Around The Block Issue 50 by sjhdc

Issue 50 December 2016 - January 2017 • sjcommunitynewspaper@gmail. SPCA ARL Christmas Traditions

Holidays Traditions From Around The World

Pictured above: newcomer student at the SJ Regional YMCA (photo courtesy Nicole Vair) By Nicole Vair A class of newcomer students at the Saint John Regional Y reﬂected on how they will be spending the holiday season. Many said it will be a time to relax and just spend time with family, while classes are out and most businesses are closed on Christmas Day. In this particular class five Syrian men expressed how it will be much like any other day, as their holiday traditions take place during Ramadan, which happens in the spring. Following Ramadan, for three days they gather with family to eat, buy new clothes for the children and get back into a routine. A student from Uganda said this will be her first Christmas in Canada, but her celebrations will be similar, just with colder weather. Her family celebrates Christmas and they will decorate a tree and spend time together during the holidays. One student from China said her son will be coming to visit in December and they are travelling to Boston for a big Chinese New Year celebration in January. Although everyone may have different beliefs and traditions, there was one commonality for the holidays. People will be spending time with new friends and family, whatever their definition of celebration may be.

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

Welcome to issue 50 of Around the Block and our Holiday Traditions We all celebrate the traditions of our countries in different ways and at different times of the year. This issue is a celebration of our many cultures. My holiday tradition is sharing Christmas morning with my brother, Barry. We open our gifts, have a light lunch - saving lots of room for the turkey and all the trimmings. After supper, we will visit with our brother, Mike. I think it is important that no matter how you celebrate that you do not do it alone. Call a neighbour who might be by themselves and remember there will be people out there that will be working on December 25th to keep us safe.

Pictured above: Santa and his best friend (photo courtesy SPAC/ARL) By Joan Richardson, Shelter Manager, SJ SPCA Animal Rescue One of our annual traditions at the SPCA Animal Rescue is to have Pet Pictures with Santa. You might think it is just a time for your pet and Santa to have a picture, but for some it is much more. Many want the entire family in the annual Christmas picture, which of course includes the family pet. Families and extended families wait patiently for their turn to sit with Santa, some in Christmas attire – they and their pet. It can be challenging to have everyone look at the photographer at the same time, but we entice them with treats (even treats for the two-legged kind, if necessary). It is special to our staff and volunteers to be part of these Christmas memories.

Our Uptown Holiday Tradition

By Rhoda J Welshman, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator For the past five years, Big Brothers Big Sisters has partnered with Brunswick Square Shopping Centre to provide their Holiday Gift Wrapping Service. Although this serves as a fundraiser for our agency, the feeling is really what it’s all about! Each year volunteers and staff pair up on two hour shifts to fold and crease, tape and tag, and of course, to curl beautiful & festive ribbon! There’s nothing quite like the mall during the holidays. For us, being able to provide this service adds to the magic of making, a list and checking it twice. It’s truly wondrous to see our shoppers gratitude, overjoyed by the special gifts they’ve found and the loved ones they're buying for. Many of our volunteers tell us this event is one that “gets (them) in the spirit of the season”.So, if you’re hustling and bustling about Brunswick Square during December. 12th-24th, 11: a.m.- 6: pm., be sure to stop by for a yuletide ‘H’!. If you’re interested in “getting into the spirit” and would like to sign up as a volunteer wrapper, please call 635-1145 or email Laurie.Collins@BigBrothersBigSisters.ca

Proud Sponsors of Around The Block

I am very lucky to work with a great group of volunteers who work in our five priority neighbourhoods, and our community partners that bring you each issue of Around the Block. I am very grateful for their help each and every issue. Happy Holidays! Page 1

Christmas And Our Community

Special Holiday Events

Pictured above, a youth enjoys reading at the NNCC (photo courtesy Christa Petts) By Barry Galloway Christmas is the most wonderful celebration of the year. A time when families and friends gather to exchange good wishes. We would like to express our gratitude to all who have helped accomplish the goals of ONE Change and the Nick Nicolle Community Centre. We have seen incredible goodness in people's hearts and people who have little, giving to others who have less. Our community has been kind to the residents of the North End and the children and families who access services at the Centre. We truly are a family in the North End. At Christmas, please remember those who may need your help and support.

Mindfulness

By Christa Petts With the holidays right around the corner, we are preparing to celebrate North End Style.Starting November 17th, we will have a weekly Christmas Craft night led by our volunteers.Each volunteer will host a night for community members to create a craft to decorate the Centre. A special spin to make the Nick Nicolle Centre even more festive. Starting December 7th, once a week, we will have a ONE Change Inc. Caroling Night. You can come and sing and enjoy refreshments every Wednesday at 6 p.m. to gear up for the holidays. Anyone interested in joining us, please call 658-2980.

Sewing Class Is Rewarding

Children enjoying their afterschool program (Photo courtesy of Christa Petts) By Carrie Grifﬁn ONE Play is trying something new with our after-school program. We have added mindfulness to our program. For about 15 minutes a day we have been dimming the lights and practicing Meditation Guided Imagery. It is becoming a big hit with the children. This is a new way for them to start their afternoon by letting go of all the stress in the day and by just relaxing and being calm. In the upcoming months, we will be adding Yoga to the mix. The children have been asking for it since they have been doing this with Bee Me Kidzs.

