10 Year High School Reunion Fast Approaching

The past week has been quite uneventful. I guess I mean that nothing out of the ordinary occurred. It was a good week and a busy week but I just do not have much to report. I have been very busy meeting with different community agencies for work. It has been exciting to me to get to know more about all the different agencies in town that help mental health clients. There is still a ways to go though…..I think the largest issue is that governments do not fund these valuable organizations near enough.

On Friday of last week, FUSION Saint John Inc. received a Merit Award and so I ventured out to the Saint John Arts Centre to watch the ceremonies.

FUSION was the proud recipient of the 2006 New Brunswick Day Merit Award for Community Leadership in Saint John. The Merit Award is a provincial award that recognizes individuals or groups who are known to work tirelessly to make their city, town or village a better place to live. Nominations are received by the Mayor's Office and winners are selected by an Awards Committee in the participating municipality. Six awards are given out in the following categories:- Arts and Culture- Business- Community Leadership- Environment- Sports and Recreation- Volunteer Services Saint John winners included: Arts and Culture - Kate Elman-Wilcott; Business - 2006 Reaching Atlantica Conference; Community Leadership - FUSION; Environment - Atlantic Coastal Action Program; Sports and Recreation - "Pep-Up Your Step" Team; and Volunteer Services - Harbour Lights Campaign. Awards were presented by Mayor Norm McFarlane and Minister of Environment Trevor Holder at a ceremony held August 4th at the Arts Centre. Several members of FUSION's steering committee were on hand to receive the award.

For the long weekend I was without a vehicle as my partner went to the Miramichi for a family event. It was fine as I had a lot of gardening to do……mostly weeding and trimming. I also had to harvest some summer squash and beans from the vegetable garden. Things have really picked up in all the gardens over the past few weeks. It must be nice weather we are getting for once. Plus we get nice amounts of rain in those thunder showers every night!

This week is Pride Week 2006 in Saint John and thus far it seems very successful. Unfortunately I have been unable to attend many of the events this year. I really wanted to get to the flag raising on Tuesday but got caught up in meetings at work that ran into lunch. I will be attending the movie night this week but will be unable to take part in the parade this year as my 10 year high school reunion is in P.E.I. this weekend. I can’t miss the chance to see what all those folks are up to these days and do a little networking. However, Port City Rainbow Pride Inc. has been doing a great job and you can visit their website for a complete calendar of events and pictures.

In the news I have been quite interested in the speculation of an impending Fall Provincial Election. I think the timing is right and it would be good and refreshing for the province to have an election. We need some new ideas injected into the mix….some fresh faces would be nice. I wish all parties the best successes. It is time to turn the province around.

In the last week I have had several chiropractor appointments, a dentist appointment and a massage appointment. I feel like a car that is getting its fall tune up. I guess I figure you pay so much for benefits (if you are lucky enough to be eligible) that you may as well use them to the fullest. It is nice to treat your body and mind if you are fortunate enough to be able.

Anyway, I am off this weekend to P.E.I. for the reunion…..I will be sure to let you know how it all pans out. It will be interesting to see what some of the ex-girlfriends are up to….yes girlfriends!

Don't forget this event this weekend:

Live 8 NB - Rally in the Valley

Music. Great ideas. And a cause we can’t ignore.

This summer, unite with us. Unite to listen, unite to speak; to learn and to educate; to uphold an idea that many of us hold onto tightly - the idea of equality.

Unite to make sense of what senseless really means: an accident of latitude deciding whether or not a child lives or dies.

Whatever your reasons, whatever your goals. Just unite.
August 12, 2006 on the Rothesay Commons :: FREE