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FRN wraps up special events for new Ukrainian residents

FRN wraps up special events for new Ukrainian residents

Cochrane’s Family Resource Network (FRN) held the last of four special events to help new Ukrainian residents create connections in the community.

The network hosted two cafes and two walks during the month of August.

FRN’s Jessica Nairne says the events were held to help the new residents to connect with each other as well as learn more about Cochrane. While no other special events have been planned but FRN continues to encourage the new residents to continue to take advantage of the services they offer.

Those services could be particularly valuable for new services with children going back to school.

It is estimated over 70 Ukrainian families have now settled in the Cochrane area.

FRN has a long list of ways to assist and navigate residents, including

  • Essential Needs programs that provide access to Cochrane Food Bank, Cochrane Connect Card, and much more. 
  • Assist with government systems navigation, advocacy, supportive counselling, and referrals to other community services.
  • Early Childhood Development programs provide families an opportunity for social connections and play, while young children up to age 6, gain and master skills in all developmental domains. 
  • Ages and Stages screenings provide a snapshot of how your child is doing with communication, physical ability, social skills, and problem-solving skills. Screenings can identify your child’s strengths and any areas where your child may need support. You can fill out an ASQ online and a Family Support Worker will follow up with you.   ASQ Online
  • Parent Education sessions are offered throughout the year, on a variety of topics, for families with children from birth to age 18.  
  • A Home Visitation program that provides in-home support to families with young children (birth to 6).  Referrals are made through FRN and service is provided by Children’s Cottage. 
  • Youth supports and prevention programming is offered by BCG Cochrane & Area, for ages 7-18. Youth Outreach line: 403-618-3149. https://www.bgccochrane.ca/contact-us 

The services of FRN are strength-based, trauma-informed, inclusive, supportive, and respectful, with a focus on building capacity. Services are provided in partnership with the Town of Cochrane, FCSS, Children’s Cottage, and BGC for Cochrane & Area. 

To learn more about FRN, phone 403-851-2265.

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Pride Week wraps up a success in the Battlefords

Pride Week wraps up a success in the Battlefords

The greenspace also offered a spray park for people to cool off in the afternoon.

In the evening, visitors relaxed, taking in some entertainment from local musicians.

“There were people sitting under the trees listening, and some people in the tent,” Thompson said. “It was a fairly good turnout. It was definitely the best turnout we’ve had so far.”

The actual Pride parade was a little smaller this year with only a handful of vehicles taking part. Participants decided to decorate their cars and trucks and drive through the downtown area of North Battleford this year, instead of walking for a change.

Thompson thanked a representative from the North Battleford Fire Department for providing a parade escort for safety. She noted a couple of passersby caused a potentially unsafe situation by trying to drive past the parade motorcade while it was moving.

“He [the escort] explained to them in no uncertain terms you can’t pass a parade,” Thompson said. “Anytime there are emergency vehicles with flashing lights you can’t be passing. He was a little upset with these people. They were zipping right around, barely missing us. One was looking at their cellphone as they were passing us…It’s a good thing there weren’t any walkers or someone could have been hit.”

Overall, all of the Pride Week events ran smoothly, and saw a positive response from those attending.

Thompson said the Pride committee plans to continue with another circus day at the park next year since it was such a success this time.

“We’re brainstorming to see what we can arrange for next year, something new and exciting to go with it, try to make it bigger and better every year. Of course our emphasis is family-friendly fun. It’s for people to come out and get to know us; that’s our aim.”

Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW

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School District 60 wraps up last month of school with several events – Energeticcity.ca

School District 60 wraps up last month of school with several events - Energeticcity.ca

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – School District 60 wrapped up the last month of the 2021-2022 school year with several events spanning many of the schools in the area.

According to superintendent Stephen Petrucci’s monthly report, Ms. Andrews’ class at North Peace Secondary School was working on creating models using 3D printing.

The model is printed in pieces, and the students were learning how to best organize the elements on the print bed, so fewer supports are required.

In-progress photo of a student (Angelica) working on a face mask. (Jen Andrews, NPSS)

Also from NPSS, two robotics teams qualified and competed in a national competition.

Lucas Gill and Mattew Esau placed first in the regional competition, and in second were Beneison Haw and Kordell Ollenberger.

The video from the competition can be viewed online, as it was held virtually.

Mr. Brandt, who also serves on the national committee, guided the teams.

(SD60)

The 2022 Elementary Public Speaking Contest was held at Anne Roberts Young Elementary School, organized by vice-principal Mellissa DeGroot.

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Cornwall’s second annual Eco Day wraps up Earth Week events

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April 22 marked Earth Day this year, but the City of Cornwall took on a greater initiative, planning an entire Earth Week, culminating with the second annual Eco Day at Lamoureux Park on Saturday.

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The sound of acoustic music being played by locals at the Lion’s Club Bandshell enticed a crowd, as members of the public could walk through the park and learn about different environmental organizations and initiatives. Booths were set up with information from the St. Lawrence River Institute, Cornwall’s Youth for Climate Action Working GroupTransition Cornwall+SDG Butterflyway ProjectCornwall Transit, and the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA).

“Last year’s (Eco Day) was held in August due to lockdowns. But the original intention was to try and do an event close to Earth Day to talk about all of the environmental, climate sustainability initiatives happening in our community,” said Cornwall strategic planning co-ordinator Katherine Wells.

“There’s a lot of community organizations that this is their focus and their passion. We wanted to bring everyone together for a free, family friendly event.”

Jameson and Avery Dwyer painting on an Eco Day mural on Saturday April 23, 2022 in Cornwall, Ont. Shawna O’Neill/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network
Jameson and Avery Dwyer painting on an Eco Day mural on Saturday April 23, 2022 in Cornwall, Ont. Shawna O’Neill/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Shawna O’Neill /Shawna O’Neill/Standard-Freeholder

Yafa Arts and Crafts was present, hosting a recycling art workshop. Attendees of all ages could contribute to a graffiti art board that is set to make its way throughout the community, whether it be at local schools or future events. The piece will then be displayed somewhere to showcase as a meaningful mural.

“It was a suggestion we got (to have more kid-friendly activities) and we wanted to put a focus on how these steps to help the environment can be taken by people of all ages. We tried to have a few more interactive features, which we were allowed this year (with health guidelines),” said Wells.

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Cornwall’s sustainability co-ordinator Angela Parker explained the RRCA was hosting its annual tree giveaway. She also said Cornwall’s Give A Shirt spring initiative was collecting donations. And, attendees could be entered to win a gift card if they learned how to use a bike rack on a Cornwall Transit bus.

“Having everybody together highlights what’s happening with the community… the city has put the environment as a pillar on their strategic plan… and it is just really nice to get out, after the last few years we have had,” said Wells.

Cornwall Councillor Carilyne Hébert at Eco Day, collecting recycling on Saturday April 23, 2022 in Cornwall, Ont. Shawna O’Neill/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network
Cornwall Councillor Carilyne Hébert at Eco Day, collecting recycling on Saturday April 23, 2022 in Cornwall, Ont. Shawna O’Neill/Cornwall Standard-Freeholder/Postmedia Network Photo by Shawna O’Neill /Shawna O’Neill/Standard-Freeholder

Throughout the city’s Earth Week, Give A Shirt donations were collected alongside garbage pickup, David Attenborough’s documentary film A life on our Planet was screened at Cornwall’s Public Library, climate science educator Dr. Heather Short hosted a presentation at Cornwall’s Public Library, and city staff members rolled up their sleeves to clean up litter.

shoneill@postmedia.com

twitter.com/ShawnaAONeill