By Christa Petts Once again, thank you to Betty Delany for another successful sewing class for the ONE Play After School Program. Our kids once again have created Quillows, a blanket and a pillow in one. We’re eager to see the next group of children and their creations. We were fortunate enough to have seven sewing machines donated to us. All thirty of our children will get a chance to make a Quillow over the next year. We are excited about the ONE Change quilt the children are creating; each child will sew squares and it will be displayed here at the Centre.

North Neighbourhood Contact Christa Petts christapettsonechange@gmail.com Nick Nicolle Community Centre 85 Durham Street 658-2980 Page 2

Road Safety Tips For Winter

25 Days Of Christmas At SECC

Road Safety Tips For The Christmas Holidays from the Saint John Police Force Pictured: Damien O’Leary-Eatmon, Lucas Soucy, Paisley Raymond, Lauren Thorpe-Dow, Caleb Pearman, Cassidy Jones, Terri-Lynn Miller, Jordan Zelward, Jennifer Lingley and Melissa Logan (Photo courtesy April Adams)

1.Follow the rules of the road and avoid speeding, even if it means you are a little late for the party because you’re rushing to pick up the last-minute gifts. 2.If you are travelling during the holidays, be well rested for a long drive and plan the trip so that you share driving responsibilities to avoid fatigue. 3.Limit distractions and don’t use your mobile device while driving. If you know that a family member or friend is driving, don’t text or call them to ensure they are not tempted to answer. 4.Plan ahead to guarantee that you have a safe ride home from holiday parties so that you are not intoxicated behind the wheel. Designate a driver or use cab services to ensure road safety for everyone.

By April Adams, SECC Director At the South End Community Center (SECC) we like to celebrate like no other. We recently took pleasure in an amazing Halloween event, “Feast before Treats.” Our families enjoyed lots of great food before venturing out to trick or treat.Now our head elves: Jennifer Lingley and Melissa Logan are hard at work planning “25 days of Christmas”. Preparing for Christmas is exciting and busy. Our children will be making crafts, decorating ornaments, baking, and spreading Christmas Cheer. From all of us at the South End Community Center we wish A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to All!

Comings And Goings At PULSE Inc

Giving From The Heart

By Mary LeSage We had a new venue for our Safe Halloween Event this year. It was quite a bit warmer inside the SJBKE School Gymnasium. We didn’t see as many ghost and goblins as in the past but the ones we saw had a blast. Thanks to ONE Change for letting us use their popcorn machine, that was fun!! If you have not received your ﬂu shot, no worries, Registered Nurse Kathy London-Anthony will be at P.U.L.S.E. to address your health needs on Friday December 2 and January 6 from 9 am -12 noon. Bring on the cool weather! All we are waiting for is some cool weather so the guys can fire up the ice rink at Rainbow Park. We want to see your winter pictures this year. Have you noticed the clothing bin in our parking lot? The clothing is donated to the not-for-profit store ‘In for a Pound’. A portion of the proceeds from the bin stays in YOUR neighbourhood. Fill it up! Please remember our monthly Food Purchase Club money is due December 9 and November 10 and comes back to you the following Friday. We have $15 and $25 orders available. We even have a Pay it Forward option where you can provide a single person, a couple or a family with fresh fruits and vegetables. Remember our office hours are as follows: Monday 9 am – 2 pm.; Tuesday 9 am -1pm.; Wednesday closed; Thursday 9 am -1 pm; and, Friday 9 am -2 pm. Sgt David Hartley-Brown can be reached at 648-3700 or david.hartley-brown@saintjohn.ca

By Sheila Croteau Our way of giving, was from the heart, it was our tradition. We don’t accept presents at Christmas time our main focus was that everybody in our community had everything they needed to get them through the cold and harsh winter months. We had great big gatherings to make sure that everybody in the community was looked after. We celebrated on the winter solstice; this was when we did the gatherings. We would gather at friendship centres/ longhouse as we didn’t have community centres back in the day. To this day, I still make sure that my community has everything they need.

Community Meeting SJBKE School

The District Education Council (DEC) is hosting a series of community meetings to discuss Ernst & Young’s recommendations, options, and to outline the process. The first meeting has been held for St. John The Baptist/King Edward School (SJBKE) The second public meeting will allow for interested members of the school community and stakeholders to make a presentation to the DEC. Our meeting will take place Monday, January 16th, 2016, at 6:30 p.m. at SJBKE. If you wish to present at the second meeting, please contact our Recording Secretary, Clare Murphy, at 658-5325 or clare.murphy@ gnb.ca the day prior to your school meeting. We will ensure everyone has time to speak to us. You are also welcome to write to me at the above address or you can send any comments to the following email: asds.schoolreview@gnb.ca.

South Neighbourhood Contact Mary LeSage Phone: 632-6807 E-mail: pulseinc@bellaliant.com 251 Wentworth Street Page 3

Christmas Tradition In Our Community

By Cathy and Catherine Sabean Every year around Christmas time, the Crescent Valley Resource Centre (CVRC) holds a tree-lighting ceremony outside for all of the neighbourhood. There are lots of cookies and hot chocolate for everyone! Christmas parties also take place around the area. The CVRC Christmas party is always fun, with toys being given away and family Christmas photos taken!

C V Christmas Bake & Craft Sale

The CV Community Tenants Association also celebrates with both an adult Christmas social and a children’s Christmas party. Santa always makes an appearance at the party and passes out gifts to the children! Every year, there is a window-decorating competition around the neighbourhood, and four winners are chosen. These activities always get us in the Christmas spirit!

