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Issue 33 • sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com • Februrary & March 2014

Coordinator’s CommentsJuanita Black, 647-4850, sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail.com

Big Brothers, Big Sisters Go Girls!Joleen Bradley: Lessons Learned

Strong Women Knitters

Doreen Gillet, Strong Grandmother

By Dayna LutzMy name is Joleen Bradley and I am honoured to be in this sec-tion of Around the Block. Over the last year, a lot has changed in my life. I enrolled myself in The Key to Well Being and learned how to deal with my inner critic. I attended Outflow five nights a week and Outflow Church every Wednesday night. I also made a personal commitment to a daily reading from the Bible.

Recently, I have been working with WorkLinks at the SJ Learning Exchange. They have helped me overcome obstacles in order to secure a job and I am now working in a job that I adore. One thing that has always kept me going, is my beauti-ful son. He deserves a strong woman for a mother and now I know for sure that he has one. I can hand down all of the lessons I have learned and seeing the admiration on his face is one of the bonuses that life has given me.

By Wendy Barron-BelmoreWhen you meet Ducky for the first time you become instantly attracted to the caring, laugh-ing and happy soul that is in front of you. Since 1932, Saint John has been blessed with having Doreen Gillet as a resident. She tells so many wonderful stories about her life that transfers me into the ‘40s and 50’s here in the city.

Asked about her nickname, Ducky stated she was playing baseball with the boys and when a ball was heading her way they yelled at her to “DUCK”, and she didn’t. She was knocked out cold and has been called Ducky for 70 years.

Ducky’s best memory is of her Mom and Dad and her quote of advice to everyone is, “Do what your mother and father tells you?.” Being with Ducky is such a pleasure and she is truly a strong woman.

Pictured above: Ducky, blowing out candles on her 85 birthday

By Bliss Roberts“The single, most important goal of the program is to positively shape the lives of young women and girls by helping them build a positive self-image – setting them on a path to reach their full potential in life.” Our Go Girls! mentors are not only role models but also amazing, strong women who show up weekly and tackle the tough issues our girls, aged 10-14, face today. Thank you Leta, Barb, Tina, Jennifer, Cynthia, Julia, Catherine, Claire, Kim, Andrea, Chelsey, Wanda, Tracy, Rachael, and Jasmine for all you do!!

By Debbie McLeodEvery Wednesday afternoon the women from Stephenson Tower and Charlton Place gather in the Stephenson Tower community room, under the leadership of volunteers Jean Pond and Leslie Estabrooks, to knit. They knit all year long and make items such as scarves, hats, mitts, socks, toe covers, blankets and baby hats.

These items are donated to organizations like Joshua Group, Regional Hospital, Romero House mobile bus and First Steps. This is the fourth year the women have been knitting and they find their efforts very rewarding.

The group is always looking for donations of yarn and they welcome new knitters to their group! Please call Jean at 634-1594, if you would like more information or would like to make a donation. I am so proud of these strong women who give their time, talent and dedication to such a wonderful cause.

Welcome to our Strong Women’s issue, number 33 of Around The Block. As you can see from our cover stories, strong women are all ages, work as individuals or in groups and are mentors to many in greater Saint John. Maybe you will recognize some of these women in our stories and pictures, someone younger or older, who has inspired you to be a strong woman in your community and has encouraged others around you.

I have had the pleasure to work with many strong women through my work with Around The Block and Vibrant Communities in our prior-ity neighbourhoods as well as with our community partners. Women share their hopes for their future, their children’s future and never give up their dreams. It does not matter what your age is, become a strong woman for yourself. It all starts with you.

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NorthNeighbourhood Contact

Wendy Barron-Belmore Phone: 635-2035

E-mail: theonechangeinc@nb.aibn.com

Introducing Wendy Stephens

PROUD TO BE A SUPPORTER OF Around the Block

Please support UCT TV BINGO Tuesdays at 6:30

ROGERS CABLE CHANNEL 10 Cards available at most convenience stores

Chefs!

Our First GameShamrock Community Garden

Digital Literacy Centre

By Chez WordenWe started out four weeks ago as kitchen rookies. After weeks of cutting, chop-ping, frying and baking, our skills have improved. Every Monday and Tuesday the kid CHEFS join together to cook wonderful meals to eat at dinner.

But, there is no way we could put together meals or cook as well as we do without our wonderful and awesome in-structors, Wendy Barron and Mary LeSage. When Tasha, Aliviah and I met Wendy and Mary, we were strangers to each other, but now we are all a great big family and I like it that way!

Pictured above front to the back are Tasha Gallant, Chez Worden

and Aliviah Dalling.

By Gerry LeavittOur first game of the year at Harbour Station in 2014 had residents and ONE Change coming together. ONE Change and people from the community went to see a Basketball game on Thursday, the Millrats v.s Is-land Storms. We all had a great time watching them play. It was tied at 104 and we had the last shot of the game. Saint John took the shot and we won the game. Final score being 106 - 104 for the Millrats.

