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Party on Princess, the Sequel
Published 2010-08-24 08:10:58
Once again this year, FUSION is taking its August Party with a Purpose to the streets and hosting a block party on Princess Street.
“There is a momentum building on Princess Street and the surrounding area,” said Kelly Lawson of FUSION’s Ambassadors Committee. “It’s becoming the centre of an energetic, diverse nightlife in the uptown. The block party is an opportunity to showcase and celebrate this growth and energy.”
“It’s wonderful how we have seen a number of new businesses open on and around Princess Street over the last year,” says Peter Smit, owner of happinez wine bar. “What this all does is provide more choices for the people of Saint John who want to go out for an evening. It’s also becoming more like the night life in larger cities.” Happinez, along with Alley-gria, Callaghan’s, Bourbon Quarter, Magnolia Café, Scores, Big Tide Brewing Company, The Canterbury Lounge, Uptown Saint John and Saint John 225 have partnered with FUSION to host the block party. The host restaurants will circulate food and music will be provided by DJ Mike Hawkins. FUSION will have a cash bar in the street and will host its usual Party with a Purpose 50/50 draw.
Uptown Saint John is also running a contest in conjunction with the event to encourage people to use social media to help spread the word and include the “livelifeuptown” hashtag on Twitter, Foursquare and Plancast. Prizes will be awarded for best event video post and best event photo post, with additional prize draws for anyone who includes the hashtag in tweets on the event. Saint John 225 will also be on hand with prizes.
The block party will highlight more than just the development that this area has experienced in the past few years. It’s also an opportunity for Saint Johners to visit and learn more about the establishments that are opening – and thriving – in the uptown. That the establishments are keen to partner with one another and with community organizations to promote the area is beneficial for the entire city.
“This is a really great event in a setting that features the best of uptown Saint John’s nightlife and is truly unique to our city,” Lawson said. “It’s a hallmark event for living life uptown, and a great opportunity for people who love the area to connect with like-minded Saint Johners.”
The August Party with a Purpose – a Princess Street Block Party will take place this Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Princess Street, between Prince William and Canterbury Streets. For more information please visit www.fusionsj.com
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Unloading a mountain of used books at Brunswick square to support a great cause
Published 2010-08-17 08:10:31
While I was working on this week’s column, I was looking at my own, very full, bookshelf, which has technically grown to include those books that do not actually fit on the shelves and are stacked on the floor next to it. As any reader can tell you, books are not really meant to sit on shelves, but unless you roll with equally avid readers, it can be hard to part with books or put them back in circulation.
For anyone like me, who could benefit from thinning out their personal library, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saint John is collecting donations of gently used books, which will be sold at its annual Big Book Sale fundraiser.
“People who read appreciate books and don’t want to see them going in the garbage. It’s a recycling program. Everyone benefits,” says Big Brothers Big Sisters Saint John executive director Laurie Collins. In this case, your donations and purchases will not only diversify your own book collection, it will help raise money for children’s mentoring programs, which will benefit the entire community.
The sale, which will be held in Brunswick Square for the third year in a row, is one of the largest book sales in the city. It will run for six days during mall hours, and the books range from 10 cent magazines to $3 books, with more than 15 different categories, from kids to fiction to sports to reference. “You name it, we’ve got it. There are people who come back each day to check out the new stock,” says Collins. “The categories expand every year, inspired by ideas and donations from the community.”
The Big Book Sale started as a small idea to generate some funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters. A staff member at the time had seen it happen elsewhere, and thought it was an idea that could work in Saint John. In the years since, the book sale has continually grown in terms of both the quantity and quality of books donated and the amount of people who come out to support the sale and add to their own libraries. Last year the Big Book Sale raised more than $11,000. The sale will run longer this year, and Big Brothers Big Sisters hopes to raise $15,000 overall. “We’ve got thousands of books this year, I couldn’t even begin to guess the exact number. The quality of books is really unbelievable – we’ve gotten some great donations this year. Some of the Sobeys locations have just gotten a mountain of books,” Collins says of one of the drop-off possibilities.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Saint John’s 5th Annual Big Book Sale will take place Aug. 23-28, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in Brunswick Square. Donations of gently used books can still be made: Up to three grocery bags can be dropped at Sobeys stores, while more than three bags can be dropped at the Big Brothers Big Sisters Office.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
The joy of building pre-teen confidence
Published 2010-08-10 08:10:05
A new program aimed at helping students in Grades 7 and 8 build confidence and develop life skills will be offered at middle schools in Greater Saint John this fall.
Kids.now, a national charity for youth development, is recruiting volunteer mentors to help deliver the program to students in schools throughout the area.
“Having the opportunity to mentor a group of kids is a very rewarding experience for both the students and the volunteer mentors,” says kids.now’s Paula Sanchez. “To be in a position of influence and be able to positively impact their lives is a positive and live-changing experience.”
Kids.now was created in 1999 by an Ontario teacher who saw a need to complement the school curriculum with life skills development. The free, weekly after-school program is run over 12 weeks and encourages life skills development through thought-provoking games, skill-based activities and group discussions, which teach goal-setting, effective communications, positive conflict resolution, stress management and other important life skills.
The program focuses on employability skills identified by the Conference Board of Canada as necessary for success in the workplace and builds life-success skills that aim to improve family and peer relationships; provides youth with tools to make positive choices and turn away from risky behaviour; enhances self-esteem and encourages healthy thinking, leading to a more productive and rewarding life.
“The ideal kids.now mentor is someone who is a positive leader,” says Sanchez. “Kids.now volunteer mentors are enthusiastic about life and about giving back to youth in their community. If you’re fun, dynamic and feel you can be a great mentor to kids, you’re the right person to be a kids.now volunteer mentor.”
The program will be offered at schools in Districts 6 and 8: Prince Charles, Forest Hills, Millidgeville North, Hazen White/St. Francis, Princess Elizabeth, Lorne Middle, St. John the Baptist-King Edward, Beaconsfield, Rothesay Park, Harry Miller Middle and Quispamsis Middle.
Kids.now is looking for Saint Johners interested in participating in the program as volunteer mentors.
For people who want to get involved in the community, kids.now offers an opportunity to mentor within the framework of a nationally recognized program.
The experience is as rewarding for the volunteer mentors as it is for the students, as they are able to establish a connection; this is reflected in the high volunteer retention rate in other regions.
Kids.now is looking to recruit and train potential mentors during the summer, as the programs will begin shortly after school starts in September. Volunteer applications are completed online, followed by an interview with the kids.now program manager.
For more information please visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Marathon course more scenic this year
Published 2010-08-03 08:09:34
This weekend, runners and walkers will be taking over the city streets for the 16th Annual Tim Hortons Marathon by the Sea.
“This has been Saint John’s premier running event for fitness, family and fun for the past 15 years and we’re still running strong,” says event chairman Patrick Grannan. “Once again this year, we’ve offering something for runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels.”
There are five events this year: the Tim Hortons Marathon, the Scotiabank Half-Marathon, the Running Room 5-Miler, and the Smart Nordic Half-Marathon will all take place Sunday morning; the children’s event — the Timbits Harbour Hustle – will take place Saturday morning.
The event has undergone a lot of changes this year, including moving back to August after being held in late September the past few years. The route has also been redesigned, and will start and finish at Rockwood Park instead of in the uptown, as it has in the past. The changes have already had a positive impact on the event with registration numbers surpassing last year’s and runners coming from as far away as the United States, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates and Bermuda.
The new route will take runners through the uptown, north end and Mount Pleasant Avenue, with the half and full marathoners trekking over to the west side. The new route may no longer take runners “by the sea,” but it will highlight parts of the city that have undergone recent changes and significant improvement, the Rockwood Park area in particular.
“It’s a better course, and much more scenic,” says Don Lemon, who is running the half-marathon for the second year. “There are some nice challenges on the way out, but you can make up the time on the way back in. The course is much better than last year.”
The same sentiments were echoed by Joy Durdan, who will be running in the half-marathon for the 10th year in a row,
“I love the new route – it’s so scenic,” she says.
The new start/finish location is more conducive to making a day and weekend out of the event.
“We don’t want runners just showing up to run their race and then going home,” Grannan said.
“We want these runners to bring their friends and families along to be a part of this event and really make it a weekend-long celebration of fitness and fun.”
In addition to the activities offered at Rockwood Park, this year’s event is also being held in conjunction with the Saint John 225 Reunion 2010 Music Festival.
The 16th annual Tim Hortons Marathon by the Sea will take place this Saturday and Sunday. For more information on running, volunteering, or other opportunities to be involved you can visit www.marathonbythesea.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Going green at lunch
Published 2010-07-27 07:52:25
Once again this summer, Green Feet, Uptown Saint John’s environment committee, is holding a Bring your Own Bag (BYOB) contest, asking Saint John artists to interpret the approaches people are taking to green living and turn them into works of art.
The contest is open to local artists of all ages, professional and amateur alike. The theme is “Green Living in Uptown Saint John” and while last year’s contest saw the canvas bag toted by Saint Johners throughout the city, this year the winning entry will be printed on lunch bags.
“We’re going to do lunch bags this year to show people another way they can grab it to go green,” says Anne McShane, Green Feet member and owner of the Feel Good Store in the uptown. Green Feet has again partnered with the Saint John Community Arts Funding Program on this initiative.
The winning entry will be unveiled at a FUSION Party with a Purpose in October, and will be printed on at least 1,000 natural cotton lunch bags that will be distributed at various uptown retailers this fall. The first-place winner will also be awarded a $500 gift certificate to ESL Art Supplies, with a $150 gift certificate going to the second-place winner. All the entries will be auctioned off, and 50 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to the Joshua Group, a local organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families in need in Greater Saint John.