Cultural Diversity Award Presented To Bill Consolvo By Crescent Valley Resource Centre Congratulations to Saint John Bike Share Program volunteer Bill Consolvo who recently received a Cultural Diversity Award - Community Leader, presented by PRUDE Inc. Bill is one of the program’s most active volunteers. He has been mentoring Syrian newcomer (and Crescent Valley resident) Mohamad Younes on bike repair techniques, and hired Mohamad at Consolvo Bike Shop to help him learn new skills. Bill has helped The Bike Sharing Program provide hundreds of bikes to families across the city, including many Syrian families. Way to go Bill! This award is well deserved!

By Katherine Miller Calling all crafty and creative neighbours! If you’re famous for your cute crafts, baked goods, or preserves, and are interested in making a little extra money for the holidays, do we have news for you! The Crescent Valley Craft & Bake Sale will take place at 344 Somerset from 9am - 3pm on Saturday, December 10, where you will be able to show off your talents! Food and craft items only please! If you are need any information please contact Katherine at the Crescent Valley Resource Centre at 693-8513.

Stakeholders Thank Volunteers

By Anne Driscoll The Crescent Valley Stakeholders Committee is a group of residents, volunteers and representatives from organizations, who live or work in Crescent Valley. At each meeting the committee recognizes a worthy recipient (or two, or three) who freely offers his or her time to making the community a better place to live At recent meetings the committee singled out Bill Sabean, Darrell Bastarache, Rozam Abazid and Spencer Byers (youth) for the many hours of volunteer contributions they give to the CV neighbourhood. What amazing role models they are. Thank you for all you do.

Meet Nadhim The Crescent Valley Resource Centre (CVRC) family welcomes Nadhim Mansoor to the neighbourhood. Nadhim is our Community Engagement Coordinator and he works in the CVRC, 130 MacLaren Blvd. He will be working with Crescent Valley residents, both newcomers from Syria and long-time local residents, to help us better understand each others’ cultures, and develop a friendly and welcoming community. You can reach Nadhim any time the CVRC is open; call him at 693-8513, or email: cvrc.mansoor@gmail.com. Please drop by to say hello!

‫اﻟﺗﻘﻲ ﻧﺎظم ﻣﻧﺻور‬ ‫ ﻧﺎظم ھو ﻣﻧﺳﻘﻧﺎ ﻟﻠﻣﺳﺎھﻣﺔ اﻟﻣﺟﺗﻣﻌﯾﺔ و ﯾﻌﻣل‬.‫أﺳرة ﻣرﻛز اﻟﻣوارد ﻓﻲ ﻛرﯾﺳﯾﻧت ﻓﺎﻟﻲ ﺗرﺣب ﺑﺎﻧﺿﻣﺎم ﻧﺎظم ﻣﻧﺻور إﻟﻰ اﻟﺣﻲ‬ ‫ ﺳواء اﻟﻘﺎدﻣﯾن اﻟﺟدد ﻣن ﺳورﯾﺎ أواﻟﺳﻛﺎن‬،‫ ﺳوف ﯾﻘوم ﺑﺎﻟﻌﻣل ﻣﻊ ﺳﻛﺎن ﻛرﯾﺳﯾﻧت ﻓﺎﻟﻲ‬.‫ﻓﻲ ﻣرﻛز ﻣوارد ﻛرﯾﺳﯾﻧت ﻓﺎﻟﻲ‬ ‫ وﺗطوﯾر اﻟﻣﺟﺗﻣﻊ اﻟودي‬،‫ ﻟﻣﺳﺎﻋدﺗﻧﺎ ﻋﻠﻰ ﺗﻔﮭم ﺛﻘﺎﻓﺎﺗﻧﺎ ﺑﻌﺿﺎ ﻟﺑﻌض ﺑﺷﻛل أﻓﺿل‬،‫اﻟﻣﺣﻠﯾﯾن اﻟﻣﺗواﺟدﯾن ﻣﻧذ ﻓﺗرة طوﯾﻠﺔ ﺑﺎﻟﺣﻲ‬ ‫ أو‬،8513-693 ‫ اﺗﺻل ﺑﮫ ﻋﻠﻰ‬،‫ ﯾﻣﻛﻧك اﻟوﺻول إﻟﻰ ﻧﺎظم أي وﻗت ﯾﻛون ﻓﯾﮫ ﻣرﻛز ﻣوارد ﻛرﯾﺳﯾﻧت ﻓﺎﻟﻲ ﻣﻔﺗوح‬.‫واﻟﺗرﺣﯾﺑﻲ‬ !‫ اﻟرﺟﺎء ﺗوﻗف اﻟﯾوم ﻹﻟﻘﺎء اﻟﺗﺣﯾﺔ‬cvrc.mansoor@gmail.com ،‫اﻟﺑرﯾد اﻹﻟﻛﺗروﻧﻲ‬ This is Nadhim (Photo courtesy CRVC)

Crescent Valley Neighbourhood Contact Anne Driscoll: 693-8513 email: CVRC.driscoll@gmail.com 130 MacLaren Blvd.