The young boy beside me said this was his first game and he was very excited. His name was Joshua Veinot and I took his picture with River-rat, the mascot. Thanks to ONE Change for the tickets.

The ONE Change Digital Literacy Centre will be offering a FREE intro-duction to basic computer courses.

The courses will take place Monday and Wednesday afternoons between 1– 3 pm.

They may be adjusted according to particular need or interest.

• Feb 5th to Feb 17th Word 2010• Feb 19th to Mar 12th Excel 2010 (March break)• Mar 17th to Mar 31st PowerPoint • Apr 2nd to Apr 7th Digital Lifestyles

We are located at 195 Victoria St./Lorne School entrance on Durham. ***Tuesday and Thursday afternoons are available for individualized instruction.For more information call Brenda, Phone: 652-6625

By Scott CrawfordONE Change is happy to welcome Wendy Stephens to our North End family. Wendy assumed the role of Executive Director of the Nick Nicolle Community Centre on October 1 and has begun the hard work of starting a whole new schedule of programs. Wendy has directed Centres all over the Maritime Prov-inces and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. During the next year, programs will be avail-able for everyone from infants to seniors. She is going to be looking for partnerships with all organizations to make not just the North End but all of Saint John a better, healthier place. If you'd like to help out or just say hello, she can be reached at wendy.stephens@bellaliant.net.

By Cherie CormierShamrock Park Community Gardeners would like to wholeheartedly thank everyone involved for working collectively with us to expand our Community Garden's Capacity in 2013. Much support has improved our awareness and skills to encourage Healthy Eating, Food Prepara-tion and Preservation. Together we have planted the seeds for Improved Community Aware-ness and a network for sustaining efforts to promote the access and availability of healthier foods and lifestyle.If you would like to join us this year in planting and growing, please call 642-1786 to book a garden plot. To see pictures of our work in prog-ress you can view them on our facebook page 'Shamrock Park Com-munity Garden'. Feel free to "Like" our page, drop us a line, and learn about our experiences at Shamrock Park Community Garden. Come on out and lets grow together in 2014.

Pictured above Rachel working in her garden.

Coats For KidsCoats for the community from the Knights of Co-lumbus. Pictured left – right; Paul Cottreau, Wendy Barron Belmore and Herb Tozer

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Strong Women - Hilari MacLeod

South Neighbourhood Contact

Mary LeSage Phone: 632-6807

E-mail: pulseinc@bellaliant.com

Carl Killen MLA Saint John Harbour

642-9774 • 74 Germain St. office@killenmla.ca

Constituency Office:Mon 9:30 – 4:30, Tues/Wed 10:00 – 3:00,

Thursday 4:00 – 8:00 pm Carleton Community Center:

Thursday 11:00 – 3:00 pm

It’s In Her Genes

Comings And Goings At P.U.L.S.E.

Income Tax Clinics At P.U.L.S.E.

Food Purchase

By Mary LeSage and Christine RoyChristine’s mother and her siblings attended SJB-KE along with her grandmother's family. They lived in the area of Broad and St. James Streets. Her father still lives up the street on Orange. There is an emo-tional connection to the community.Christine has been the principal for seven years (minus maternity leave).What she really loves about work-ing in SJB-KE is that the school is a true model of a community school. The school works collaboratively with families and various community partners/agencies to support students academically, socially, emotion-ally, and behaviourally.“It is important to work and support our families in a non-judgmental way - we want to empower parents. It is important for parents to col-laboratively work with the school in a partnership. Working together, we can ensure success for our students.”

Wow!! What a SPECTACULAR Christmas we had!! We had a lot of firsts in the South End! We had our first ever cookie bake off. A group of 13 kids and adults came together to make over 150 dozen cookies to hand out while Christmas caroling through the South End. We also handed some out to the patrons of the Food Basket along with some apple cider. We had our first ever tree lighting ceremony on the same night as the caroling.Our Wellness Clinics are going strong. Flu shots will be available the third Tuesday of the month. Mark Feb 18 and Mar 18 on your calen-dars from 1:30 – 4 pm, Sheree from the VON will be on duty. Sgt David Hartley-Brown is available Mon from 8 am-12 pm or by ap-pointment. He can be reached at 648-3700 or by email: david.hartley-brown@saintjohn.ca. Do you have an idea that you want heard? Come visit Mary at the office. We are open Mon 9 am-2 pm, Tue 9 am-1 pm, Wed Closed, Thu 9 am-1 pm and Fri 9 am-2 pm. Follow us on Twitter, LIKE us on Facebook or phone us at 632-6807.

251 Wentworth StreetPast year returns can also be done. These clinics are available for: *Single person: $30,000 or *Couple and family: $35,000. These are the following dates at PULSE:March 8 and 22, 11am -1:30 pm. March 12 and 26, 5:30 -7:30 pm. April 5 and 19, 11am - 1:30 pm. April 9 and 23, 5:30 - 7:30 pm.

Councillor Ward 3.