In addition to the BYOB contest, Green Feet has worked with community partners on several green activities, including an anti-idling project with ACAP Saint John, a tree-planting initiative with St. Malachy’s Memorial High School and a waste management position with uptown stakeholders. Green Feet also promotes green activities in the uptown through its Facebook page and membership email list. This includes the Marsh Creek restoration initiative, the Fundy carbon fund, the Marsh Creek cleanup, Earth Hour and the City of Saint John’s sustainability tool kit.
“We try to pull in all the aspects of the uptown in anything we do,” McShane said. “Last year was fantastic – more than 100 people attended our party and everyone made a point to embrace the artists and bid on all the art.”
The success of last year’s event resulted in a $400 donation to the Joshua Group.
The deadline for entries in Green Feet’s Bring Your Own Bag contest is July 31. Work may be submitted to Uptown Saint John Inc., located in the Business Resource Centre, 40 King St.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Recital slated Wednesday
Published 2010-07-13 07:42:52
This week the final performance of Opera New Brunswick’s Young Artist Recital Series will take place at the Saint John Arts Centre.
The Young Artist Recital Series was created in 2008 to as a way to give up-and-coming New Brunswick-born singers experience and exposure in the province and to support their vocal development. Each season, recitals are presented in three communities to allow for greater exposure for the singers and the organization.
The recitals are approximately an hour long and performers cover a variety of material ranging from opera arias to oratorio and art song. This range in the programming highlights both the performers’ repertoire and the diversity of the opera genre. The performances also typically include one piece written by a Canadian composer and published in the last 25 years. The series is sponsored in part by the RBC Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts and the province of New Brunswick. Winners of the Young Artists Recital Competition are selected by an independent review panel of local musicians and are awarded a honorarium in addition to the costs of travel, accommodation and accompanist fees.
The Young Artists Recital Series is open to singers aged 18 to 30 who have not yet reached full-time professional status. The 2010 competition winners are Lauren Esty, a soprano from Rothesay entering her third year at Dalhousie University; Fredericton tenor Jeremy Dutcher, also a third-year student at Dalhousie; mezzo-soprano Christiane Bélanger, who recently completed an artist diploma at the Université de Montreal; and second-time competition winner Carol Léger, a soprano from Dieppe who is completing a master’s in music at the Univerisité de Montreal.
Opera New Brunswick is a provincial arts organization with a mandate to be a vehicle for the production and performance of live opera showcasing New Brunswick artists and to enrich the province’s overall cultural community. Integral to this is providing a mechanism to support the province’s next generation of operatic talent.
The Young Artist Recital Series gives young musicians a chance to add to their portfolio by performing in front of a local audience. It is also an opportunity for the public to learn about opera and the opportunities that exist within the province to learn more about this genre of music, and the provincial organization that promotes it. This year the series has included performances in Grand Falls, Fredericton, Moncton and Dieppe.
Opera New Brunswick’s next Young Artist’s Recital Series performance will take place Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Saint John Arts Centre. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors and are available at the door.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cyran@mtlpr.ca.
Weekend run celebrates city's green spaces
Published 2010-07-06 07:46:02
This weekend, runners will meet at Lily Lake for a race that will highlight the city’s green spaces. The Run Through History Celebration of Green Spaces event has set its sights on some of Saint John’s most popular community green spaces and has organized a weekend of environmentally friendly activity.
The Run Through History began in 2004 with the Tri-Fort Run series, and offered runners the opportunity to take in the city’s history and unique scenery on foot.
The idea of offering non-traditional distances served to give runners building up to a 10-kilometre, half-marathon or marathon distance a chance to participate in a race during their training. These distances also allowed race organizers to use new routes highlighting different areas in the city. The Run Through History Celebration of Green Spaces will take place from 2010 to 2012, and highlight the many different and unique green spaces in and around Saint John.
More than 160 people have registered for the event, with runners coming from Nova Scotia, Ontario and across New Brunswick to participate in 2.5-, 9.74- and 16.87-mile races. There is also a corporate relay option – the Stride for Success relay will raise funds for Portage Atlantic’s Recovery Trail project. This event, like the original Run Through History, will award a different medal; all three medals make up an interconnecting scene. This cycle will feature one of the city’s green spaces each year through to 2012.
This event, in turn, also supports other running initiatives in the community. Money earned from one year to the next is used to support other grassroot runs, including the Teen Resource Centre Run for Youth, Rothesay High School’s Walk/Run for ALS, the Rothesay Spring Fling and the Tour de Saint John.
The run will not just encourage runners to appreciate the city’s green spaces, it is also encourages participants to protect them by taking measures to minimize waste.
There is no cost for online registration, and marketing materials – posters, banners, etc. – will be reused over the three-year cycle.
City water in recyclable cups will be used in lieu of bottled water and the race bibs are seeded – runners can plant them after the race. Entertainment during race weekend will be acoustic, requiring no electricity, and Bullfrog Power, a green-power company, will inject green energy into the grid to replace power used during the event upon completion.
The Run Through History Celebration of Green Spaces will take place this Saturday and Sunday at Rockwood Park. Registration is still open for the races, which will be held on Sunday.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Festival allows arts community to shine
Published 2010-06-29 07:28:11
This summer, the Harvesting the Arts Festival organizing committee is hard at work recruiting artists, musicians, volunteers and community organizations for the annual celebration of the city's arts and culture community.
"We're thrilled that so many people have expressed interest in participating this year, but we're always looking for more volunteers and artists," said Jessica Gozdzierski, FUSION board member and chair of Harvesting the Arts. "We have tons of exciting exhibitors and performers lined up, and we're hoping to fill King's Square with the city's great talent."
The festival continues to grow in size and stature, and has become one of FUSION's annual events. The all-ages, free-of-charge event is organized by a team of volunteers, made up of Saint Johners with a shared interest in the arts. "Every year returning participants are joined by new and emerging talent looking for ways to be seen or heard," says Gozdzierski.
The number of artists, musicians, performers and volunteers who return year after year is a testament to the event's commitment to being an inclusive cultural event, and showcase for the city's new and emerging talent and involvement in the arts. The committee is also partnering with the Greater Saint John Community Foundation's Environment Committee to highlight local organic foods. The growth of this event over the years reflects the huge amount of creativity in Saint John.
"We have a team of wonderful volunteers - people who commit their entire day to ensuring the vendors, performers, and guests have the best possible experience," says Gozdzierski. "We're very fortunate that so many of our volunteers are helping out again this year, but we're also looking for new people interested in being a part of this great event."
For the artists, musicians and food vendors involved, it's an opportunity to raise their profile, network and share their work with the public. Volunteers get to take in the event from a very unique vantage point, and spend the day interacting with the artists and performers, as well as the visitors to King's Square.
The Harvesting the Arts Festival will take place Sept. 4. For more information on volunteering or participating as a vendor or exhibitor, please visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca
Union Club Hosting Party with a Purpose
Published 2010-06-22 06:49:34
This month, FUSION is partnering with the Union Club to host June’s Party with a Purpose. Party goers will have a chance to learn more about one of the uptown’s oldest institutions, network with current Union Club members, and learn more about the history of the organization and the benefits of membership.
They will also be able to tour the building and services that are available.
The Union Club was formed in 1884 and has been at its current location on Germain Street since 1890. It shares many parallels with FUSION in that it’s a member-run organization formed by local business professionals in the city who wanted to have a place to gather with their peers to discuss and share ideas.
This remains the Club’s main focus, and its membership is made up of individuals from a broad range of professions and industries.
“The membership of the Union Club has been, and continues to be, comprised of ambitious business people and influential Saint John leaders, which is what many of our members aspire to, so it’s very appropriate that we have this opportunity to host an event together,” said Kelly Lawson, chair of FUSION’s Ambassador’s Committee, which organize the Parties with a Purpose. “It’s an exciting opportunity very much in keeping with the original mandate of the Union Club.”
The club is located in one of the uptown’s most stately heritage buildings, and houses two main dining areas – a formal dining room and main lounge that are open in the afternoon for lunch. There are also six private function rooms for meetings or small gatherings.
Members have access to these rooms for meetings or private events.
There is a cost for membership, and in return members are given special benefits in addition to simply having access to the building and its services. They are able to interact with other members at the club’s organized professional and social networking events, which take place throughout the year.
The Union Club is affiliated with more than 40 other private clubs across the country and around the world, in cities such as Ottawa, Toronto, Boston, New York, London and Hong Kong. This network gives members access to these affiliate clubs and the services they offer, which in many cases includes accommodations.
June’s Party with a Purpose will take place Friday from 5:30-7:00p.m. at the Union Club. For more information, please visit www.fusionsj.com.
Passage may be closed, but sidewalks still open
Published 2010-06-15 07:22:40
With the Harbour Bridge construction underway and the Harbour Passage closed to pedestrian traffic, commuting has become a hot topic in Saint John. Nobody likes a longer commute, so perhaps it’s timely that we start to examine how we’re getting to where we’re going a little more closely, and asking ourselves if it’s really necessary to get in the car to go somewhere that’s actually accessible via walking, biking or alternative modes of active transportation.
The Public Health Agency of Canada defines active transportation as “any form of human-powered transportation-” from walking, cycling, running to skateboarding, pushing a stroller or using a wheelchair. The benefits of active transportation are well-documented, and include positive health, economic, environmental and societal impacts on the community.
A variety of transportation options is also an important attraction and retention tool. Having routes that are well connected, well maintained and allow easy access to key destinations, whether it’s work or the corner store, add to the appeal of a neighbourhood, and ultimately make a city more attractive to live in.
The temporary closure of Harbour Passage does not reflect the overall direction Saint John is taking because we are a city that is becoming increasingly conducive to active transportation. Last month common council accepted the trails and bikeways strategic plan and referred it to the city manager and Plan SJ for further consideration. The plan identified key recreational and activity transportation corridors, and provided recommendations for the implementation and development of a 183-kilometre trail and bikeway network. Its aim is to promote a sustainable and healthy lifestyle by providing opportunities for active lifestyles and mobility options. This comprehensive network includes sidewalks, trails and bike routes. This is in addition to the mountain bike trail project currently underway in Shamrock Park.
