day! This is the day that agencies apply for funding from the United Way. Registered charities that service social service needs withing Bruce and Grey counties are eligible to apply for funding.
That makes it a busy day around here!
I have been in discussion with the school board and they are pursing a new avenue of funding to re-open the school, under a different program, but for the same 'at risk' students. I have given them my full support and we will be in constant contact with the school board as this process moves forward.
There was no blog on Thursday as I was at a seminar south of London. While I feel that you learn something new anytime you interact with others, I was frustrated with this seminar. I was told the seminar was on building community partnerships, it turned out to be on leaderships styles.
I know my leadership style, it adapts to the situation and my role in the community, I didn't need this seminar. I did give feedback to the organizers and one of them did agree with me it wasn't what she told me, or what she thought it was going to be.
But as with all things, I'm sure I got something out of it, and if nothing else it was a great road trip with one of my board members.
Today is deadline day! This is the day that agencies apply for funding from the United Way. Registered charities that service social service needs withing Bruce and Grey counties are eligible to apply for funding.
That makes it a busy day around here!
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The bomb dropped
I was driving to Port Elgin to train to host a radio show next week (more on that later) when I caught the 9 am news.
I'm going to paste the news directly here as posted on Bayshore Broadcasting's website
Job losses at Bluewater Board
Written by Jody Johnson
The Bluewater District School Board has approved its 2007-08 budget.
In order to find savings, the school board has cut a number of staffing positions. Staff will be reduced by 4 in administration, 10 to 12 in plant operations, secondary school staffing will be reduced by 14.7 staff and French Immersion staffing will be reduced by 2.3. Special education has been hit really hard with the cuts in elementary resource teacher staffing by 4.3 as well as 5 elementary teachers for the learning disabled. The SALEP centre in Owen Sound will also close.
Trustee Carol Poucher-Urbshott says if the goal of the school board is to put students first, then this budget is not doing that. She questions how they will keep literacy and numeracy high if programs are cut.
Board Chair Jennifer Yenssen says the board is struggling to maintain service levels and programs at the same level as last year. She says they plan to meet with the Ministry of Education to discuss funding. Yenssen says the cut back in funding for special education and declining enrolment grants have pushed the board to cut back on programs.
Superintendent of Business Dean Currie says the board is working on paying down its accumulated deficit of 3.2 million dollars. He says provisions have been made to recover 835 thousand dollars for 2006-07 and 950 thousand dollars in 2007-08. Currie says this will leave 1.4 million dollars to be recovered in future years. The total budget for 2007-08 is 182 million dollars.
The United Way Centre is home to the SALEP center in Owen Sound. On any given day I can have upwards of 12 kids hanging out at the building, learning, becoming adults, growing, being kids. The loss of the program is huge and I'm truly stunned.
What really stuns me is to hear it on the radio. If the decision was made Tuesday night there is noway there was time to phone the parents etc and let them know, no time to let the staff know in a respectful manner. Everyone would have learned as I did, from the radio.
I'm so upset I really can't make full sentences of how I feel right now. These kids have no one to speak for them, they have been totally marginalized by a system that focuses on numbers.
The only positive thing that has come out of today was the media's reaction. We've always included the media in all we do so they know about the centre. They saw what we were doing and they knew how important the school is to the kids. So Bayshore Broadcasting was here and A Channel showed up to follow up on the loss of the school, reporters just as stunned as I was.
And what were the kids doing? Outside helping make the community garden!! What a great back drop to the story. Here were these kids who can't catch a break in life, out helping in the community.
What a sad commentary on our society.
I'm going to paste the news directly here as posted on Bayshore Broadcasting's website
Job losses at Bluewater Board
Written by Jody Johnson
The Bluewater District School Board has approved its 2007-08 budget.
In order to find savings, the school board has cut a number of staffing positions. Staff will be reduced by 4 in administration, 10 to 12 in plant operations, secondary school staffing will be reduced by 14.7 staff and French Immersion staffing will be reduced by 2.3. Special education has been hit really hard with the cuts in elementary resource teacher staffing by 4.3 as well as 5 elementary teachers for the learning disabled. The SALEP centre in Owen Sound will also close.
Trustee Carol Poucher-Urbshott says if the goal of the school board is to put students first, then this budget is not doing that. She questions how they will keep literacy and numeracy high if programs are cut.
Board Chair Jennifer Yenssen says the board is struggling to maintain service levels and programs at the same level as last year. She says they plan to meet with the Ministry of Education to discuss funding. Yenssen says the cut back in funding for special education and declining enrolment grants have pushed the board to cut back on programs.
Superintendent of Business Dean Currie says the board is working on paying down its accumulated deficit of 3.2 million dollars. He says provisions have been made to recover 835 thousand dollars for 2006-07 and 950 thousand dollars in 2007-08. Currie says this will leave 1.4 million dollars to be recovered in future years. The total budget for 2007-08 is 182 million dollars.