I am your Councillor for Ward 3. Parts of the Lower West Side, Lower South End, and parts of the East and a bit of the North by the Rockland Road area. Each area has its own particular needs, hopes and potential for growth. I will work closely with residents in each neighbourhood to promote the well-being of all. Together we can build a safe, supportive and sus-tainable community.I can be reached by phone at 721-5690 and by email at Gerry.Lowe@saintjohn.ca.

Gerry Lowe

By Mark LegerHilari MacLeod has an eye for making the South End a better place to live. A painter and pho-tographer, Hilari has taken part in many projects to beautify the South End. She and her brother Ethan are behind the Graf-fiti Guys initiative. Last summer they removed graffiti from many buildings in the South End. For their work, Ethan and Hilari were awarded certificates by the Crime Prevention Associates of New Brunswick.

For Hilari, it's about more than just removing something unsightly. Once the graffiti is re-moved she paints something more attractive in its place, like the mural beside Veronica's Music, Books and Novelties on Germain St. Hilari is currently looking at other spots in the South End to paint murals.

In addition to her graffiti removal and mural work, Hilari has painted the tables in Rainbow Park with bright colours, and created the "gardening man" logo on the sign for the community garden. She is a P.U.L.S.E. board member who helps out at community cleanups and events in the neighbourhood. She is also a science student at UNBSJ and president of the university chapter of Best Buddies, an organization that helps create friendships between people with and without intellectual disabili-ties.

Photo courtesy of Ethan MacLeod

Be a part of the Food Pur-chasing Club at P.U.L.S.E. The cost is only $10 for one bag or $20 for two bags.

Please bring your reusable bag(s) with your name on it when you pay for your order.

Do you feel like doing a pay it forward good deed for the month? You can also buy and order a bag for some-one else.

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Crescent ValleyNeighbourhood Contact

Anne Driscoll: 693-8513CVRC.driscoll@gmail.com

Hon. Trevor A. HolderMLA Saint John-Portland

Constituency Office 229 Churchill Boulevard

Telephone: (506) 657-2335Email: trevor.holder@gnb.ca

Introducing CST Dee Cole Strong Women In Crescent Valley

Rhythm And Brew In Crescent Valley

Family Literacy Day In Crescent Valley

News From Your CVCTA

My name is CST Dee Cole and I have been with the Saint John Police Force for approximately 14 years. In that time I have worked in patrol services, major crime unit, court services and property control.

This will be my second term as a community police officer and I look forward to meeting and working with residents and other stakeholders in the Crescent Valley neighbourhood.

You can reach me at 674-4295.

By Anne DriscollAre you looking for a fun way to improve your health? Did you know joining a singing group can help boost mental health and well-being? Check out Rhythm and Brew with the Crescent Valley Resource Cen-tre (CVRC) singing group. Under the direction of Steve Zaat, the group meets every second Mon (Feb 3 & 17; Mar 3 & 17) 7:30-8:30 pm at CVRC, 130 MacLaren Blvd. We provide the brew (freshly brewed coffee and tea) and you provide the rhythm. This is a fun group for anyone who loves to sing (no expe-rience needed), anyone who loves music, or just wants to get out to meet friends and share a fun evening. Open to older teens and adults. If you have questions call 693-8513. We hope you'll join us.

Pictured above left to right: Wanda Roche, Kathy Hanna, Catherine Sabean, Darlene Verner, and Steve Zaat

(Photo by Anne Driscoll)

The monthly meeting of the Crescent Valley Com-munity Tenants Assoc., will be held on Tue Feb 24, 7 pm at 55 MacLaren. Childcare will be provided.• CVCTA Memberships - Your 2014 membership is available for $4. per household until April 1, then $5. • Valentine Day Tea - Will be held on Feb 14, from 1 - 3pm. Please call to register, all welcome. Come and join us for some tea, sweets and door prizes.

By Anne DriscollThe Crescent Valley stakeholders committee is a group of residents, volunteers and profes-sionals who live and/or work in Crescent Val-ley. At each meeting the committee recognizes a worthy recipient (or two or three) who freely offers his or her time to make the community a better neighbourhood. Mother and daughter, Cathy and Catherine Sa-bean were recognized recently for helping out at many Crescent Valley events. We can always count on Team Sabean!

Cathy and Catherine are great examples of strong women, just two of the many strong women of Crescent Valley. They have overcome personal obstacles and have made positive changes to improve their lives. Stepping outside their comfort zones, such as participating in the CV Walking Club where they have competed in several mara-thons, they are always open to new experiences and are role models for the community.

Pictured above left to right: Catherine Sabean and her mother, Cathy Sabean

(Photo by Anne Driscoll)

By Anne DriscollA Family Literacy Day celebration was held in Crescent Valley on Jan 23. There was fun for all, with folks playing board games and cards, colouring and making crafts. Participants snacked on pizza and a spe-cial Family Literacy Day cake! It was great to see so many take part in this event.

This event was sponsored by the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick and supported by: NB Dept. of Social Development, the Crescent Val-ley Community Tenants’ Association and the Crescent Valley Resource Centre.

