Happy Easter!

Well, I must say that I am really enjoying this long weekend. It has been very busy since starting my new job in July and this was the first extended break that I have had. However, the weather could have been better. Happy Easter to all!

The past couple of weeks have been filled with several different meetings and events. I don't believe there is any one theme. Work has been busy but it has been going well and I am really enjoying the challenges. At the end of this post I want to inform everyone of a couple great events coming up next weekend.

I had a committee meeting with the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative Education to Employment group last week. We have been looking at different models of alternative high school completion. For example, there is a high school classroom at First Steps Housing Project Inc., where young mothers can complete their high school diploma. We are surveying the community to determine whether their might be some opportunities to develop this model in other areas.

As part of my employment, I attended a one day conference in Fredericton last week that examined the community re-integration of mental health consumers with past convictions. It was sponsored by the John Howard Society, the Canadian Mental Health Association and Correctional Services Canada. The federal government is beginning to put money into this vital community issue. After the conference, I also had the chance to have supper with my wonderful sister who is attending St. Thomas University so that was an added bonus.

The only other committee meeting I had was with the Sex Trade Action Committee and not much new came out of that meeting. However, we will be having a strategic planning day within the next month that will help us to outline our priorities for the next year.

After a root canal, extraction, family doctor visit, several emergency room visits, specialist visit, ten bottles of Advil, x-rays and CAT Scan over the past two years, I think I have temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). I now have an appointment with an orthodontist scheduled for Tuesday. I am not sure what this says about our medical or dental system, except that maybe they should be linked better than they are currently. It has been a painful and costly ordeal and it is not over yet.

On Monday night of last week I attended the Annual Saint John Police Force Volunteer Recognition Dinner. I, of course, volunteer with their Victim Services Unit. It was a nice evening and I got my pewter pin for over a year of service. I also won a door prize, which never happens. Although, they did have about 20 prizes and there was only about 30 people at the dinner.

On Wednesday night I attended Paul Zed's Town Hall Meeting in the North End of Saint John. I went simply to hear people's concerns and they seemed to mostly revolve around housing and recreation opportunities. Issues that have been problems for many years. Although, PRO Kids (see event below) does help with recreational activities for those that cannot these activities. But I think the point of the people was that these are social issues that the government should deal with instead of downloading them to the not-for-profit sector.

My only other news is my new addiction to FaceBook. It is an online program that allows you to catch up with old friends and it is extremely addictive (this is a warning).

Don't forget to start giving your dog heartworm medication next month!

Take care and have a great week!

Annual Lawson & Creamer FACES of FUSION Networking Dinner!
Join us and Premier Shawn Graham.
What's your greater VISION for Saint John?
We want your ideas on how WE best best Build, Grow and Sustain our Community.

Friday April 13, 2007, 6:00 pm Tickets $40
Cocktails and ChitChat in the Great Whale Room at NB Museum followed by a 3 Course dinner at Hilton Trade and Convention Centre.
Dress Code?--think Spring.

Stay tuned for more deets!
You can confirm your registration online by using PayPal (it's easy). Or go to the Business Resource Centre on 40 King Street between 8:30am-5:00pm and register at the front desk--ONLY REGISTRATIONS THAT ARE PAID FOR IN ADVANCE ARE CONFIRMED. This event is expected to sell out. If you have seating request(s) let us know - info@fusionsj.com

Three C's Night Out
Curry, Cantonese & Canadian Cuisine
Proudly sponsored by Aliant in support of P.R.O. Kids (Positive Recreation Opportunities for Kids)

An evening of international cuisine, award presentations, silent and open auctions and an inspirational guest speaker.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Delta Brunswick Hotel
Cash Bar: 6:00 pm
Dinner: 7:00 pm
Award Presentations: 8:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker Hon. Roly McIntyre: 8:20 p.m.
Silent & Open Auction to follow

2007 P.R.O. Kids Sponsor Recognition Award Recipients:
The Greater Saint John Community Foundation
The New Brunswick Children's Foundation (NBPOH)
The Dickie Crossman Memorial Foundation

Tickets: $60 per person
For further information and table reservations, please call 658-2909.
Tickets may be purchased at:
Kennebecasis Valley Drugs, 1 Marr Road
The Saint John YM-YWCA, 18 Hazen Avenue
City of Saint John Leisure Services Department, 171 Adelaide Street
For information on P.R.O. Kids please call 642-7529