The United Way Centre is home to the SALEP center in Owen Sound. On any given day I can have upwards of 12 kids hanging out at the building, learning, becoming adults, growing, being kids. The loss of the program is huge and I'm truly stunned.
What really stuns me is to hear it on the radio. If the decision was made Tuesday night there is noway there was time to phone the parents etc and let them know, no time to let the staff know in a respectful manner. Everyone would have learned as I did, from the radio.
I'm so upset I really can't make full sentences of how I feel right now. These kids have no one to speak for them, they have been totally marginalized by a system that focuses on numbers.
The only positive thing that has come out of today was the media's reaction. We've always included the media in all we do so they know about the centre. They saw what we were doing and they knew how important the school is to the kids. So Bayshore Broadcasting was here and A Channel showed up to follow up on the loss of the school, reporters just as stunned as I was.
And what were the kids doing? Outside helping make the community garden!! What a great back drop to the story. Here were these kids who can't catch a break in life, out helping in the community.
What a sad commentary on our society.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Your wish is my....
...next project!
Yesterday the Salvation Army sent me the results of a survey of their food bank clients (want a copy - email me), so I passed it along to those who want to know such things. Today I got a rather frantic call from an agency that was totally frustrated that things they do, were being requested of the Salvation Army. He took the requests to mean they didn't know about his program and that they could send people to him.
So we got into a grand discussion on who does what and who knows who does what and why people don't know who does what.
And with these types of things, I found out the new commander of the Salvation Army is due in soon. Hearing that I suggested we host a round table so he could meet all the players and perhaps address some of the concerns and negativity (lets be honest it was negative) around changes to the services provided by the Salvation Army.
So with two diverse thoughts, came a single 'event'. I'm pleased to announce:
Accessing Resources:
Who, for What, When is good and How
June 14th
Grey Owen Sound Union Public Library
One of the greatest challenges to working with and assisting people experiencing challenges, such as poverty, disability etc, is working within the system. Accessing Resources is a morning roundtable of networking with various agencies and community groups that address a variety of issues, and concerns within our community
Service providers are invited to attend to bring resources, information and opportunities to the roundtable.
Attendees will leave the day with a better grasp of the resources available and a greater ability to assist their clients.
This event is free, the library space is being sponsored by the Adult Learning Centre and the United Way will pick up the coffee and munchies tab (unless someone wants to sponsor coffee and munchies???)
If you have any questions please ask them, please pass this email around. While this event is for providers and not so much the general public, input from the public is welcome.
Email me for a registration form.
Yesterday the Salvation Army sent me the results of a survey of their food bank clients (want a copy - email me), so I passed it along to those who want to know such things. Today I got a rather frantic call from an agency that was totally frustrated that things they do, were being requested of the Salvation Army. He took the requests to mean they didn't know about his program and that they could send people to him.
So we got into a grand discussion on who does what and who knows who does what and why people don't know who does what.
And with these types of things, I found out the new commander of the Salvation Army is due in soon. Hearing that I suggested we host a round table so he could meet all the players and perhaps address some of the concerns and negativity (lets be honest it was negative) around changes to the services provided by the Salvation Army.
So with two diverse thoughts, came a single 'event'. I'm pleased to announce:
Accessing Resources:
Who, for What, When is good and How
June 14th
Grey Owen Sound Union Public Library
One of the greatest challenges to working with and assisting people experiencing challenges, such as poverty, disability etc, is working within the system. Accessing Resources is a morning roundtable of networking with various agencies and community groups that address a variety of issues, and concerns within our community
Service providers are invited to attend to bring resources, information and opportunities to the roundtable.
Attendees will leave the day with a better grasp of the resources available and a greater ability to assist their clients.
This event is free, the library space is being sponsored by the Adult Learning Centre and the United Way will pick up the coffee and munchies tab (unless someone wants to sponsor coffee and munchies???)
If you have any questions please ask them, please pass this email around. While this event is for providers and not so much the general public, input from the public is welcome.
Email me for a registration form.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Monday after
I promised more details on the Labour Council dinner and here they are!
It was a great night with lots of people, tables dressed to the nines, wonderful speakers and over 70 items in the silent auction.
The food was amazing and CAW head chef Paul Jonhston and his crew put on an incredible, prime rib and seafood dinner.
Speakers covered lots of topics, expressing concern with the loss of manufacturing jobs in the region, as well as provinically and nationally. Jackie Ralph made us laugh with her puppets as "Simon" took on the role of 'Sir Talks-a-lot' in a humours reminder that speakers will be kept to a 20 minute limit.
We're still counting the pennies and with a few bills left to come in we don't have the full total for the night yet, but we did good!