Page 4

Holiday Memories At St. Pats

Westside P.A.C.T. Traditions

By Krista Turnbull, Community Schools Coordinator St. Patrick’s School We have been so very fortunate at St. Patrick’s School to be supported during the holiday season by our many PALS and community partners. They have surprised us with turkey dinners, helped out at our Santa’s Workshop, invited us to their place of business to sing and paint windows, cheered for us at parades and Christmas concerts and supported families with groceries and gifts, just to name a few things. This holiday season, we celebrate our last, officially, as St. Patrick’s School with our partners. We have many wonderful memories that will last a lifetime and we certainly look forward to together making new ones in our new school. A huge thank you to all those who have supported our families to make Christmas a happy memorable time together.

Christmas Traditions Danell’s Drive

By Wendy Coughlin Danell’s Drive kicks off the Christmas season by having a tree trimming get-together on the first Sunday in December. We encourage everyone to get involved by hanging ornaments on the tree and enjoying light refreshments of a punch or tea and sweets. We also exchange names for Christmas gifts for those who wish to participate, we always limit the amount to be spent to ten dollars. The gifts are then formally exchanged at our Christmas Dinner.

By Julie Baribault Westside P.A.C.T. is busy this time of year with our Annual PJ drive. This year we are collecting PJs and toiletries for 134 children. This has been an annual event for Westside P.A.C.T. for a number of years and each year we are amazed with the community’s support. A new tradition this year is that P.A.C.T. is running a Christmas decorating contest for area residents and businesses who register with us. We will be accepting registrations until December 13th, 2016, at noon. On December 15th, a committee will be out judging the decorations. Winners will be notified on the following Tuesday.

We have a catered dinner for the residents; this year it will be held on the 15th of December at 5 pm. The meal is followed by a local church choir coming in and singing carols with the residents. Del Worden will be playing on the 22nd of December from 7- 9: p.m. Danell’s Drive also has a yearly food drive in the building and all food collected goes to the West Side Food Bank.

Westside P.A.C.T. wants to thank the board members, volunteers and especially our Community Officer Cst. MacRae for a great year and wish everyone a safe holiday season.

New SJ West Side School Naming

Westside Wellness Updates

Market Place Wellness Centre, Carleton Community Centre 674-4335, 120 Market Place West, Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m - 3:30 p.m. ●Specimen Collection Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 am.-3: pm, appointments only: 648-6681 ●Food Bank Winter hours in effect, Tuesdays and Fridays 1 p.m- 3:pm. ●Smoking Cessation Program, call 674-4335 for an appointment ●Fundy Fog Chasers meet Thursdays at 6:30 pm. and Saturdays 9 am. Runners and walkers welcome. No charge to participate. There is a site on Facebook. ●Food Purchase Club (Clients pay for their bag of fresh produce, once a month) 674-4335 for information. ●Social Development Case worker on site Tuesdays 1 pm - 3 pm or by appointment. ●Senior-led fitness program/ Falls Prevention ages 50 and up, “Zoomers,” free. Tuesdays 10 am Fridays 11 am all participants must have an initial assessment. 674-4335 ●Gentle Yoga, Mondays 9 am and Thursdays 10 am $6.00 fee applies. ●Pickle Ball, Tuesdays,11 am contact Mike 672-9566 ●Line Dancing, Mondays 10 am $5. fee applies ●Community Garden Plots- $15 plus $5 key deposit, first come first served. ●2 Nurse Practitioners, by appointment only ●Gentle Dance (low key), at 10 am Friday (donation) ●Social Worker / Dietitian / Counselling by appointment –674-4335 ●Art Class - Goodwill offering kimmy.cookson@gmail.com

By Jill Roberts The District Education Council (DEC) established a New School Naming Committee in accordance with EECD Policy 409. The Committee consists of Gerry Mabey, member of the District Education Council; Deborah Thomas, Director of Schools Saint John Education Centre; Cheryl Miles, Education and Early Childhood Development; Jill Roberts RN, member of the community at large. The new west side elementary school is scheduled to open in September 2017 and the naming committee is looking for submissions. If you have an idea for a name, please submit it by December 23rd, 2016 at 12 noon. All suggestions will be considered. Names can be submitted online at https://goo.gl/forms/rZRKTRiiyFKzsk6s1 or suggestions mailed to: Gerry Mabey DEC member, 490 Woodward Avenue, Saint John N.B. E2K 5N3 Please include: 1) Suggested school name. 2) Why did you choose this name? 3) Your name. 4) How do we contact you?

The new west side school under construction Dorothy Shephard MLA Saint John Lancaster

West Neighbourhood Contacts Jill.Roberts@HorizonNB.ca 120 Market Place 674-4307 or Anna James 672-0226

640 Manawagonish Road Saint John, NB E2M 3W5 Constituency Office is located at side of building facing Church Tel: (506) 643-2900 Fax: (506) 643-2999 Dorothy.Shephard@gnb.ca www.gnb.ca

westsidepact@bellaliant.com Page 5

SalvationThe Army Christmas Season Support Salvation Army

Best Tradition Is Giving Back

By Shelly McCready, Community Ministries Coordinator We are very busy at The Salvation Army this Christmas season: the Kettle Campaign has begun for another year. This narrow window of time is when we gather the monies necessary to assist people all year long right here in Saint John. At Christmas alone we serve over 400 households. You can be a part of this: call to book a two hour shift in your area. Saturday, December 17 all children are invited to “Breakfast with Santa”; a completely free pancake breakfast with songs, stories and a gift from Santa. Call to register.

Darcy and Mikka Williams staff a kettle at Sobeys West. (Photo courtesy Shelly McCready)

Everything comes to an end Christmas Eve at 6:30 pm at our kid-friendly service. Everyone is welcome. Merry Christmas everyone!