The city recognizes the value of active transportation routes – now we just need to make sure we’re using them and that the base of support for active transportation continues to grow. Gone are the days of walking to school, walking to a friend’s house, walking anywhere, really. We are becoming increasingly reliant on our vehicles to get from point A to point B.
With the traffic tie-ups that occur as a result of the summer construction season, there is no better time to consider new ways to get around, whether you’re opting to hop a bus, walk or bike, or even carpool and walk from a central parking lot. Harbour Passage may be closed but that should not act as the deterrent that puts us back behind the wheels of our cars. Sidewalks are still open for business – and with a little time and planning, other routes are readily available and easy to navigate.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Community to celebrate ‘Originals’
Published 2010-06-08 07:21:48
On Thursday, Saint Johners will celebrate the individuals and organizations that make up our city’s vibrant arts and culture community.
The Originals, the inaugural Saint John Arts Awards, will be hosted at the Imperial Theatre and will highlight the accomplishments of some of the city’s most well-known talent and featuring special performances by nominees and their peers.
“We’ve never honoured artists in a formal way in the city – this will be the first time we bring all these genres together in the same room,” said Judith Mackin, artistic director of the event.
Finalists represent a range of artistic genres including writers, visual artists, musicians, dancers and actors.
Saint Johners were given the opportunity to nominate finalists in 11 categories including: emerging artist, visual arts, literary arts, arts supporter, popular music, classical music, performing arts for dance, performing arts for theatre, arts organization and business for the arts. The Imperial Theatre Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to Fred and the late Sheila Ross for their lifelong commitment to, and impact on, the arts in Saint John. Winners will be selected by a jury and will receive awards created by Saint John painter Paul Mathieson.
The Originals was organized by a 17-member committee, with guidance from the Saint John Community Arts Board. It will be co-hosted by Christiane Vaillancourt and CBC radio host Brent Bambury, who will be joined by local familiar faces for a number of special performances.
Many of the artists have worked together on special collaborations to mark this event. One such performance will see local punk band Hospital Grade on stage with the InterAction Children’s Theatre Company for a theatrical interpretation of one of their songs. Hemmings House Pictures has produced film clips on the finalists, which will be interwoven with the performances.
“A lot of people worked really hard to make this event happen,” Mackin said. “It’s a real testament to the dedication of the arts and business community.”
The Originals is sponsored in part by the Saint John 225 celebrations, and it is timely that these individuals are being celebrated since Saint John is also a 2010 Cultural Capital of Canada. The collective effort of all of these artists is what makes the city’s personality so special, and our arts and culture community so well-known in New Brunswick and beyond. It’s important to recognize the contributions of the individuals and groups that add so much to the city as part of the Saint John 225 celebration.
The Originals will take place Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Imperial Theatre. Tickets are $25, $20 for students and seniors, and are available at the Imperial Theatre box office.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Event on sunday will encourage kids to lead healthy lifestyles
Published 2010-06-03 10:52:10
This weekend, the Saint John YMCA-YWCA will join its Y counterparts across Canada to celebrate the second annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day.
This community event aims to encourage young people and their families to embrace healthy habits and adopt activity and health as a way of life.
Between 2003 and 2006, the rate of obesity for young people in Canada has increased by 35.7 per cent. This is becoming an increasingly significant issue as more and more children are growing up with sedentary lifestyles.
This event will introduce families and youths in particular, to some of the activities they can access in the city.
“Our children’s health is very important to us, and our aim with this event is to show families, children and youth that making healthy choices can be fun and easy,” said Shilo Boucher, chief operating officer at the Saint John Y. “We hope the people who participate in this event will help us spread this message by sharing what they learn with their friends and families.”
This day-long event is being held at the Glenn Carpenter Centre, a 220-acre property located on Ashburn Lake in Saint John that provides summer day-camp opportunities for young people in southern New Brunswick. Attendees will be able to participate in the activities that are available on-site, including archery, water trampoline, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and hiking. Saint John Y staff will be on hand with information on camping and other Y programs. Lifeguards will also be on-site for those who want to participate in water activities. There will also be a barbecue.
For many young people, regular activity and healthy living choices are a foreign concept. Giving them the opportunity to see and experience the different activities that are available to them will serve as motivation to get outside and make the most of their surroundings.
YMCA Healthy Kids Day places special emphasis on teaching children their families about exploring healthy living habits that will make a difference throughout their life. The Saint John YMCA-YWCA will celebrate YMCA Healthy Kids Day Sunday at the Glen Carpenter Centre from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Party with a Purpose spotlights condo living
Published 2010-05-25 07:16:22
This month’s Party with a Purpose will highlight condo living – a trend that is becoming increasingly popular in many urban centres and one that is building momentum in Saint John.
“There is often a misconception as to what condo ownership is,” says listing realtor Bob McVicar, who is sponsoring the event with Sue Cairns McVicar. “A condo is not just a term that describes the style of a property, but is a very specific form of ownership.”
Condominiums vary in terms of size and style, from townhouses, to garden homes, to a standard building complex or tower. It combines the amenities of renting with the benefits of property ownership – owners hold legal titles to their units, the same as if it were an actual home. They also share ownership of the common areas outside of their actual units – lobbies, yards, roofs and parking lots, which are maintained through monthly fees.
“The fact that condo ownership is not that common in the Saint John market has left this option off of the list of potential home ownership options for many people in this market,” McVicar says. “FUSION was the perfect partner for this event because first-time home owners are often the primary purchasers of urban condo units and FUSION represents this demographic in Saint John.”
The party will take place at the condo development at 207 King St. E., in the building’s show suite, a two-bedroom condo apartment that has been fully staged by design expert Judith Mackin. Two other units will also be available for those interested in taking a closer look at the condo options available in this particular building. Bob Kelly, one of Canada’s pioneer experts on condo development and ownership, will be on hand to answer questions, as well as representatives from the mortgage industry and the Kings Court Condominium developers.
Although more and more people are moving to the city centre, there are many renters who are eventually drawn away from the uptown because of a desire to own property. Condo living allows people the opportunity to own their own property while enjoying the uptown lifestyle. Such was the case for Greg Cutler, who has recently moved back into the city from Hampton, having bought the very same unit he had rented before it was converted to a condo. “This is more of a lifestyle. It’s the perfect place if you’re busy, but still want to own your own property – I hope it catches on,” Cutler says.
May’s Party with a Purpose will take place Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at 207 King St. E., Unit 2. For more information, please visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Project will help keep newcomers here
Published 2010-05-19 07:10:42
Over the course of the spring and summer, FUSION will be working with the Population Growth Secretariat to develop a pilot mentorship program for youth and newcomers in the city.
“When the Population Growth Secretariat approached us to work on this program, we quickly realized that this was an initiative that aligns with our mandate to attract and retain people to Greater Saint John,” said project co-ordinator Sarah Craig. “This will be a great opportunity for people who are interested in staying in Saint John to network and receive one-on-one support from an individual who’s already fully integrated in the city.”
The program will be targeted primarily at university and college students and newcomers under 35 years of age who are passionate about effecting positive change in the community, and interested in learning from established community leaders.
Mentors will be drawn from a variety of professional and volunteer organizations so as to provide a broad spectrum of experience and counsel. A similar pilot project is also underway in Bathurst.
This initiative will differ from more traditional career mentorship programs in that it will be largely informal, to allow for those involved to define how and when they meet on their own terms, whether it is on the phone, through email, or over regular face-to-face meetings. Though the program itself will only be six months in duration, it’s intended to foster long-term relationships, so that mentors and proteges alike can continue to learn from one another based on their experiences and insights on career development, volunteer work, civic engagement and other aspects that contribute to Saint John’s quality of life.
“Our hope is that this program will increase retention in both the university and newcomer population, while giving the leaders in our community a better understanding of the challenges this demographic faces,” Craig said. “We’d like to see the mentorship relationship become a source of inspiration for both sides to make the city a place that welcomes young people and provides opportunities for them to be engaged.”
Whether they’ve grown up here, or are completely new to the city, people who are considering putting down roots can draw from a wealth of knowledge by simply being exposed to people who have found success living and working in the city. Conversely, mentors stand to gain from being plugged into the new ideas and fresh perspectives their proteges bring to the table.
Project planning is currently underway, and interested individuals will have an opportunity to apply this summer. The program will launch this fall, and regular updates will be available online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Marsh Creek’s big clean
Published 2010-05-11 14:29:07
This Saturday, a group of Saint Johners will volunteer their morning to help spruce up one of the area’s important waterways during the 14th annual Marsh Creek Cleanup.
“This is a popular event – a lot of our volunteers are people and families who come back every year,” says Canaport LNG’s Kate Shannon, whose company has hosted the event in partnership with ACAP Saint John for the last three years. “Getting people involved in cleaning up the community is a great way to increase awareness and environmental stewardship.”
The Marsh Creek Cleanup gives volunteers the opportunity to team up with family, friends and colleagues to make this area a little greener, but it also serves as the catalyst for a conversation on litter, why people leave their debris in areas like Marsh Creek, and ways to prevent litter at its source. The debris collected each year does not get there on its own, and starting the dialogue about who put it there and why, and more appropriate methods for disposal, is an important step in tackling this issue.
“Our hope is that participants will realize how important it is to take care of our community, and think about it next time they need to dispose of waste,” says Shannon. “We want people to be more aware of the waste people create and how they should dispose of it.” Increasing public awareness on the seemingly insignificant action of litter and how it impacts our environment and visual beauty of the city is a good first step toward changing individual behaviour when it comes to waste disposal.
Many of the issues that threaten our environment can seem larger than life, but working together to collect litter is something anyone can do, and if last year’s number is any indication, the result of this collective effort is pretty impressive: more than 210 volunteers collected about five tonnes – 92 shopping cards, 352 bags of garbage, 23 tires and loads of construction debris and other items.