It was a great night with lots of people, tables dressed to the nines, wonderful speakers and over 70 items in the silent auction.
The food was amazing and CAW head chef Paul Jonhston and his crew put on an incredible, prime rib and seafood dinner.
Speakers covered lots of topics, expressing concern with the loss of manufacturing jobs in the region, as well as provinically and nationally. Jackie Ralph made us laugh with her puppets as "Simon" took on the role of 'Sir Talks-a-lot' in a humours reminder that speakers will be kept to a 20 minute limit.
We're still counting the pennies and with a few bills left to come in we don't have the full total for the night yet, but we did good!
Friday, May 11, 2007
Labour Council Dinner
Tonight was the night! The Grey Bruce Labour Council celebrated thier 50th Anniversary and the United Way was the recipient of the event.
We raised approximately $15 600!
More later
We raised approximately $15 600!
More later
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The little BIG dig
Before!
Despite the threat of rain, the ridding of the sand took place today. The United Way Centre use to be a day care and there were two large sandboxes on the east wall. The idea was to take one sandbox and turn it into a community garden, the other the Metis Nation are planting with traditional herbs and native mediciences.
But for the community garden plot to get underway they had to get rid of the sand. So the digging began with the incredible support of our SALEP Centre. Nothing is more helpful than 6 or so teen boys when you need heavy work done.
I did laugh as a back-hoe drove by and everyone stopped digging and watched it go slowly by, wishing it would stop and help. But the fence would have prevented any major mechanical assistance, this was going to be sweat and sweat alone.
They did it, they dug and sweated and a huge thank you to Peter McIllwraith who showed up with a dump truck! That really helped, big time!
I saw the shovels all standing waiting for helpers and thought it would make an interesting picture. Turns out the Educational Assistant did too! The kids thought we were nuts taking pictures of shovel handles.
I think they are three-quarters done, at least the rain held off.
The sand is heading up to M'wikwedong Native Cultural Centre, nothing is going to the dump!!
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
...and the rains came
Tomorrow we're digging away the sand in one of the sandboxes at the United Way Centre. We're turning it into a community garden - teaching garden space. The Metis Nation is leading the charge on this project. I am really hoping for lots of volunteers because there is just no way I can take time to dig tomorrow.
We got our Seniors Month - June is Seniors Month - marketing campagin sorted out just need some eyes on our materials and that's off my desk.
Amazing Race planning invites got sent out as well as the inviations to the media event on May 24th.
One of our agencies was in today, spending the day doing some strategic planning, always nice to have people in thinking.
Quiet with the school gone - off on a field trip to the Toyota plant in Cambridge.
40 of the 100+ sleeping bags headed to thier destination today, that took some slogging up the stairs, but they are gone now. One or two more loads left to go.
All and all a busy and productive day around the Centre. Tomorrow - we're getting dirty!
We got our Seniors Month - June is Seniors Month - marketing campagin sorted out just need some eyes on our materials and that's off my desk.
Amazing Race planning invites got sent out as well as the inviations to the media event on May 24th.
One of our agencies was in today, spending the day doing some strategic planning, always nice to have people in thinking.
Quiet with the school gone - off on a field trip to the Toyota plant in Cambridge.
40 of the 100+ sleeping bags headed to thier destination today, that took some slogging up the stairs, but they are gone now. One or two more loads left to go.
All and all a busy and productive day around the Centre. Tomorrow - we're getting dirty!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Lights camera action
The day started with a Homecoming meeting. Owen Sound is celebrating it's 150th with tons of events planned. The United Way is going to conduct an Amazing Race for teens on August 2nd. Today we added a teen dance that will take place the same day. More on that as the plans come together.
Today we had a film crew in the office. They were working on a documentary on poverty, schools and the links and challenges for students from low income families. They featured local activist and researcher Colleen Purdon who asked me to contribute as a woman who has experienced, and written about, the despair of being poor.
The filming went really well, the documentary will be finished in December. It came about because they had focused on urban poverty not really thinking there was a difference. Then they heard about Colleen's rural women's poverty project and started asking questions about the difference between rural and urban poverty.
What was truly freaky was that they asked me what my son was up to and I said he was tree planting, they asked where and I said "Elk Lake" well they were from Elk Lake!! Totally derailed the filming for 10 minutes as we discussed Elk Lake. By the way Elk Lake is 7 or so hours north of here, 3 hours north west of North Bay. Beautiful little community.
All and all an eventful day, getting support for youth in our community and breaking down stereotypes on poverty.
Today we had a film crew in the office. They were working on a documentary on poverty, schools and the links and challenges for students from low income families. They featured local activist and researcher Colleen Purdon who asked me to contribute as a woman who has experienced, and written about, the despair of being poor.