By Kristin Colville We used to think being a kid at Christmas was the best thing ever but it turns out helping kids at Christmas is! The best holiday tradition at the Boys & Girls Club is our annual Christmas party for the children in our Hot Lunch Program. Our Hot Lunch Program serves children from Prince Charles School. We have between 80-100 kids enjoying a healthy, hot lunch five days a week during the school year. These nutritious hot lunches would not be possible without your donations and the help of a generous grant from the New Brunswick Children's Foundation. On this special day at the club the youth are treated to a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, a new pair of PJs, candy, along with a small gift delivered from Santa himself! For more information on how you can help a child this holiday season contact Kristin Colville at kristin.colville@sjclub.ca.

Community Food Basket

Join the Waterloo Village Neighbourhood Association and it’s community partners in celebrating some HOLIDAY CHEER in Chown Field on Tuesday, December 13, 2016 starting at 530pm with a Tree Lighting and greetings from Mayor Darling followed by Hot Chocolate, Cookies, Music and much more at The Saint John Boys & Girls Club until 7pm. For more information contact Penni Eisenhauer at commorg.penni@gmail.com or 506-647-8047

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE THIS CHRISTMAS WITH A DONATION IN LIEU OF A GIFT. THANKS TO GOOD By Katie Stevens, Community Food Basket THE SAINT JOHN STEWARDSHIP OF YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS, FOOD BASKET SUPPLY TO a TWO PEOPLE ThisCOMMUNITY December, instead of (or inCAN addition to!)ONE taking chocolate each ALMOST A WEEK’S SUPPLY OF GROCERIES FOR ONLY $15.00. day to countdown to Christmas, try a Reverse Advent Calendar!

Place a We non-perishable food item into a basket every morning, and are pleased to accept any donation and offer a card then donate what you collect to your food bank inBasket the new year! to give your gift recipient. Thelocal Community Food will issue tax receipts for donations of $10.00 and more.

If you're looking for a gift idea, stop by our location at 24 Union Street or any branch of Bayview Credit Union and make a donation in a loved one's name. In exchange, you will receive a beautiful card thanking them for their support! For more information, out our Facebook page, or stop by our Many thankscheck to Bayview Credit Union for supporting this initiative. facility on Wednesdays and Fridays! Photo compliments of Christopher Gardner: chrisbgardnerphotography.com

Village Neighbourhood Contact

Gerry Lowe 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.

Penni Eisenhauer 647-8047 commorg.penni@gmail.com

I can be reached by phone at 721-5690 and by email at Gerry.Lowe@saintjohn.ca

Saint John Learning Exchange 139 Prince Edward Street Page 6

Partnering from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Beyond

Partnering from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Beyond • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Deborah Fisher fisher.deborah@jdirving.com Susan Tipper tipper.susan@jdirving.com

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 • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Deborah Fisher fisher.deborah@jdirving.com Susan Tipper tipper.susan@jdirving.com

We ALL have something to offer!

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

Deborah Fisher fisher.deborah@jdirving.com Susan Tipper tipper.susan@jdirving.com

We ALL have something to offer!

Celebrating Paul Dalton; Our Wellness Champion

Partnering from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Beyond • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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

Deborah Fisher fisher.deborah@jdirving.com Susan Tipper tipper.susan@jdirving.com

We ALL have something to offer!

SJ Santa Claus Parade

By Krista Turnbull, Community Schools Coordinator for St. Patrick’s School Every once in a while you come across a special individual who fills you with joy and makes you smile whenever you are around them. That is just the kind of person my dear friend, Paul Dalton is. The remarkable thing is that I’m not the only one who feels that way about Paul. That is why I nominated him for a recent Fundy Wellness Network Wellness Champion award. Paul exhibits all the characteristics of a wellness champion to so many people. He has been driving the Kids on the Go Bus for the past 15 years bringing smiles to the faces of everyone.

By The PALS Program The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists NB of Saint John (APEGNBSJ) and the Saint John Soap Box Derby was pleased to enter a ﬂoat in this year’s annual Saint John Santa Claus Parade to start a new holiday tradition! The winning school team from this year’s derby, Ms. Marr from Hazen White-St. Francis School (HWSF) and students from HWSF and Princess Elizabeth School, as well as derby volunteers, friends and family had a great time in their derby orange toques! Special thanks to all involved: APEGNB, Lily Lake Pavilion, Maritime Hydroseed, Dykeman’s Hardware, J. D. Irving Limited, RST-Sunbury, and SJ Transit.

Krista Turnbull and Paul Dalton (Photo courtesy Jill Roberts)

PES Represent Diverse Holiday Traditions

Celebrating New And Old Traditions

By: Roken Ali, Sabina Al Haji Khalaf And Andy Yan With students from 25 different countries attending our school, we have many diverse holiday traditions. In just one class at Princess Elizabeth School (PES), there are many different cultures represented. Our students from Syria told us about celebrating Christmas in Syria on January 1! They also decorate with lots of lights and have Santa Claus as well. Our students from China celebrate Chinese New Year during this time, a month-long celebration where they eat a lot of fish because it is good luck. We have students from Nepal, who had one of their major celebrations of Bijaya Dashami in October and do not celebrate Christmas. Many students love attending the Santa Claus Parade each year along with other festivities put on by the city. Being able to embrace and learn about so many different cultures and traditions makes PES a great place to be during this holiday season!