Prizes are awarded to the team that collects the most garbage and the team that finds the most unique item, but all volunteers share the sense of accomplishment that results in seeing not only how much waste can be collected in such a short amount of time, but the difference in how the areas looks and feels because of it.
The 2010 Marsh Creek Cleanup will take place Saturday, 9 a.m. till 12 p.m., rain or shine. Volunteers should register by Friday. For more information, please visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Celebrating leadership in the city
Published 2010-05-04 13:27:23
This Friday, FUSION will celebrate local leaders and FUSION’s role in cultivating leadership in the next generation at the 6th Annual Lawson Creamer Faces of FUSION networking dinner.
This year’s theme, Inspiring Leadership, reflects the willingness of many Saint Johners who have taken on leadership roles to bring progress and positive change to the city.
This event will focus on the future leadership capacity that’s necessary to move our community forward and will feature a keynote address from Gemini-winning CBC news anchor Diana Swain.
By “inspiring leadership,” FUSION hopes to help lay the foundation for a culture of mentorship to allow the city’s emerging leaders to grow and eventually take on the new responsibilities that will be required to sustain our current rate of growth.
“Leadership is an important part of FUSION Saint John,” said Shawn Peterson, chairperson of FUSION Saint John. “Our members show leadership every day through their ties to the community, be it involvement on boards, committees, or in organizing events. These are leaders who want to live here and make things happen, which is vital not only to FUSION, but to the entire community.”
With issues associated with the aging population and demands to be a more sustainable society top of mind, FUSION’s focus at this year’s event will be on the future of leadership in our community, and new ways to engage prospective leaders to encourage progress and growth.
“Saint John is a city on the move, and it is because of the leadership that individuals are providing to community initiatives – both big and small,” Peterson said. “If we want to keep moving in this direction, we need to make sure we are inspiring the future leaders in our community. To me, the best way to become inspired is to get into a room with many other established leaders to see what they are doing, and how they are doing it.”
Saint John is a city brimming with potential; fortunately, there exists a large pool of established leaders, individuals who are willing to offer their time, energy and expertise to ensure the next generation is poised to face challenges and move the city in a positive direction. With Faces of FUSION 2010, the organization hopes to create an opportunity for both emerging and established leaders to share thoughts and ideas, and instill a passion for creativity, change and action in the city.
Lawson Creamer Faces of FUSION 2010 will take place this Friday at the Saint John Hilton Trade & Convention Centre. Tickets are $60. For more information please visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
More information on Lawson Creamer Faces of FUSION 2010 can be found here!
Fundraiser will help orphans in Africa
Published 2010-04-27 09:00:00
Saint Johners are known for their willingness to reach out to help others, and in some instances that reach extends far beyond the borders of our city, province and even continent. Such is the case for a group of Saint Johners who are working to raise funds and provide supplies for a group of orphans on the other side of the world.
The Providence Orphanage, located in Lokossa, Benin, West Africa, is home to 56 children who have been either orphaned or abandoned, and is operated by volunteers. The orphanage is currently housed on public property, but is preparing to move to a cement enclosure, constructed on a donated parcel of land with access to electricity and close to both a local school and a community well.
“Our connection to this orphanage formed a few years ago when my siblings travelled through Benin,” said Dave Gamble, who along with his family and friends oversees fundraising efforts for the orphanage. “They had met up with some volunteers from Canada World Youth who recommended they visit the orphanage. After a quick visit, exchange of information and donation they returned home, but felt they had to continue to help.”
Benin is home to about eight million people, and currently ranks as one of the 20 poorest countries in the world, with 33 per cent of the population living below the poverty line.
Since then, word has spread and a community partnership was formed to support the orphanage by way of monetary donations and supplies.
“We are all amazed at how much such a seemingly small amount of money can do for the children at the orphanage,” Gamble said.
Monthly donations of $300 are sent to the orphanage, and used to cover the costs of such items as food, firewood, hospital fees and clean water. Extra money raised is set aside for building projects – last year $10,000 was used to build a cement enclosure on the orphanage’s new property. This year, the focus of the fundraising efforts is to build cement dormitories on the new property within the enclosure. The estimated cost of this project is $65,000, of which $24,000 has already been raised.
To that end, the Phoenix Dinner Theatre is putting on a performance of Woodstock, a three-act musical comedy, along with a three-course dinner, on May 15. The performance will be followed by a live auction and 50/50 draw. Proceeds from this event will be used in building the cement dormitories.
“The idea for this particular fundraiser came from a community member who contributes regularly and had attended another event at the dinner theatre,” Gamble said. “She thought this would be an excellent way to raise additional funds. She talked to the owners, who thought so as well and generously donated ticket proceeds from this show to the orphanage.”
The “Kick In for Benin” fundraising event will take place at the Phoenix Dinner on Saturday, May 15. Tickets are $55.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
FUSION party will focus on loan fund
Published 2010-04-20 07:07:27
This month, FUSION’s Party with a Purpose is being hosted by the Saint John Community Loan Fund and will be an opportunity for party-goers to learn more about how investing with this organization improves quality of life in greater Saint John.
There will also be information available on the training programs offered through the organization.
The Saint John Community Loan Fund is built on investments made by individuals and groups in the city since 1999. These investments are converted into loans to help individuals create income, build assets and attain greater self-reliance by providing business, employment, affordable housing and non-profit loans. It is the only organization of its kind in our region, and the money invested with the loan fund stays in the city, which positively impacts our overall economy.
“We’re going to focus on the investing side of our organization at this event,” says Saint John Community Loan Fund board member Abby Colwell.
“Micro-lending is a really rewarding thing to do. Rather than putting your money into a savings account, you can invest with us and watch it doing good in our community,” Colwell said.
Micro-lending is the extending of small loans to people in need, designed to spur entrepreneurship and encourage fiscal independence in those who do not have the income, assets, or credit history to access traditional credit. People can invest money with the loan fund for as little as $250, for terms of two years or more. Investors have the opportunity to choose where their money is going, to either housing or business and work.
“At the loan fund, we lend small amounts of money out to help people better their situations – often it is to help them get into a better living situation, a new job or help them start a small business,” Colwell said. “We then continue to work with the applicants to make sure things are going well and help them out with any advice we can offer.”
The loan fund offers training programs, which are a support mechanism for those who have received loans, and also a resource open to anyone looking to learn more about creating income, building assets and developing their financial skills. Programs include Enterprising Women, a 20-week program for women who want to start a business in the community; Money Matters, which examines assets, budgeting, banking, consumerism and credit; Power Up!, a 10-week neighbourhood leadership training program for women; YES!, a summer training and business launch program for youth; and the Assets Training Program, a nine-month skills development course.
April’s Party with a Purpose, hosted by the Saint John Community Loan Fund, will take place this Friday at Steamer’s Lobster Co. from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For more information, please visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Fair focuses on hands-on learning for children
Published 2010-04-13 07:11:05
This weekend, Harbour Station will be transformed into an interactive space for children and parents to experience hands-on learning as it plays host to the Exploratorium Interactive Kids Fun Fair.
This afternoon-long event is being put on by Touchstone Community School, an independent co-operative elementary school in Rothesay. The school’s learning experience is based on an educational partnership among students, parents and teachers, and emphasizes interactive learning. The exploratorium is an extension of this experience, an effort to bring the creative learning style to children throughout Greater Saint John.
“We believe so strongly in our approach,” said Touchstone Community School principal Jeff McAloon. “We’ve tried to match this event to our learning philosophy. We want to open up this experience to kids from all over Greater Saint John.”
There will be more than 20 exhibitors and performers at the event, each with its own interactive offering. Canadian Blood Services, the Huntsman Marine Museum, Ducks Unlimited, the Saint John Chinese Cultural Association, Hooper Studios, the Healthy Eating Suitcase, Literary Corner and the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and others will have exhibits, learning displays and activities that encourage visitors to learn by doing. Over the course of the afternoon, those at the event will have the opportunity to fully engage in new experiences, whether they are learning about healthy eating, the art of Chinese paper cutting or trying out a wheelchair obstacle course. Midway through the afternoon, there will be a European-style circus performance by the Bindlestiff Cirkus, a non-profit performing arts organization from New York.
“Every kid is a sponge,” McAloon said. “They are hands-on, so why not do it with their education? Learning is a concept we want them to experience, by feeling it, building it and so on.”
Local businesses and organizations that serve Greater Saint John children and parents will also be on hand with information about their services, including: Go-Go Gymnastics, Circle Square Ranch, Music for Young Children, InterAction Children’s Theatre, Stylin’ Momma, Baby & Tot, Paddington Station, Imperial Theatre, Daytripping at Rockwood Park, Benjamin’s Books, Tutor Doctor, Caton’s Island Camp, St. David’s United Church and others.
More than 2,500 tickets for this event have already been sold. In addition, local businesses have purchased bundles of tickets so 450 tickets can be distributed to community organizations including the Saint John Boys and Girls Club, the Saint John YMCA-YWCA, Hestia House and Second Stage Housing, the Joshua Group, and community centres in the city.
The Exploratorium Kids Fun Fair will take place Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at Harbour Station. Tickets are $10 each and available at the Harbour Station box office.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Dinner aims to inspire leadership
Published 2010-04-07 13:42:18
Plans are currently underway for Lawson Creamer Faces of FUSION 2010, FUSION’s annual networking dinner. Each year the event examines a relevant issue and opportunity as it relates to quality of life in greater Saint John. Since its inception six years ago, it has evolved to meet the changing needs of our members and community, and has explored issues surrounding immigration, provincial licence plate slogans, Vision 2015, population growth and the new face of Canada.
“After our fifth birthday last year, FUSION has worked hard to find new ways to reach our members and we are using this same approach with Faces,” says event co-chairman Eric Savoie. This year’s theme is Inspiring Leadership, and will aim to give emerging Saint John leaders an opportunity to connect with established community leaders.