Pictured above left to right winners of door prizes: Lesa Ma-cLaren, Eva Feddery, Trenton Burley, Ryan Chappel and Sandra

Chappel. (Photo by Anne Driscoll)

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By Krista Turnbull, Community School Coordinator, St. Patrick’s SchoolIn December, some grade 2 stu-dents made a visit to see some seniors at Brunswick Drive.

They were visiting as part of a new program St. Patrick’s School has begun, joining three other Saint John schools in the SKIP program (Seniors and Kids Intergenerational Program). The program is aimed at bridging the age gap between children and seniors and engaging them in games, reading and conver-sation, to the benefit of both.For this festive visit, the children sang songs, accompanied by their teacher, Mrs. Griffin and then had an opportunity to decorate some cookies with the residents and they enjoyed hot chocolate.

Special thanks to Alberta Stanton and Debbie MacLeod for working with Mrs. Turnbull, our community schools coordinator to make this program possible. We visit again in February and are excited to have a game of Bingo with our new friends.

By Krista Turnbull, Community School Coordinator, St. Patrick’s SchoolWe are very proud to announce that our principal, Michael Wilson has been awarded Canada’s Outstanding Princi-pal’s Award from the Learning Partnership of Canada!! Mike is one of only two New Brunswick principals to receive this presti-gious award for 2014. Mike will have the opportunity to join other award recipients at University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management for a week in February, as well as celebrating his achievements with his family at a gala din-ner.Mike has dedicated the past eight years of his career to making a huge difference in the lives of not only the students at St. Patrick’s School but also that of their families. The status quo has never been good enough for Mike and he continues to be open to new and exciting op-portunities for our students to grow as individuals. www.thelearningpartnership.ca/what-we-do/educator-program-and-executive-leadership/canadas-outstanding-principals/award-recipients

Hon. Dorothy ShephardMLA Saint John Lancaster

Tel: (506) 643-2900 Fax: (506) 658-9885

Dorothy.Shephard@gnb.ca www.gnb.ca

Saint John Lancaster Constituency Office

649 Manawagonish Road Saint John, NB

E2M 3W4

St. Patrick’s Joins SKIP Program

West Neighbourhood Contact

Jill Roberts: 632-5552Jill.Roberts@HorizonNB.ca

● “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” - Maya Angelou

● “The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me.” - Ayn Rand

Michael Wilson, Principal At St.Pat’s Receives National Award

Westside Wellness Updates

West Side Adult Learning Program

Strong Women - Strong PALS At St. Patrick’s

• Specimen Collection: Tue and Wed 7:30 am to 2:30 pm by ap-pointment only, please call 648-6681 press #3

• Food Bank: Tue and Fri 1-3 pm• Monthly Foot Care Clinic: every third Wed, by appointment, 657-

2273.• Are you over 50 and want to be more ACTIVE? Join our classes:

Tue 10 -11 am at Hope Centre, Tues and Fri 10 am, (winter hours) at Market Place Wellness Centre - Free

• Food Purchase Club: for more information call: West, 674-4335, or St Joseph Community Health Center, 632-5537

• Social Development: worker on site to answer questions, Tue afternoons 1 – 3 pm

• Lending Library: Take a Book, Leave a Book at Market Place Well-ness Centre, 674-4335

St. Patrick’s School has been home to an evening adult learning pro-gram for the past 4 years. Saint John/Kings Adult Learning Inc. facili-tates the classes every Tuesday and Thursday evening at the school. Students work at their own pace on individual goals with the guidance of a qualified teacher in the class. You may be interested in the pro-gram so you can find a better job, help your kids with home-work, feel better about your skills or prepare to write the GED test. For further information please contact Paula Ross, Regional Manager at 333-5480 or paula.ross.sjkal@gmail.com

By Krista Turnbull, Community School Coordinator, St. Patrick’s SchoolEvery morning I am joined by some amazing women who assist with the breakfast program at St. Patrick’s School. Most of these ladies have been coming long before I even started at St. Pat’s. It is very rare for them to miss a morning and many comment that it starts their day off in the very best way possible. Most of the wonderful ladies are now retired but they still venture out early in the morning, in the dark most days and often cold, to help me make breakfast but more importantly, to create lovely friendships with our students. There are Smiles all around the breakfast room each morning and it’s not uncommon for singing and dancing to take place

We start the day off in a great way and it’s because these ladies are so dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our students. We would all like to thank Gwen, Lois, Wanda, Karen, Shirley and Debbie for be-ing the strong women they are to us every week. We are lucky to have many other strong women who volunteer at St. Pat’s … we are truly blessed.