By Caitlin Corkum, Community Schools Coordinator, Centennial School The holiday season at Centennial is full of traditions. Students give back, spread holiday cheer, party, and eat well! A long standing tradition is giving back to our community. Every December, students join the Harbour Lights Campaign and work hard to add lights to the tree. Our PALS and Community Partners also make sure our students enjoy the holiday season. They support our annual Christmas Bazaar, prepare a delicious ham dinner for our students, and invite us to join their holiday celebrations.

Partnering from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and Beyond

Students look forward to the holiday season. They are proud of their support of Harbour Lights Campaign, excited to share the songs they’ve been practicing, and are very appreciative of all the holiday cheer our PALS elves spread. We are excited for the holiday season and would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday!

Celebrating New And Old Traditions By Jennifer Brown, Community Schools Coordinator, Hazen White-St. Francis School We are so excited here at Hazen White-St. Francis (HWSF) to celebrate all of our new and old holiday traditions. We have a very diverse, cultural family here and we cannot wait to learn about how each member of our Huskie Nation celebrates with their families. On December 6, 5 - 7 pm we are having our very first Multi-Cultural Night here at the school. We will have tables displaying traditions and samples of food from their country. We will also continue to have our Annual Christmas Dinner on December 16. Thank you to all of our friends and partners who contribute to our holiday season! Page 7

• 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

Deborah Fisher fisher.deborah@jdirving.com Susan Tipper tipper.susan@jdirving.com

We ALL have something to offer!

The Key To Well Being

Attention Women Do you feel that you are letting life slip by you? - Do you procrastinate - Underestimate your abilities - Feel stuck and don't know where to start

You are Invited to a Christmas Musical ...

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The Key to Well Being And discover that life can be exciting and rewarding

THE KEY

TO WELL- BEING A PERSONAL GROWTH JOURNEY FOR WOMEN

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Choir Director, Gail Dupuis

Call today and register for our upcoming course 672-7451

CORNERSTONE BAPTIST CHURCH

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4th, 11:00 AM & 6:30 PM 42 LEINSTER ST., SAINT JOHN, NB There beneath the star that hung over the Bethlehem skyline, the Messiah was born, the prophecy was fulfilled, and salvation had come in

Where Saint Josephs Community Health Centre 116 Coburg Street

the solemn stillness of the night while the Wheel chair accessible at the Leinster Street Entrance For more info, call Church Office at 652-2290

Childcare and transportation costs are covered by the Dept of Social Development

Proud Supporter of Around the Block 89 Canterbury Street, Suite 502 Saint John, NB E2L 2C7 672.8880 info@sjfoundation.ca

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Page 8

Le CAMNASJ soutien de nombreux immigrants, voici comment ils fêtent la tradition de Noël:

Kiwanis Club Update

En Afrique du Sud Un somptueux menu comprenant un cochon de lait ou un rôti de bœuf, une dinde, du riz jaune, des légumes et des desserts font partis du dîner de Noël. Pour créer une ambiance festive, des branches de pin et de sapin décorés, de la ouate brillante et des guirlandes sont utilisés dans les maisons comme décorations. En République démocratique du Congo: Sur les sapins ou les eucalyptus, on accroche des petits jouets. Le 24 décembre, on se rend à l'église où l'on célèbre la messe. Le repas, pris en plein air, est composé de feuilles de manioc, de riz, de poissons fumés et de bananes plantains. By Linda Jarvis President Kiwanis Club of Saint John Our Saint John Kiwanis Club will be celebrating our 90th year of service to the Greater Saint John Area and we have a few things coming up.

Spotlight On Melodie Richard

By Melodie Richard I came back to The Learning Exchange this summer as a student in the Basic Education and Skill Training (B.E.S.T.) program. My goal is to write the GED and be self-employed. While attending class. I also gained some experience working with Voila! Cleaning and I just started selling some of my crafts in the new Impact Market. I have been crocheting as a hobby for the past two years and would like to continue selling crafts around my community. I enjoy coming to the Learning Exchange because there are a lot of exciting opportunities here for people while they are study- (Photo courtesy Dayna Lutes) ing.

Our Saint John Kiwanis Club will be hosting our Annual Christmas Breakfast on Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at 8 am at the Hathaway Pavilion, Lily Lake. The cost is $15.00 per person. If anyone or group would like a ticket or tickets to this event please let me know. 634-6888 ext 136 Also, we are looking for anyone (or group) that would like to volunteer at our Kiwanis Gift Wrapping at McAllister Mall from December 3rd till December 24th. You can go to www.saintjohnkiwanisclub.ca click on Gift Wrap. You can choose a spot. Any help would be great.

Ramadan

By Nissrine Maatouk Could you imagine going a whole month without eating? I can! I do it every year for Ramadan. Ramadan is a month during which we do not eat or drink anything all day, but we can eat at 7:30 pm or 8 pm. We have to stop eating by 1:30 am and go to sleep. This is what is like to be fasting. In Syria, we would be off school for the whole month because it is a holiday. Everyone would be at their homes. Even adults get the month off of work. Ramadan is a holiday that helps us understand what it was like for the first Muslims, who faced war and famine. At the end of the month we have a big feast. It is a fun celebration for the end of Ramadan.

Page 9

Exciting News From SJMNRC

Sam is a Canadian chess champion and also the president of The Saint John Chess Club. Most impressively, he is the founder of Sam Chess Club. He also happens to be a former participant of the SJMNRC Youth Program. Sam is providing, once again, this amazing learning opportunity for the SJMNRC youth. Sessions began on November 8th, and will continue running well into the new year.