With an aging population and pressures to become a more sustainable society, Lawson Creamer Faces of FUSION 2010 will focus on developing the future leadership capacity that is necessary to move our community forward. By “inspiring leadership,” the event will aim to lay the foundation for a culture of mentorship to allow emerging leaders to grow and take on new responsibilities that will be required to sustain our growth into the future.
This year’s keynote speaker is Gemini-winning CBC news anchor Diana Swain, who will address the “Inspiring Leadership” theme by focusing on what she describes as quiet leadership, in her talk The Big Impact of Quiet Leadership: A Challenge to Lead in Ways You Never Thought of. Kenneth Irving, CEO of Fort Reliance, is honorary chairman.
Sponsor support extends far beyond the event itself because it will help FUSION cover its operating costs over the coming year.
“Lawson Creamer believes that FUSION represents a very unique demographic in Greater Saint John,” says Lawson Creamer’s Nathalie Godbout of the firm’s involvement. The firm has been the presenting sponsor since the event began in 2005. “FUSION members are citizens that are engaged in the issues that affect us all, that are committed to the prosperity of our region and that speak up when there is a real issue to be debated.”
Lawson Creamer Faces of FUSION 2010 will take place Friday, May 7 at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre. Tickets will be $55 until April 23 and $60 thereafter. For more information, visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
More information on Lawson Creamer Faces of FUSION 2010 can be found here!
Shopping for a good cause
Published 2010-03-30 10:36:58
This fall, Hospice Greater Saint John will open Atlantic Canada’s first residential hospice and provide 24-hour medical and non-medical care to patients, and support for their families, with 10 patient suites and four family rooms.
“We’ve got an excellent spectrum of care, from beginning of life and beyond, that we take for granted,” said Cathy Connolly, community relations co-ordinator at hospice. “The one area that has not yet come to fruition is end-of-life care.”
To meet this need, Hospice Greater Saint John was established in 1983 as a community non-profit charity. Hospice services include non-medical support programs to people coping with advancing illness; staff and volunteers work collaboratively with medical partners to help people live with illness and support families coping with loss. In the last year alone, Hospice Greater Saint John supported a total of 531 people and their families.
The Hospice Shoppe concept exists in other parts of Canada, the U.S. and the United Kingdom, so hospice engaged UNB Saint John to complete a feasibility study and develop a business plan for opening and operating a Hospice Shoppe in Saint John as a means for significant, consistent revenue to support operating costs.
“We wanted the Shoppe to have a community feel, and the community behind it,” Connolly said of the Shoppe, which sells a wide selection of clothing as well as china, home décor, bridal gowns and children’s wear.
Items that are not sold in the Shoppe remain in the community since they are donated to the New Brunswick Association for Community Living and are in turn sold to Value Village as a means of generating revenue to support their own programs.
“It’s the boutique experience of second-hand shopping” Connolly said. “There has been great uptake. The community is shopping at an amazing pace and offering their volunteer time.”
All revenue generated at the Shoppe directly supports the programs and services that Hospice Greater Saint John provides, at no charge, to families facing a palliative, terminal illness. There are two part-time Shoppe associates but is otherwise staffed by a team of approximately 50 to 60 volunteers, who cover the four-hour shifts.
Volunteer responsibilities in the Shoppe include sorting, organizing and pricing merchandise. In addition they create displays, assist customers, serve as cashiers and also take part in other special projects.
For more information on how to donate items or volunteer time at the Hospice Shoppe, visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Vault 15: supporting local artists
Published 2010-03-23 07:01:07
Saint John has been designated a 2010 Cultural Capital of Canada by the federal Department of Canadian Heritage.
This past January, the city kicked off Saint John 225, a year-long program of events that celebrates the creativity, culture and heritage of the Saint John region. We’re fortunate to live in a city with so much talent, a place where exceptionally talented people have chosen to earn a living and carve their niche. Events and initiatives such as these are great ways for Saint Johners to familiarize themselves with the people and places that are putting Saint John on the map as a cultural capital.
A lot of us spend so much of our days staring at screens – computer, television, cellphone – that we owe it to our eyes and imaginations to take in some of the great art created locally. This month’s Party with a Purpose will give FUSION members and party-goers the chance to learn about a new project aimed at Saint John art lovers, amidst a backdrop of New Brunswick artists with work ranging from traditional to highly contemporary.
Hosted by the Peter Buckland Gallery, the purpose of this month’s party is to learn more about Vault 15, an art investment project Buckland is developing with interested Saint Johners.
This project will bring together 15 to 20 individuals who will, over the course of a five-year period, contribute money each month and pool resources as a group to buy pieces of contemporary art and develop an art collection.
“The concept is perfect for younger people because it can take 15 to 20 years for the value of contemporary art to kick in,” said Buckland, who is forming the group and will eventually seek out the work and broker the purchase of the pieces. The group will get together throughout the year to make decisions pertaining to the collection. Buckland will host an annual private function for group members to get together and see the pieces they have acquired. Meanwhile, over the course of the years the pieces will hang in the homes and offices of the individuals involved.
“The cool thing is that over the next five years, people will get to enjoy the art, learn about it and accumulate a private collection that has real substance,” Buckland said. The specifics of how the group will select, buy and share pieces have not been established because it will be up to the people involved to determine how they want to operate. This group creates a means for people who love art but lack the resources to amass a personal collection to support our arts community on a larger scale.
The March Party with a Purpose will take place Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Peter Buckland Gallery on Prince William Street. For more information, please visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
For more information on the Peter Buckland Gallery, check out their website!
Map and directions are below:
A warm welcome for newcomers
Published 2010-03-16 07:21:32
Whether it’s at school, in the workplace or in a new city, it can be very challenging to adjust to new surroundings.
Anyone who has ever been “the new guy” can relate to the feeling of isolation that is often a part of acclimatizing in an unfamiliar environment. In an effort to help newcomers to Saint John get their bearings, FUSION has started hosting Newcomers Night, a bimonthly event that aims to give those who are new in the city an opportunity to meet other newcomers and FUSION members in a small, casual event.
“Rather than just inviting them to our regular networking functions, where people can get lost in the crowd, we wanted to give those new to the city a warm welcome in a more intimate setting,” said Kelly Lawson, FUSION’s ambassadors committee co-chairwoman and event organizer. “We thought it’d be nice to have a night that is specifically for newcomers.”
The event aims to create an environment for people to meet other newcomers to share stories of their experiences here, and freely ask questions about where to go, what to do, etc.
In a busy city such as Saint John there is no shortage of opportunities to get out and meet people, but it can be tough to make a strong social connection when you’re working a big crowd. Newcomers Night is a chance for people to meet and really get to know others and often learn a little more about life in the city.
“As a person who is relatively new to Saint John myself, it’s not too far gone for me to remember feeling lost and alone after moving here,” Lawson said. “It seemed to me that everyone was already so caught up in their own lives, families and routines that no one had time to bring on a new friend. Newcomers Night is FUSION’s way of giving people who are new a proper welcome and help them establish a sense of connectedness to their new city.”
People find their way to Saint John for any number of reasons – work, school, family, etc. But the people who move to the city and want become engaged in what’s happening in their community must first develop this sense of connectedness and belonging. A conversation that is based on the shared experience of being new in a city is enough to forge common ground; and those who have participated in past Newcomers Night events can now go to other social and networking events in the city knowing that there will likely be a familiar face or two in the crowd.
FUSION’s Newcomers Night will take place on Wednesday – St. Patrick’s Day – from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Big Tide Brewing Company on Princess Street. For more information please visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Looking to the future
Published 2010-03-09 06:50:59
Sustainability is something we hear a lot about these days; people are becoming increasingly conscious of how the decisions we make today will have an impact on our future, environmentally, financially and socially.
But what is the best way for a community to tackle such a broad issue? Over the next few weeks, the city’s new business network, Sustainable Saint John, will meet with current and potential members to discuss the issue of sustainibility and identify the best ways for the network to proceed.
“The city can’t do this on its own, so we have to think how do you mobilize the entire community to promote this theme of sustainability,” says deputy city manager Andrew Beckett.
Charting the Path Forward is a two-part workshop event that will examine the key success factors for the network and the best course of action to ensure the factors are met.
Sustainable Saint John is a regional network launched in 2009 by the city’s environment committee, with support from the province’s Environmental Trust Fund and in partnership with the Saint John Board of Trade. The network was formed as a result of feedback from Saint Johners expressing the need to think and act sustainably by balancing the community’s economic, environmental and social needs. Recent community initiatives such as Vision 2015 have articulated this vision for a sustainable community.
“We started to develop the tool kit about a year ago, and there was a great level of interest from the local communities and great stories exchanged between local businesses on how they were promoting sustainability,” Beckett said.
The Sustainable Saint John Business Toolkit was developed to help businesses and organizations create their own sustainable action plan.
“Sustainability is an issue that is gaining momentum across the country,” said Saint John Board of Trade president Imelda Gilman on the business group’s partnership with the Sustainable Saint John network.
“The business case for sustainability is very strong. We look forward to playing a supportive role and helping to promote it to our members and other businesses in the Greater Saint John area.”
In a community like ours, it is crucial that both environment and social sustainability be taken into consideration. Getting businesses and organizations committed by way of an official network gives them the means to share resources, feedback and new ideas that will ensure the city remains on a course that will not simply see us sustain ourselves, but prosper in the future.
Sustainable Saint John’s Charting the Path Forward workshops will take place March 16 and March 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lily Lake Pavilion.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtpr.ca.
Click here for more information on the workshops.
Charting the Path Forward - Workshop on Sustainable Saint John
Published 2010-03-04 06:50:21
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Workshops explain details of serving on volunteer boards
Published 2010-03-02 06:51:04
Reasons for volunteering are as varied as the types of organizations that rely on volunteer support to exist.
And while a connection to the cause is crucial, building your knowledge of board development is also an important ingredient for creating a successful volunteer experience. The Saint John Volunteer Centre offers programs that demystify some of the more complicated components of serving on a board or committee, and is helping to produce more efficient, knowledgeable boards throughout Greater Saint John.