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VillageNeighbourhood Contact

Penni Eisenhauer 343-5382 commorg.penni@gmail.com

Support The Salvation Army

MP/député - Saint JohnMP/député - Saint JohnMP/député - Saint JohnRodney WestonRodney Weston

T 506 657-2500 email: westor1@parl.gc.ca90 King Street, Saint John, NB

Rodney WestonRodney WestonRodney WestonRodney WestonRodney WestonRodney WestonRodney WestonRodney WestonRodney WestonMP/député - Saint John

Introducing CST Patti Pittman

Updates: Waterloo Village Association

Strong Women

Role Model And Community Leader

By Debbie McLeodWhen I think of strong women, I think of women who have overcome barriers and have made a positive impact on their community. Brittnee Shonaman is a role model in her community. She completed high school with honours and received scholarships and awards at her graduation ceremony in June. Despite many barriers such as poverty, and living in a priority neighbourhood, Brittnee turned her life around in grade 11 with the help of devouted teachers from St. Malachy’s High School and with the support of her family.

Brittnee now attends UNBSJ and has applied to St. Thomas Univer-sity in Fredericton to follow her dream of becoming a social worker. Brittnee and her family are wonderful volunteers in their community and are always first in line to help get projects started. Brittnee is a true role model for the young women of Courtenay Bay.

Photo courtesy of Donna McKee

The Waterloo Village Association meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 148 Waterloo Street (Coverdale Centre for Women) from 12pm– 1pm. and continues to focus on neighbourhood priorities such as: safety, beautification, and engaging residents to become involved in their community.

The Fundraising Committee has been raising monies through cake raffles and bake sales. On Saturday, April 19, from 10am. - 2pm, the association will be at Prince Edward Square mall with baked items to continue raising monies that will be used towards purchasing a new sign and beautifying the By the Grace of God Garden on Richmond Street. To date, the committee has raised $434.00. A Learn & Go project is also continuing to work on getting a fence and new benches around the garden for the spring of 2014.

The association will be starting to plan for 2014 and will be identifying new priorities and initiatives for the neighborhood.If you are interested in being involved in this process please contact Penni Eisenhauer at commorg.penni@gmail.com or Donna McKee at 696-0196.

Vivian ScottBy Shelly McReady, Community Ministries Coordinator, Salvation Army Saint John

When I think of strong women, Vivian Scott comes to mind. She is strong in faith, character and perseverance. She is always will-ing to give a helping hand. She has assisted me many times with everything from serving in our Café, to children's programs to handing out turkeys at Christmas.

Her gentle spirit is refreshing in a day and age when there is so much loud pushiness. She has overcome many personal obstacles and sorrows to become the person she is today. She is truly an inspiration.

My name is Patti Pittman. I've been a police officer with Saint John Police Force since 2000.

I've worked with the Rothe-say Regional Police, as well as,the Bathurst City Police prior to coming to Saint John. I have worked my en-tire patrol career serving the residents of the North End. I've worked in the Forensic Identification Unit for a short period of time as well as Court Services. I was also seconded to the Correctional Services of Canada for a four year term working as the Community Corrections Liaison Officer for PEI and New Brunswick.

I am looking forward to working as a Community Service Officer and serving the Waterloo Village area.

Constable. Patti Pittman 648-4258

Women are strong,Women are smart,Women can admit when they are wrong.Women are mothers,Women help others,Women are achievers,Women are believers,Women WILL stay STRONG!!

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By Susan Tipper,PALS High School CoordinatorI had the pleasure of teaching Erica a few years ago when she was a student at Saint John High School. I also hired Erica as the Community Schools Coordinator for the former School District 8, now the Saint John Educa-tion Center of the Anglophone South School District. Erica‘s job title is currently the Com-munity Engagement Coordinator for the Anglo-phone South School District. Although Erica’s responsibilities have changed over the years, there are a few things that have remained constant. These include her bubbly personality, her dedication to the students she serves and her ability to work hand in hand with all types of person-alities. Erica is what I would refer to as a genuine person, what you see is what you get. She genuinely cares about her students, colleagues and others. She leads by example and is respected by all. In my opinion, Erica Lane is someone who I think of as a strong woman and an effec-tive leader.

Strong Women Volunteers

Deborah Fisherfisher.deborah@jdirving.com

Susan Tippertipper.susan@jdirving.com

Caitlin Corkumcaitlin.corkum@nbed.nb.ca

• Partnerships• Volunteering• Mentoring• Role Models• Coaching• Focus on Literacy• Having Fun• Tutoring• Breakfast/Lunch Programs• New Opportunities• After School Programs• Career Exploration• Making a Difference

Partnering from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Beyond

We ALL have something to offer!

SJB/KE Girls Club

Erica Lane - Strong Women

Lorne School Has A NEWS Team

Strong Women At HWSF

By Julie Pugsley, Community Schools Coordinator, St. John the Baptist - King Edward SchoolOur school is lucky to have many strong women volunteers, including some from Irving Oil. They help with our after-school tutoring program, our lunch program and other numerous special events throughout the year. This photo is of three of our wonderful volunteers taken at our an-nual Christmas Breakfast, which is hosted by Irving Oil. At this break-fast, the Sea Dogs visited and Santa himself gave out gifts for the kids! These volunteers are wonderful role models for our students and we’re so thankful for the contributions they and Irving Oil make to our school.