As many Saint Johners gear up to celebrate the Christmas season, students at Newcomer Connections reﬂect on their favourite holiday traditions. In 2014, 83 year old Ataollah Maghami arrived in Canada from Iran. He said the Persian New Year, which is celebrated on the first day of spring, is a holiday he looks forward to every year. Persian New Year includes 13 days of celebration. There is a huge party with music, dancing and food to kick off the New Year and a celebration on the 13th day to wrap up the holiday. Throughout the two weeks, Persian families visit each other daily, the children are given gifts and the community comes together. An interesting tradition that Ataollah Maghami loves during the Persian New Year is a table that is set up with seven things that begin with the same letter in the Farsi language. An example of items would be; coins, apples, vinegar, dried fruit and sweet wheat pudding, which in Farsi all begin with a letter in their alphabet called seen. Many Canadians see the first day of spring as a sign of growth and new beginnings, and Persians extend these thoughts out with New Year celebrations.

n alto Paul D

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By Stéfanie Mayhew Our Youth Program is partnering once again with Sam Chess Club!

Pictured is Ataollah Maghami (Photo courtesy SJ Regional YMCA)

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Pictured are members of Sam’s Chess Club (photo courtesy Yang Bai )

Persian Students Reﬂect On Holiday Traditions

ss Cha mpio

n Award from

p . Ste Hon

Congratulations to Paul Dalton for being a Champion of The Wellness Movement in Fundy!

Paul has been driving the Kids on the Go bus for 7 community schools in Saint John for the past 16 years. Paul greets every child with a smile and a high-five, or even elf ears from his glove box. His goal is to make the trip fun and he always goes that extra mile to make all his passengers feel special and empowered. Paul Dalton was one of the 38 Wellness Champions recognized by the Fundy Wellness Network during Wellness Week.

Help grow The Wellness Movement is growing in New Brunswick! Get inspired by more wellness stories like this one, or inspire other New Brunswickers by sharing your own at wellnessNB.ca

Page 10

Rogers Hometown Hockey

Becoming A Mentor Today

At the recent Rogers Hometown Hockey event the Lancaster Minor Hockey Association, Saint John Youth Minor Hockey and the Kennebacasis Valley Minor Hockey Association were presented a cheque for $15,000 from Scotiabank. The money will go towards hockey programs in their communities.

By BBBS Want to make a difference in your community? Over 100 Children are waiting for someone like YOU. Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) needs you to become a mentor today – your community needs you! Call 635-1145 or email rhoda.welshman@bigbrothersbigsisters.ca

Share The Holidays With Newcomers To Saint John Christmas can be an exciting time, surrounded by joy, family, and friends. But the holidays can also be difficult for many people. The journey of uprooting and making new roots in a new community, culture and society is never easy. Individuals and families that make the journey often want to make connections and learn more about Canadian customs and traditions. That’s why the YMCA is offering Share the Holidays, a program that aims to build our community by connecting local Saint Johners to new immigrants to the city. Share the Holidays hopes local families will introduce and share with newcomers the culture of Canadian holiday festivities! This can be done simply by sharing a meal with a new family between December 23rd and 26th. If you are interested in Sharing the Holidays this season, please contact the Y at 634-4856. Learn more at saintjohny.ymca.ca.

All you want to do is get some exercise and take care of life while you’re at it.. So you take a walk to the grocery store, but….

SJMNRC

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Wishing you Happy Holidays! Joyeuses fêtes! sjmnrc.ca

238 Metcalf St. By Appointment: 632-9397 www.thera-ped.com / blog.thera-ped.com / facebook.com/thera-ped

165 Union Street, 4th floor, 506-‐642-‐4242

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Thank You To Long Time Volunteers

Introducing Atlantic Human Services By Mary Stack Atlantic Human Services Inc. (AHS) is a leader in the design, delivery, support, and operation of human services programs in Canada. Based in New Brunswick, AHS are the regional leader in providing client-focused employment counseling and services for a number of key stakeholder groups with 20 years of successful experience behind them.

Pictured front row left - right, Pat Porter, Roxanne Locke, Charlene Good,and Kelly Kelly. Back row MLA Trevor Holder and Debbie McLeod (Photo Courtesy of ADNTA)

By Juanita Black The Anglin Drive Neighbourhood Tenants Association (ADNTA) has been working with and for their neighbourhs for almost 25 years. They have over the years planed events like; Halloween nights, movie night with popcorn, community Fun Days, street dances, craft days and they also have a lending library open on Mondays. The small group of strong women working together has seen many improvements thru the years. Working in a project called Learn & Go they lobbied for a new bus shelter, which the community now has, that was phase one. Then they took on a huge project that lasted several years. Learn and Go phase 2 was the new play park, phase 3 was the new one on one basketball court. Now through the Friars Family donation they are hoping for a new picnic table. Recently the ADNTA host a celebration and retirement party for the ladies that have been volunteering for many years and now as a group they have decided it is time to retire. It does not mean the ADNTA is close, there are still a few programs running and you can still rent the unit for events. But now is the opportunity for new residents to step forward and pick up where the ladies are now enjoying a well deserved rest. There is ongoing support for the community through Social Development, and the City of Saint John that will continue.