The Saint John Volunteer Centre has been a volunteer resource for more than 35 years and has offered an education services program component for the last five years. The purpose of the education services program is to enhance the overall well-being of our community by providing support and resources for board members, staff and volunteers of non-profit agencies. This includes needs assessments, educational opportunities, individual and group consultations and workshops.
“We try to base the workshops on board development and volunteering for different organizations and boards,” says Brian Boudreau, training resource co-ordinator at the Saint John Volunteer Centre. “We get a lot of people who are already involved on a committee but are interested in learning more about what’s required when moving up to the board level. We want to help people know what it’s like to sit on a board or committee.”
Once participants have completed a workshop, they are asked to give their feedback on what kinds of topics they would like to see a session address in the future and this information is used to develop a schedule each year for a program called Noon Nuggets. The volunteer centre’s Noon Nuggets program is a series of one-hour, brown-bag lunch board development and volunteer management workshops offered over the noon hour. The workshops, offered with support from the United Way, take place monthly from September to June and are open to the public. Noon Nuggets draws upon the experience and expertise of community members, who lead the sessions, which cover a range of issues pertaining to work with non-profit agencies.
“When they leave, we hope they are leaving with a better understanding of what they are (or aren’t) doing and how they should operate,” Boudreau said.
The education services program allows volunteers to become more efficient, effective members of their organizations, and also give them an opportunity to share their particular knowledge or expertise with other members of the community. When the “do’s and don’ts” of how a board or committee should operate are clearly and commonly understood, the volunteers are able turn their attention back to the issues or activities at hand, rather than being mired in the organizational details.
Upcoming Noon Nuggets topics for the remainder of the 2010 series include: program evaluation, community interfacing, how to read financial statements for the non-profit sector, fitted volunteer recruitment and compassionate communications.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtpr.ca.
Raising profile of business analysis
Published 2010-02-23 07:47:12
This week, FUSION is partnering with the International Institute of Business Analysis’s (IIBA) Fundy Region Chapter to host a Party with a Purpose. IIBA International is an independent non-profit professional association that serves the growing field of business analysis. By hosting February’s Party with a Purpose, the local chapter aims to increase the profile of the profession and awareness of their organization.
“We want to bring awareness of the IIBA and our local chapter activities to a broader audience,” says Jeff Sheehan, communications director for the IIBA Fundy Region Chapter board of directors. “Too many people still ask what a business analyst is.”
IIBA was first formed in 2003 and has since become the leading association in the world of business analysis. The organization aims to help business analysts develop their skills and further their careers by providing access to industry articles and webinars, member forums and the opportunity to achieve the professional designations. IIBA has fulfilled its mandate through the creation of the Business Analysis Body of Knowledge (BABOK), a collection of industry knowledge and best practices, and the Certified Business Analysis Professional designation (CBAP).
“Globally, the IIBA has experienced double-digit growth in membership since its launch five years ago. This represents an incredible networking opportunity for business analysts,” says Sheehan of the institute, which has grown to include more than 100 chapters and 10,000 members worldwide.
The Fundy Region IIBA Chapter received its official charter in July 2007, and works to actively promote the business analysis profession in our region. Since its inception, the Fundy region chapter has grown to include more than 50 members, representing the health, energy, information and communications technology, and natural resources sectors. The chapter hosts events and activities monthly, including IIBA Awareness, CBAP designation study groups, networking opportunities and guest speakers. Although there is a membership fee to join IIBA International, people interested in getting involved at the local level can do so at no cost.
During this month’s Party with a Purpose, the IIBA Fundy Chapter representatives will provide an overview of the IIBA and the Fundy chapter, and will highlight their premier sponsor SwiftRadius, a regional IT consulting firm. “We hope to offer a little insight into a role that is becoming more defined as an actual profession, and is becoming recognized around the world,” Sheehan said.
February’s Party with a Purpose will take place this Friday at Lemongrass from 5:30 to 7p.m.
For more information, please visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtpr.ca.
SJ urban activist group spreads to Freddy and Moncton
Published 2010-02-19 09:16:19
SAINT JOHN - A community activist and networking group is spreading its reach this spring, with new chapters set to open across the province.
Members of Fusion Saint John have spent the past six years working to improve the city, offering everything from networking parties to urban planning and development committees aimed at retaining residents and improving life in Saint John. Recent recipients of a $25,000 grant from the provincial Population Growth Secretariat, the group is set to open new chapters and welcome new acolytes in Fredericton and Moncton.
"Fusion Saint John is a successful model because it brings together young professionals and gives them a place where they can take on challenges that are important to their community. We want young people to be involved," said Phillippe Ouellette, acting director of the Population Growth Secretariat's retention branch.
Fusion Saint John's made a name for itself with offerings like Newcomer's Night and Party With a Purpose networking evenings. The group also hosts Operation Red Nose to fight drunk driving in the winter, and has a host of committees covering everything from immigration to arts and culture.
Ouellette said the great thing about the Fusion model is its flexibility and freedom.
"Members can define it the way they want and choose which committees they want to form so they can mobilize around the important issues.
Leadership opportunities are what these types of initiatives breed, and healthier communities that people want to live in," he said.
The group has already opened branches in Bangor and Halifax, and expects to see new groups formed in Fredericton and Moncton by spring.
Early meetings in Fredericton saw over a dozen interested citizens show up to discuss the next step, said Oullette.
"Fredericton's not Toronto; we're not going to be the next big city, but we can have an exciting culture with lots of arts and a vibrancy in our cities. People with a vested interest in having that are the best people to create that. They can really make that happen," said Ouellette.
Contact Saint John reporter Paige Aarhus at aarhus.paige@herenb.com
Network breakfast to mark day for women
Published 2010-02-16 08:47:30
On March 8, KV Networks will host its 5th Annual International Women’s Day Breakfast, one of a number of events taking place across our region to mark International Women’s Day 2010.
KV Networks is a business networking group for women entrepreneurs in the Kennebecasis Valley and surrounding areas. The group was formed five years ago and aims to promote women in business and provide a support network for members to further their business goals.
“When the group started there was only six of us, and it was about support for women doing non-traditional things and being entrepreneurial,” says Janet Kyle, one of KV Networks’ founding members, of the group which has since grown to more than 50 members. “Our approach is very casual, but very worthwhile and effective.”
The group meets twice each month on Thursday mornings. Meetings alternate between roundtable discussion and information speakers, where members and guest speakers discuss their own industry and areas of expertise.
“A lot of women have left 9-5 jobs to do something a little outside the box, while still juggling the other aspects of life,” Kyle said. “We meet to support each other and act as a sounding board. There’s a powerful, positive energy at our meetings.”
New members are welcome. While a membership fee of $2 is collected at each meeting, and donated to local charities or non-profit groups, there is no formal membership process. Members come from a variety of backgrounds and represent a huge range of entrepreneurial enterprises, from financial planning to hypnotism.
“Being new to town, I had explored several other network groups and gone to other meetings, but joined KV Networks because it is an open, inclusive environment for meeting people from a wide range of ages and business areas,” says Teri Woosnam, who has recently relocated to Saint John to operate her own business, and joined KV Networks after it was recommended to her by a customer. “It’s about promoting business, but also network, helping people and sharing information.”
In addition to the biweekly meetings, which are open to anyone interested in attending, KV Networks hosts two public events each year, featuring guest speakers and door prizes. In addition to the International Women’s Day breakfast event, the group also marks Small Business Week with an event.
The 5th Annual KV Networks International Women’s Day Breakfast will take place March 8 from 8:15 to 10:30 a.m. at Kings Valley Wesleyan Church. Tickets are $20 each and the registration deadline is March 3. For more information, visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtpr.ca.
5th Annual KV Women’s Network Celebration of International Women’s Day
Published 2010-02-15 06:40:12
Please below for your invite to the 5th Annual KV Women’s Network Celebration of International Women’s Day!
There are only 50 tickets to call to reserve yours today.
Saint John 225
Published 2010-02-11 08:44:45
Click on the image below to take you directly to the new website: www.saintjohn225.com
Saint John 225 is the official anniversary celebrations of the City of Saint John and its incorporation as Canada’s original city.
Saint John was incorporated on May 18, 1785 and in 2010 we’re heading into our neighbourhoods to celebrate our city.
This is the year Saint John tells its story: the stories of the people, events and places that have shaped Saint John.
We are proud of our cultural, architectural and artistic heritage. Saint John 225 will showcase the talents of Saint John area artists and performers in all genres including music, dance, theatre, visual arts, film and writing.
Saint John is a 2010 Cultural Capitals of Canada, a designation awarded by the federal Department of Canadian Heritage that provides significant funding for the promotion of the city’s arts, culture and heritage.
Y’s ‘Strong Kids’ campaign to raise $80,000
Published 2010-02-09 06:33:27
Next Monday, the Saint John YMCA-YWCA will join its Y counterparts across Canada to kick off the 2010 Strong Kids campaign.
More than 50 YMCAs across Canada participate in the Strong Kids campaign, which is focused on raising funds to support children, teens and families who can’t afford the full costs associated with participating in Y programs or activities.
At the local level, the Saint John Y’s goal is to raise $80,000. Money raised in Saint John will stay in the city and provide financial assistance for children and youths who want to participate in a Y program. The majority of funds raised will be used for “camperships,” which send kids to residential and day camps, membership sponsorships, youth leadership programs, child care support as well as health and wellness sponsorship programs.
The theme for this year’s campaign launch is “Kids Helping Kids,” with walkathons scheduled for six Y locations in Saint John to raise awareness for the campaign and teach those already enrolled in Y programs what it means to help those less fortunate, linking to the Y’s focus on community support and development.
“Each Y is undertaking its own activity to mark the occasion, so we came up with the idea of the walkathon,” says Shilo Boucher, chief operating officer at the Saint John Y.