Pictured above left to right: Heather Armsworthy, Beth Ketch, Pam O’Brien. (photo courtesy of Photography Flewwelling)

By Denise Long, Community School/PALS Coordinator for Lorne Middle School and St. John the Baptist King Edward SchoolLorne’s students and staff have been working hard on putting together a NEWS TEAM to bring their morning announcements to life. This is a wonderful enrichment opportunity for these students. Our students are learning skills such as public speaking, writing, reading a script, run-ning a video camera, taping, and editing Daily News.Morning News is played in each classroom on the smart boards every-day.

By Rebecca McCullogh, Community Schools Coordinator, HWSF SchoolWhen tasked with the job of writing an article about strong women, I found it quite challenging. Not because I couldn’t think of one, but because every day I am fortunate enough to work with women whose strength inspires me and the young girls at Hazen White St. Francis School.

These women selflessly give of themselves, coming to the school when it is difficult, for so many reasons. Life is often challenging, with personal loss, illness and complicated situations. However, there are those that recognize that the children need them and no matter what, they will be there for them. This often means time away from their families, their babies, their work, and a busy life that doesn’t stop when they walk through the school doors.

I just want to say we appreciate you and all that you do. Thank you for making HWSF a priority.

By Julie Pugsley, Community Schools Coordinator, St. John the Baptist - King Edward SchoolGirls Club is a club at St. John the Baptist – King Edward School cre-ated by Tammy Kingston, our School Intervention Worker, to help girls develop more social skills. This is done by building their self-esteem, creating confidence in their ability to meet new friends and teach them new activities they could use on a daily basis. These girls get together once a week during their lunch and participate in a fun discussion and planned activity, such as karaoke, crafts, games, cooking, etc. By the end of the year, these girls will have developed relationships and skills to help them in the years to come.

Pictured above left to right: Tammy Kingston, Brooklyn, Maddie, Megan and Emily. Absent from photo: Brooke, Autumn, Tori and

Summer.

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Healthier Hair - Happy HeadsCMHA Programs

Women’s Wellness Centre

1-800 Seniors Information Line

Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick, Saint John Satellite Office is pleased to announce that we are accepting registra-tions for our spring education programs.

• Beginning on Mar 11, we will be hosting Understanding Anxiety & Panic Disorders an eight-week education program designed for indi-viduals diagnosed with generalized anxiety and/or panic disorders. • Also Beginning on Mar 11, we will be hosting Hope & Healing: Cop-ing with the Suicide of a Loved One, a ten-week education program designed for individuals who have lost a loved one to suicide.

For more information or to register please call 633-1705. These pro-grams are sponsored by MindCare NB. Canadian Mental Health Association of New Brunswick, Saint John Satellite Office is a United Way Member Agency.

St. Joseph’s Hospital 9th floorMon – Fri, 8 am – 4 pm, 632-5454

Services offered:

Prenatal Clinic Pap/ STI testing Menopause education Breast health

No referrals necessary

The Government of New Brunswick now has a toll-free number for seniors, their families and caregivers who are looking for information on government programs and services related to seniors.

The information line provides older adults with a traditional method of speaking one-on-one with qualified, bilingual staff who will assist them in finding their way through the various government departments and ensure they get to the right service provider for further assistance.

Calls to 1-855-550-0552 are answered Monday to Friday, from 8am. to 5pm. Messages can be left after hours and calls will be returned the following business day.

Department of Healthy and Inclusive Communities

The Healthy Hair-Happy Head initiative would like to thank St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation for their $500 donation, as well as; The Academy of Hair Design, Maritime Beauty Supply and Brother’s Beauty Supply for their donations of hair conditioner. Their donations will help provide information on hair care and the treatment of head lice in our neigh-bourhoods. We invite you to visit a FREE hair conditioner pumping station near you. Two new stations have now been added to our community: Centennial School (10 Constance St) and P.U.L.S.E (251 Wentworth St)Other Locations: Anglin Drive Neighbourhood Tenants Assoc. (Unit #143), Crescent Valley Resource Centre (130 MacLaren Blvd), Hazen White St. Francis School (538 Sandy Point Road), River Cross Mission (211 Main St.), and Smart Choice Variety (157 Metcalf St.). For further information contact Public Health at 643-2005.

Pictured above left to right #1: Laurie Flood (St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation) and Joanne Barry (St. Joseph’s Community Health

Centre); #2 Kathy Bennett (Academy of Hair Design) is Julie Bubar (Maritime Beauty Supply)

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It’s never too late to reach your fitness goals and our offer is irresistible.Come see for yourself!