The filming went really well, the documentary will be finished in December. It came about because they had focused on urban poverty not really thinking there was a difference. Then they heard about Colleen's rural women's poverty project and started asking questions about the difference between rural and urban poverty.
What was truly freaky was that they asked me what my son was up to and I said he was tree planting, they asked where and I said "Elk Lake" well they were from Elk Lake!! Totally derailed the filming for 10 minutes as we discussed Elk Lake. By the way Elk Lake is 7 or so hours north of here, 3 hours north west of North Bay. Beautiful little community.
All and all an eventful day, getting support for youth in our community and breaking down stereotypes on poverty.
Monday, May 7, 2007
It's a Monday
Sometimes you just have to laugh, and laugh we did. We finally got around to unpacking a office supply order that had come in mid week last week. Well somebody goofed good. As my Office Manager unpacked and checked the inventory list she asked me "what did you order?"
Well considering it was a larger order I was a bit puzzled by her question. So I left my office and joined her. She asked if I'd ordered the toilet paper, and I had. But there was none to be found. But there was a box of copy paper, which I hadn't ordered. Well sure enough, slapped to the top of the copy paper box was the shipping label, and that label declared the contents to be: White Swan one ply!
So we laughed. The world's scratchiest toilet paper!
The store was more than happy to fix the situation and enjoyed a good chuckle too.
We also got the last of our sleeping bags into the office. The 300 sleeping bags and blankets had been donated to us by Bruce Power and we had 100 or so spoken for by Beavers and Cubs etc in Southern Grey County and the rest are going to the Salvation Army. BIG thank you to Hobart for receiving the delivery for us, and the Metis Nation for helping pack things and sort them all out.
Well considering it was a larger order I was a bit puzzled by her question. So I left my office and joined her. She asked if I'd ordered the toilet paper, and I had. But there was none to be found. But there was a box of copy paper, which I hadn't ordered. Well sure enough, slapped to the top of the copy paper box was the shipping label, and that label declared the contents to be: White Swan one ply!
So we laughed. The world's scratchiest toilet paper!
The store was more than happy to fix the situation and enjoyed a good chuckle too.
We also got the last of our sleeping bags into the office. The 300 sleeping bags and blankets had been donated to us by Bruce Power and we had 100 or so spoken for by Beavers and Cubs etc in Southern Grey County and the rest are going to the Salvation Army. BIG thank you to Hobart for receiving the delivery for us, and the Metis Nation for helping pack things and sort them all out.
Sunday, May 6, 2007
Galaxy 2007
Fright Nite is done for another year
I love this event. It takes some organizing and tons of volunteers - thank you thank you thank you to all of them - but it's really not a hard event to run.
Well that is if you think that having upwards of 200 teenagers in your custody from midnight until 7 am is no big deal. But with 20-30 volunteers on hand, 2 paid duty OPP and St John's Ambulance, the bases are all covered safety wise.
I have found that teens are very well behaved when the expecations are clear, the boundaries are clear, and you are operating on thier level. No adult in thier right mind wants to spend the whole night watching movies. Even the dusk to dawn shows at the drive inn are attended by the young and young at heart.
So for thier $20 they get to watch 3 out of 4 movies and a ton of junk food. The video games are all switched over to free and we have some kids who just come to play video games all night long. That's cool too.
We make a few thousand dollars on this event and if we had sponsors our safety and promotional costs could be covered devoting more of the dollars raised to our Rotary Children's Fund, but that will come in time.
So while I'm bleary eyed today with exhaustion, my heart is content, we did a good thing.
I love this event. It takes some organizing and tons of volunteers - thank you thank you thank you to all of them - but it's really not a hard event to run.
Well that is if you think that having upwards of 200 teenagers in your custody from midnight until 7 am is no big deal. But with 20-30 volunteers on hand, 2 paid duty OPP and St John's Ambulance, the bases are all covered safety wise.
I have found that teens are very well behaved when the expecations are clear, the boundaries are clear, and you are operating on thier level. No adult in thier right mind wants to spend the whole night watching movies. Even the dusk to dawn shows at the drive inn are attended by the young and young at heart.
So for thier $20 they get to watch 3 out of 4 movies and a ton of junk food. The video games are all switched over to free and we have some kids who just come to play video games all night long. That's cool too.
We make a few thousand dollars on this event and if we had sponsors our safety and promotional costs could be covered devoting more of the dollars raised to our Rotary Children's Fund, but that will come in time.
So while I'm bleary eyed today with exhaustion, my heart is content, we did a good thing.
In the begining...
While I have my "Running With Scissors" as a soap box, sometimes I find there simply isn't enough white space for me to write all I want to write. A recent visit to the HICK Tech conference showed how a blog can really be a place to vent, laugh and let people know what's going on, utilizing this online format. So I thought I'd give it a try.
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