“It’s a great way for our program participants, children, parents, members and staff to get involved, learn more about Strong Kids, and understand how the funds are used and how important they are to the Y and our community,” Boucher said.
“It’s very powerful as we have over 70 students who come to the Y’s Broadview location every day, many of whom are members themselves, or have children in child care. So it will be an opportunity for these the students to have an impact on their community.”
The Strong Kids campaign also offers an opportunity for people to be a part of the Y beyond making a donation; people are also encouraged to generate support by sharing their “Y story” online, or volunteering at one of the 13 Y locations in Greater Saint John.
“As a charity, we rely heavily on volunteer time and expertise,” Boucher said. “In 2009 we had over 278 active volunteers contributing over 6,500 hours of service.”
Supporting the Strong Kids campaign in Saint John will allow our local Y to continue to maintain a strong presence in the city, in terms of both the programs it offers and the fact that many are offered at multiple locations in the city.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtpr.ca.
Visit the Saint John Y’s website for more details!
YMCA and 21inc. join forces
Published 2010-01-26 06:36:30
In an effort to help propel the city’s future leaders on the road to success, local participants from the province’s 21 Leaders for the 21st Century program have joined with the Saint John YMCA-YWCA to help identify new ways to get youth involved at the Y.
The Saint John project team has chosen to evaluate youth engagement at the Saint John Y in an effort to help increase programming options and participation. It is one of a number of community projects being led by 21inc. participants across the province,
“We selected the Y because we were interested in the project they proposed to us to work on youth engagement, and because of the increasing leadership role they play in being an inclusive organization, open to all regardless of social or economic background,” says Eric Savoie of the decision to work with the Y on this initiative. Savoie is a member of the project team, which also includes Christina Taylor, Janet Thompson-Price and Scott Walton.
The 21inc. program is a leadership program for New Brunswick young people aged 20 to 35. During the 10-month program, participants are encouraged to make a positive impact on their community.
As part of this initiative, the Saint John project team has developed an online survey and is seeking feedback from young people and parents in Greater Saint John. The aim of the survey is to collect information and input on topics related to youth programming at the Y, ranging.
“We believe the 21inc. team will help us connect in new innovative ways with youth,” said Shilo Boucher, chief operating officer at the Saint John YMCA-YWCA. “We want to better understand their needs, allowing an opportunity for them to help us design new programs.”
Survey findings will be presented this spring to Saint John Y management, who will determine the next steps based on the recommendations and resources available for implementation.
Claire Ryan is on the FUSION Saint John board. Reach her at cryan@mtpr.ca.
Saint John Municipal Plan Kickoff!
Published 2010-01-25 08:14:57
Municipal Plan Review Public Launch Event
Where: Market Square Atrium
When: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 between 5-9pm
Curl away winter blues
Published 2010-01-19 09:23:53
This Friday, FUSION will host its first Party with a Purpose of the new year at the Thistle St. Andrews Curling Club. This month’s “purpose” is to learn more about the club itself and one of the country’s most popular winter pastimes.
“Ultimately, what we’re hoping for is to get some more exposure for the club and for the sport,” said Sarah Dickson, a members of the Thistle St. Andrews’ board of directors on why the club is opening its doors to FUSION this month.
“Despite the popularity that curling seems to be gaining in our culture, especially this year with the Olympics coming up, it has still been tough to get people out to the clubs to actually try the sport.”
Party-goers will have a chance to check out the facility, which, in addition to the ice surfaces, includes an upstairs hall and main lounge, and offers an in-house catering service – Jeremiah Jacobs Catering – which is sponsoring this event.
This season, Thistle St. Andrews has hosted a handful of curling events, including the women’s provincial final eights and the men’s preliminaries this past weekend.
Curling club representatives will be on hand at the party with information on the programs, leagues and memberships that are available.
As part of its ongoing mandate to serve as a catalyst for engagement through networking, partnerships and events, FUSION aims to introduce Saint Johners to the places and activities that are available and accessible in and around the city.
“We hope that through the FUSION network to be able to expose the sport to people who may not have ever had an opportunity to give it a try and demonstrate through the Party with a Purpose that curling is also a great way to get together with friends that can actually be active as well,” Dickson said.
Physical activity is often a casuality of winter, but January is the perfect time to pick up a new activity to make the most of the season. FUSION invites those who may have let their New Year’s resolution to get active fall by the wayside, to join us on Friday and learn more about a great way to gather up a group of friends and take up an activity that will get everyone moving during the winter months.
January’s Party with a Purpose will take place this Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Thistle St. Andrews Curling Club, 49 Dufferin Ave.
All are welcome to attend. For more information, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtpr.ca.
Check out the Thistle St. Andrews Curling Club website for more information!
You can help to pick group getting $6K
Published 2010-01-12 05:33:22
For the second year in a row, FUSION Saint John hosted Operation Red Nose, the national volunteer campaign that aims to reduce incidences of drunk driving by providing a safe ride home for drivers and their vehicles during the holiday season.
Since it was FUSION’s second year running the program, “there was already a great awareness of the campaign and how it works, so we were able to focus more of our efforts on getting people involved, either as volunteers or users of the service,” says Katie Emrich, Operation Red Nose co-ordinator.
“We had more volunteers this year, which enabled us to provide more rides on more nights, ultimately generating more donations, which will benefit a charity here in the city.”
The campaign ran for 10 nights, shuttling drivers and their vehicles across Greater Saint John, from Quispamsis to Grand Bay-Westfield, and all points in between.
More than 100 volunteers travelled 8,762 kilometres, giving 294 rides to holiday party-goers and raising $6,215, which will be donated to a local youth charity.
“We were incredibly fortunate to have so many local sponsors on board this year,” Emrich said “Whether they were donating food, administrative support or money, they played a vital role in Operation Red Nose’s success.”
Local sponsors included 97.3 the Wave, UNBSJ, the Telegraph-Journal, Sandalwood Management, Wilsons Gas Stop, Discount Car and Truck Rentals, the Window Shop, the Saint John Police Force, Investors Group, the Copper Penny, Michael Smith and Bruce Penny – Fundy Insurance, Played Out Fun Centre, Bell Aliant, Teed Saunders Doyle, the Town of Quispamsis, the City of Saint John, McDonald’s, CHQC, the Rothesay Regional Police Force, Burger King, Sears, Van Houtte, Culligan, the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield, Office Outfitters, the Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority, Urban Deli and Tim Hortons in McAllister Place. The campaign is sponsored nationally by the Insurance Bureau of Canada.
“Though it is just one of the campaigns we support in terms of road safety, it is a very important campaign that increases public awareness about making responsible choices while enjoying the holiday season,” said Amanda Dean, manager of government relations for IBC Atlantic.
Once again this year, FUSION is asking Saint Johners to help choose a deserving local youth charity to receive the donations, which will be determined through an online vote. The candidates are: Saint John Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters Saint John, the Joshua Group, the Teen Resource Centre or the Chicken Noodle Soup Club.
The winner will be announced and awarded a cheque presented at a volunteer appreciation event on Jan. 29.
“So many people are involved in Operation Red Nose in one way or another, and we want to make sure everyone had the opportunity to help decide which of these great charities will be awarded this money,” Emrich said of the decision to select the winning charity through a public vote, which will remain open until Jan. 27.
For more information on Operation Red Nose, and to cast your vote, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtpr.ca.
Click here for more information and to cast your vote!
Update: YM-YWCA Strong Kids is also included in the vote.
Here's your chance to take a first step toward fitness
Published 2010-01-05 09:47:41
This weekend, the YMCA-YWCA of Saint John and Canadian Mental Health Foundation - Saint John Branch will partner to host Saint John X-Weighted. This two-day event will help Saint Johners make a pledge to fitness and develop a realistic plan for shaping up in 2010.
Participants will be able to attend seminars on topics including good nutrition, eating for weight loss, managing stress, dealing with emotional eating and mental health. There will also be grab bags, website access, seminars on mental health, nutrition plans and healthy eating tips, an obstacle course fitness evaluation, measurement and a six-month tailored fitness plan from Y trainers.
Participants will also get to mix and mingle with the special guest Paul Plakas, host of weight loss television show X-Weighted.
"This is really an awareness event," says Shelley Rinehart, who, as a member of the board of the Saint John Y and was previously involved with the Canadian Mental Health Association, is helping to organize Saint John X-Weighted. "Our main goal is to increase awareness of the issue, which is that Saint John is one of Canada's fattest cities, and the different educational services and programs available through both Canadian Mental Health and the Y."
We are all guilty of overindulging during the holidays, but as one of Canada's fattest cities, Saint John's issue goes beyond too many yuletide treats. This event will arm participants with tools that will help them become proactive and accountable for their own health and progress, while highlighting the many services available in our community to help people address and overcome the challenges to good health and overall happiness.
Many of the 400 available tickets have already been sold, and event participants will be coming in all shapes and sizes, from armchair athletes whose health is at-risk to fitness fanatics looking to shake up their routine in the new year. Participants will be motivated to stick with their commitment by way of a three-month check-in event in March, as well as a final weigh-in at the end of the six- month program.
Getting fit in the new year may seem like a cliché New Year's resolution, but only because it is often the first change to go by the wayside. However, there is no better time to adopt a new lease on life, especially since it is coupled with the chance to support two great community organizations and to take advantage of the counsel and services they offer to help you obtain your goal.
Tickets are $100 and sponsored tickets are also available. Money raised will be used to provide sponsorship to the event and to support programming at both host organizations. Tickets are still available for Saint John X-Weighted, hosted by the Saint John YMCA-YWCA and the Canadian Mental Health Association - Saint John Branch, taking place on Jan. 9 and 10. To buy tickets, call 634-7720
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtpr.ca.
Exhibit reminder of how arts scene has changed
Published 2009-12-29 11:45:15
For many Saint Johners enjoying the last days of vacation, and those in town visiting for the holidays, cabin fever has started to set in and now is the time to venture out of the house and explore some of the new and exciting things happening around Greater Saint John during the holiday season.