Memberships are just $99 for 3 months. (Expires Feb 28, 2014)

T: 693-9622

saintjohny.com

BBBS Selected As Finalists! FEM Leadership Team

GoodLife Kids Foundation announced today that Big Brothers Big Sis-ters Go Girls! program has been selected as a finalist in their National Win 4 Kids contest. As part of the contest GoodLife Kids Foundation is giving away a total of $100,000 to programs across Canada that are helping kids have a healthier future. The organization that gets the most votes nationally will receive an additional national winner prize of $25,000, along with the first place regional prize of $12,000, for a total of $37,000. How to vote:Online voting takes place on the Win 4 Kids Facebook contest page. Voters can make their selection by logging into their Facebook account and selecting an organization. Voters require a Facebook account to participate and are only allowed to vote once during the contest. Voting Begins February 1 and goes until 11:59 p.m. on February 28The results: On Saturday, March 1, 2014, all nine finalists will be asked to attend a Spin4Kids event in their community to learn how much they’ll get through Win 4 Kids!Help spread the word and support your local organization:GoodLife Kids Foundation will be profiling all nine organizations on their Facebook pages: www.facebook.com/goodlifekids In addition to voting, you can support your organization by spreading the word in your community: share the Win 4 Kids Facebook page.

By Xinyuan (Wendy) YuanThe Female Empowerment Movement (FEM) is a team composed of 17 to 25 year old women. I am so proud to have become one of them; I have gained friendship as well as leadership expertise.

Our team was responsible for raising females’ awareness of sexual assault and the rape culture. We held successful workshops in high schools and also got involved in other related activities, all done with full enthusiasm. At the end of last year, we held an “All-Nighter” which turned out to be an amazing experience.

Young women gathered together, not only to obtain knowledge about how to deal with sexual assault, but also to build their confidence and make their spirit stronger.

I would say that what FEM has provided for me has been a strength, which will keep me walking, however tough the road is.

Pictured above is Xinyuan (Wendy) Yuan Wendy is an active volunteer with the Saint John Multicultural & New-comers Resource Centre

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SJHS Selected For Nike High School Grand Prix

The Future Looks Bright

By Cindy FloydOver 70 people attended the unveiling of the sign at the new Y facil-ity on Churchill Boulevard. Led by the grade 5 students from Hazen White-St Francis School, the crowd counted down from ten and the children pulled the cover off the sign for the big reveal. The crowd wore colourful Y sunglasses, signifying the bright future for the Y and the community. Construction will start in the spring.

By Melissa Clemance, Senior Communications Specialist, TrojanOneThe track and field team from Saint John High School has been select-ed to represent New Brunswick in the 2014 Nike High School Grand Prix - the first Canadian track and field invitational for high school students, now in its third year. The SJHS team will be making the trip to Toronto, lacing up their spikes and getting ready to test their skill against athletes from all 13 provinc-es and territories. The team is currently fundraising and will be holding events leading up to the invitational to celebrate and fund their trip. The Nike High School Grand Prix will be held the weekend of May 8 -11. For more information you can also visit: www.highschoolgrandprix.camelissa.clemance@trojanone.com

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A Reflection On Change Strong Leader, Strong Woman

Suzanne Louverture - Some Haitian History

Auric Butterfly

By Margot RinguetteIf you asked me sixteen years ago to describe what my life was like raising a baby as a low income, single mother in the South End of Saint John, I would have used words like bleak, depressing, isolating and fearful. Looking back, I realize I had more opportunities over the years than most of the other single parents I met in my neighborhood. I was blessed with finding my job at the YMCA, which provided a safe and caring haven for my daughter. I stayed with the Y for 21 years and enjoyed supporting other families in the same manner my family received support. I was empowered to break out of poverty because the Y was willing to see that what I needed was a hand up and not a hand out. I was thrilled when I was offered the opportunity to return to the South End as the Director of the new Early Learning Centre (ELC). It felt like I was coming home.As I continue my journey, my hope for the ELC is that each child will always feel proud of their neighborhood and learn how they each contribute to making a difference in their future.

By Stephanie AdamsJust fall away from sensationFly from temptationCollapse into infinite vibrationsThrough your heartYour mind, your spiritual evaluationCalming your beingTo insightful seeing

See yourself as a butterflyShedding stardust as it reaches lightFlying higher up in the skyAcceleration, ascension, not even a speck of frightAs meditation sinks inYou lose control of the energy withinSoar to the heavens, your root, your lightFeel the powers obtained beyond sight.

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Saint John Community Newspaper

Around The Block

By Guy VernaSuzanne Louverture était une agricultrice de talent. Lorsque son mari devint un personnage public, Suzanne fit le choix de ne point participer à ses engagements. Elle continua à s'occuper de son jardin où elle cultivait le café de ses propres mains,en compagnie d'autres femmes attachées à son service, prouvant ainsi qu'elle n'oubliait pas que l'agriculture à laquelle ils se livraient en commun, elle et son époux, au temps de leur esclavage,leur avait permis de vivre non seulement dans l’abondance mais de faire des épargnes et surtout de partager avec les plus misérables les fruits de leurs travaux. Après la capture du gé-néral Toussaint Louverture pris dans un guet-apens posé par l'infâme Brunet, Suzanne fut prise en otage par une escorte puis déportée en France. Napoléon avait ordonné à ses bourreaux de ne point tenter de torturer Toussaint car il ne parlerait jamais, mais de tout faire subir à Suzanne jusqu'à ce qu'elle ait tout avoué.".