On November 1, AHS opened its first centre in Saint John and is offering employment counselling and immigration to the newcomer community. It is conveniently located at 133 Prince Edward Street, next to The Hub; is open from 8:30 to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday; and can serve clients in English, French, and other languages. Contact information: Email: Rahma Kouraich, Program Manager: rkouraich@theAHSgroup.com Mary Stack, Employment Counsellor: mstack@theAHSgroup.com Telephone:506-214-9033 Web:http://www.theahsgroup.com/our-services Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AtlanticHumanServices/?ref=hl Linked-In:https://www.facebook.com/AtlanticHumanServices/?ref=hl Twitter: https://twitter.com/theahsgroup utube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk2ZLBXFFWUmvsY7CLO3Q9w

If you are interested in becoming invoulved please call Debbie McLeod the Community Development Coordinator at 658- 5159

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Saint John Regional YMCA Celebrates Peace Week Activities

Pictured is Miss Tulashi Adhikari

Pictured are Suzanne and Walter Ball

By Nicole Vair On November 24,the YMCA of Greater Saint John honoured three community members with the Y Peace Medallion in celebration of Peace Week. Miss Tulashi Adhikari received the Youth Peace Medallion for her peacemaking efforts. She left the poverty and unsafe conditions inside the Nepali refugee camp where she was born and now she shares her personal experiences with her peers in order to help educate others in the hopes of making the transition easier for current international students. Tulashi is a student at St. Malachy’s Memorial High School.

African Caribbean Dancers

Suzanne and Walter Ball received the Peace Medallion. As volunteers with the YMCA, they have welcomed newcomers for many years and have helped them settle in the community. They are huge advocates for Saint John and they have strong voices in the community to help those that are not always heard.

Peace Week

It was a wonderful evening of cultural diversity, celebration, and peace.

YMCA After School Peace Week

Syrian Dabekah Dance

YMCA After School Peace Week

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Fresh Painting At The NEW-C

Seniors Wellness Fair

Pictured are volunteers from Scotiabank By Joanne Barry, Nurse-Community Development The North End Wellness Centre (NEW-C) received a refreshed new look in August, thanks to the United Way’s annual Day of Caring Campaign. Workplace volunteers from Stantec Consulting Ltd and Scotiabank picked up paint brushes and rollers to give the interior walls and doors a new look. A shout-out to Housing Alternatives for all the prep work and supplying the paint. Come by and check out our space. Nothing like a splash of paint to brighten our days, and those who enter the NEW-C’s doors.

Pictured are volunteers from the Wellness Fair By Sylvie Poulin, Regional Wellness Consultant / Conseillèré regionale en Mieux-Être On November 4 Portland United Church hosted the 7th Senior Wellness Fair with this year’s theme: “Hobbies to Health.” All 160 participants were invited to tour the Hobby Room to discover new hobbies like Art, Astronomy, Crokinole, Pickleball, Skating, Taï Chi, and more. As well as the Hobby Room, the Glam Room offered pampering for the visitors and the Health Clinic, with the nursing students, gave the opportunity for everyone to get their ﬂu shot and a health screening. Over 40 exhibitors were part of the event. Many thanks go to the organizing committee and everyone who helped this year.

Pictured are volunteers from Stantec (pictures courtesy of Joanne Barry)

The Community Foundation’s Smart and Caring Grants Grants available from $2,500—$20,000 This new funding cycle now replaces the former Community Support and Vital Impact Grants.

TO PLAY TO WIN WEEKLY

All applicants are asked to contact the Executive Director to discuss their project prior to submitting an application online.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Noon, Friday, January 27, 2017

a number, fill out a ticket with your name and number, put one part in the box and keep the other

Elements for Consideration for Smart and Caring Grants: Proposals are encouraged which reflect an identified need in the community, impact a significant number of people, build effective community partnerships, improve organizational effectiveness and plan for continuation of the project beyond initial funding.

weekly by placing the green label with your number on a toonie(s) and drop it in the gold rush box

Visit our website for more information: www.thecommunityfoundationsj.com

www.sjbgclub.com (506) 634-2011 Page 14

Do you feel disconnected from life? Are you wondering where you should put your energy? POWER UP is a FREE program developed to help you prepare for your next step.

POWER UP is FREE!

Childcare and transportation costs are covered.Lunch and snacks are also provided.

For more information contact: Brenda Murphy SJ Women’s Empowerment Network 506.642.9033 Brenda.Murphy@HorizonNB.ca

The POWER UP program will help you… • set personal goals • learn new skills • strengthen your voice • learn to problem solve …and more

EDUCATION PROGRAMS Depression: Help Can Make a Difference Tuesday Evenings Beginning January 24th, 2017 6:30 to 8:30 PM

This six-week program is designed for individuals who have been diagnosed with depression. A trained facilitator and health care professionals discuss issues that relate to depression, including information on symptoms, treatment options, coping strategies and community

Building Assertiveness Skills Thursday Evenings Beginning January 26th, 2017 6:30 to 8:30 PM

This six-week program is designed to teach women how to stand up for their personal rights expressing thoughts, feelings and beliefs in direct, honest and appropriate ways while still respecting the thoughts, feelings and beliefs of others.

For more information or to register for these programs, please contact: CMHA of NB Saint John Office Phone: (506) 633-1705

THE POWER UP PROGRAM IS SPONSORED BY THE SAINT JOHN WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT NETWORK

POWER UP! #32: Deadline for applications:

January 10, 2017 – March 16, 2017 Friday, December 9, 2016