(Guy Verna is the contributor for this article. He is an employee and volunteer with the Saint John Multicultural & Newcomers Resource Centre.)

By Ariel ArthursTo me, being a leader in my community means a variety of things. I am a leader when it comes to playing sports. I am a softball catcher. This allows me to see more on the field than anyone else and communicate to my team some constructive critism and helpful hints. In my commu-nity, I am a leader by setting examples. I am often helping the younger children at the Boys and Girls Club and trying to encourage my peers to do better things.

Another community involvement project I partake in is The Tim Hor-ton’s Leadership Program.This program has helped me realize my leadership potential by showing me how I can be a better leader and how to utilize my strengths and weaknesses. These actions, along with many other are the reasons, is why I believe I am a leader in my community.

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By Lexy AuburnA strong woman has had her share of experiences, which she puts to good use. She is kind, even when no kindness is shown to her. A strong woman is willing to put herself out there and is not worried what others will think of her. She works hard and puts others’ needs before her own.My female role model is my mother. She is a nice and very caring person, who loves me uncondition-ally. She has a strong and wonderful spirit that is like no other. My mother is the strongest woman I know!

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United Way Thanks 3 Strong Women

My Mom Is A Strong Woman

Old North End: Wendy Barron-Belmore.

Lower South End: Mary LeSage.

Waterloo-Village: Penni Eisenhauer.

Crescent Valley: Anne Driscoll.

Lower West Side: Jill Roberts, Patti Kelly, Krista Turnbull.

Proof readers: Jenny O’Connell, Melanie Hientz Mary Collier Fleet, Mark Driscoll, Belinda Kumar, Cindy Bishop, Anna O’Hara, Rona Howald and Dayna Lutes. Layout and Design: Chris Hopkins, and Juanita Black.

Ad Design: Chris Hopkins.

Community members: Carl Tricky, Lyn King, Amanda Maxwell,

Around The Block Team (Issue 33)

By Wendy MacDermott Our United Way serves the residents of Saint John and surrounding areas. But we are only able to do so with the help of many wonder-ful volunteers. We would like to thank three women in particular who together helped us raise over $125,000, this last year.

Natalie Robart works with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and has such a friendly disposition that we all smile when she stops into the office, whether or not she is carrying a heavy bag of coins. Stephanie Murphy works at Point Lepreau and is a force to be reck-oned with. She has been helping the United Way for years with her passion and enthusiasm. Angie Gillcrist works with TD Insurance and has fundraising for the United Way down to a science.

Each of these women also motivates and works with a team of volun-teers within their workplaces. On behalf of the thousands of lives you touch, Angie, Stephanie, and Natalie, THANK YOU!

Pictured above Top - Angie Gillcrist, Left - Natalie Robart, Right- Stephanie Murphy

SJ Community Loan Fund: International Women’s DayBy Melanie VautourThe Saint John Community Loan Fund is pleased to host the 2nd Annual “Pathways to Empower-ment” event on International Women’s Day, taking place at the Delta Brunswick on Friday, March 7, 2014. This full day event will feature award winning business owner Paula Morand as a guest speaker; as well, participants can choose from six amazing workshops. Learn more about yourself and your own strengths; discover new skills, and, be part of this special day to cel-ebrate each other and the strength we have as individuals and as a group! Check it out – http://www.pathwaystoempowerment.infoFor more information, contact Erin Gallagher at 506-652-5601 or email excel@loanfund.ca

Quotes: What Are Strong Women?Rachael Grant, Project Coordinator - Engaging Girls and Young Wom-en in Leadership Roles. Saint John Volunteer CentreWhen I first took on the role of project coordinator for Engaging Girls and Young Women in Leadership Roles, I knew that I, myself, would need to be an example of a strong female leader. But over the past year, my definition of what that means has changed. I have learned an incredible amount from the women in my advisory committee and the speakers and mentors that I have met throughout the project. I have also learned a great deal from my participants. I have watched them grow in confidence, expand their leadership skills and hone their ef-fective communication styles. I want to pass on some of the beautiful lessons I have gained from my participants. Shelley: Nothing can define us except what we choose. Norah: A woman who follows through on her word will always prevail.Wendy: There is no shame in asking questions. Sarah: Professionalism in the face of cattiness is the definition of class. Ashley: Leading has more to do with listening than speaking. Chloe: Kindness is more powerful than any command. Caley: Being aware of your weaknesses is an incredible strength.Justine: Use the tools at your disposal to get the job done. And laugh.Tabitha: Speak to the shyest person in the room; they may not speak up but they listen.Samantha: Perseverance is an invaluable skill.Shantel: Above all else, be yourself. I am sure that I will learn more from each of these strong young wom-en before the end of the project. I continue to ensure that they have learned from the mentors, speakers, advisory committee members and their dedicated project coordinator. To my girls: thank you for helping me redefine strength.