For those looking for interesting ways to spend the day, the Peter Buckland Gallery is opening for a special two-day exhibition featuring artwork by gallery artists to welcome home our expats who are visiting for the holidays, and bring them up to speed on the state of visual arts in the city.
“So many people come home to Saint John for Christmas, whether they’ve moved temporarily, or have gone off and established themselves somewhere else,” says gallery owner Peter Buckland. “In the days after Christmas, after spending time with friends and family, they’re often curious to get out there to see what’s new and are delighted to see how the city is changing in a positive way.”
The exhibit will feature more than 30 works by approximately 20 artists, a reflection of the range of artists the gallery represents, and will include works by a number of well-known Saint John artists, including Fred Ross, Cathy Ross, James Wilson, Paul Mathieson and Suzanne Hill.
“It’s a wonderful way to end a year of wonderful exhibitions and moments,” Buckland said.
For former Saint Johners in town for the holidays, the exhibition is a reminder of just how far Saint John’s arts and culture community has come, the mark it has made on the national scale and its ongoing potential for growth. For those who live and work here year-round, it is a snapshot of the depth and breadth of artistic talent in the city.
“We want to let people know that the city is still vital and so much has changed,” Buckland said.
This is especially timely since Saint John has been designated a 2010 Cultural Capital of Canada, with local artists and performers preparing to celebrate the city’s 225th anniversary with performances, festivals, exhibitions and events throughout the coming year.
In addition to this special exhibit, it is an ideal opportunity for expats, locals and others visiting the city for the holiday season to take in what the city has to offer during this time of year. It is a chance to tale a tour of the many and varied uptown establishments and landmarks or a walk along Harbour Passage and through Rockwood Park. Or they can go for a drive around the city and surrounding areas to take in all of the wonderful seasonal decorations or attend upcoming auctions featuring artifacts from local homes. These are but a few suggestions for those looking for interesting and entertaining interludes during this special time of year.
Peter Buckland’s special exhibit to welcome home expats will take place today and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Peter Buckland Gallery, 80 Prince William St.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Help plan the future of the city
Published 2009-12-23 11:15:34
After a temporary hiatus, FUSION’s economic development and urban planning committee has regrouped and is looking for Saint Johners looking to be a part of planning for the city’s future.
The committee works to ensure people are aware of, and engaged in, economic development and urban planning initiatives taking place throughout the city, and creates and implements new projects related to these issues. Committee member Austin Durbin has been appointed chairman and the group is already hard at work identifying projects and opportunities for the committee in the new year.
Originally from Indiana, Durbin spent a week in the Greater Saint John area while completing post-graduate studies at McGill University. He moved to Saint John this past May, and became involved with FUSION at the suggestion of a colleague.
“I wanted to meet people in my age range and with similar interests, and to connect with the community and figure out how things work in the city,” Durbin says of his decision to be involved with FUSION.
“I became involved with the economic development and urban planning committee because I saw it as an opportunity for me to step back as a citizen and become involved with issues pertaining to urban design and development in the city. I wanted a more active role in issues related to urban design and economic development, especially with the master plan that is being developed.”
A top priority for the economic development and urban planning committee in 2010 will centre around the master plan and the two-year planning process the city is undertaking to guide the development of Saint John over the next 25 years. This plan will be based on the community’s aspirations, focusing on how best to preserve and enhance quality of life, and Durbin feels FUSION members will have important feedback to share.
“I want to see the committee be involved with this new plan in terms of understanding the issues and identifying the key players,” he said.
The committee plans to create opportunities to provide feedback and be involved in the planning process.
“The urban lifestyle is becoming more desirable and this ability to develop and be a part of these plans from the outset would be a great opportunity for members of this committee and FUSION as a whole.”
The committee also hopes to establish relationships with other interest groups and organizations in the city and open channels for dialogue on issues such as alternative housing and heritage preservation.
“Ultimately we plan to find ways to communicate that we’re here and want to be involved,” Durbin said, “and to build connections that will allow that to happen.”
FUSION’s economic development and urban planning committee is currently seeking new members.
For more information on the committee, please visit our website at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Urban places, green spaces
Published 2009-12-15 06:42:32
On Monday the Nature Trust of New Brunswick announced that, thanks to a joint effort from the government of New Brunswick along with a generous donation from John Irving, 27 hectares of green space in the Millidgeville area of Saint John is now designated as an official nature preserve, protecting it from future development and ensuring it will be a green space available for people in the area to use and enjoy.
"We realized how quickly New Brunswick was developing, so we started looking at areas within municipalities for potential nature preserves," says Renata Woodward, conservation program director for the Nature Trust of New Brunswick. "This area is not developed, but there are evident trails, particularly by the school and along the coastline. Making sure these trails are made safe is the extent of the development that will take place.
The Nature Trust of New Brunswick is a non-profit land trust dedicated to preserving New Brunswick's outstanding ecological landscapes for people and nature. The nature trust maintains 28 nature preserves around the province, including five in the Saint John region. It will be responsible for the conservation and management of the land, however land conservation will also fall to those who live near and use the area.
"Our goal is to bring local people together and have them take ownership of the property," Woodward said. "I'd love to see the community be proud of this area, and willing to do their part to protect and enjoy what's in there."
The announcement was made at Rockwood Park, a perfect example of the advantage the city holds has over its counterparts in New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada - Saint Johners can access great green space without leaving the city centre.
Few other cities in our region can offer access to walking trails, waterways and rock-climbing courses within the city centre. Protecting and maintaining green spaces adds to our appeal and overall esthetic, but access to the "great outdoors" plays a big part in the overall health of a community. Ensuring people can easily access these areas is important not only from an appeal and esthetic perspective - it's vital if Saint John is going to position itself as a city offering a unique quality of life for those who choose to live and work here.
As Saint Johners, we can all be proud that one of our greatest assets is our mix of green spaces all within close proximity to our urban core. As a community, we must all do our part to ensure our city continues to flourish.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Party with a purpose to help family in need
Published 2009-12-08 06:45:35
This month FUSION is getting into the holiday spirit and has partnered with the Saint John Christmas Exchange to adopt a FUSION family and will build a Christmas basket at this month’s Party with a Purpose.
The Saint John Christmas Exchange is a confidential central exchange service operated by community volunteers with the primary purpose of ensuring that no family in need goes without a Christmas dinner.
The group has been in operation for 30 years and works with approximately 60 churches in Greater Saint John to ensure that local families have food and gifts for the holidays by co-ordinating with the churches and service organizations to develop and maintain a registration list and link families in need to individuals, businesses and organizations to sponsor them, and make sure their holiday needs are met.
The office is open for five weeks each year; registration begins in November and applications are accepted until mid-December.
“We’re so excited to host this holiday Party with a Purpose,” says Kelly Lawson, chair of FUSION’s ambassador’s committee, which has planned the event. “The holidays can be a stressful time for some Saint John families who struggle to meet their daily needs. Supporting the Saint John Christmas Exchange is a fun and rewarding way to share the spirit of giving and a great opportunity for FUSION members to give back to the community – which is what this season is really all about.”
Opera Bistro is sponsoring the event.
FUSION has sponsored a family of four: a mother and her three children, ages two, six and nine. Donations, both cash and in-kind will be accepted at the party, and will be used to create a Christmas hamper that will include groceries, clothes and Christmas presents. “We’ve asking our guests to bring a gift or donation,” Lawson said. “Our family’s wish list is available on our website; guests may choose to donate money, purchase an item from the list, or use their discretion based on the demographics of the family to buy a gift of their own choosing – everything helps.”
“Partnering with FUSION for this event will ensure one family is looked after this Christmas,” says Saint John Christmas Exchange office co-ordinator Kathleen Morris. “Our hope is that it will also give us more profile in the community, and with people are not currently sponsors, but might be interested in helping a family in the future.”
The December Party with a Purpose will take place on Friday, Dec. 18 at Opera Bistro on Prince William Street.
All are welcome to attend and encouraged to bring a donation for the FUSION family. For more information, including a list of suggested donation items, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Click here to view the Wishlist!
FUSION Saint John Supports the Saint John Christmas Exchange
Published 2009-12-04 18:39:56
FUSION Saint John has adopted a family as part of the Saint John Christmas Exchange.
FUSION members and Party with a Purpose (PWAP) guests can purchase gifts and bring to the December PWAP. It takes place at Opera Bistro on Dec 18th from 5:30 to 7:00pm.
Click here to find out how you can help!
City Seeks Volunteers for the Municipal Plan Citizens Advisory Committee
Published 2009-12-02 12:19:11
The City is about to launch a two year planning process to create a new Municipal Plan which will guide the development of Saint John over the next 25 years. The Plan will be based on the community’s aspirations, focussing on how best to preserve and enhance the City’s quality of life.
The City of Saint John is seeking applications from City residents who wish to serve on a 13-member Citizens Advisory Committee for the new Municipal Plan (link goes to Project Charter in PDF format).
The role of the Citizens Advisory Committee is to advise Common Council on the Plan and to act as ambassadors within the community to actively promote citizen involvement in the planning process. Committee members will meet regularly throughout the two year process.
The City encourages volunteers representing a wide cross section of the Saint John community. In particular, the City will be targeting membership from a variety of neighbourhoods and socio-economic backgrounds and those representing social, cultural, environmental, and economic interests.
Anyone interested in serving on the Citizens Advisory Committee is asked to submit a letter and brief resume outlining his/her background and interests in the future planning of the City. The deadline for applications is December 11th, 2009.
Applications can be made through the Office of the Common Clerk at the address below, or by applying online here. For more information please contact the Office of the Common Clerk at (506) 658-2862.
Office of the Common Clerk, 8th Floor
City of Saint John
PO Box 1971
Saint John, NB E2L 4L1
Fax: 674-4214
Ramping up for 2010
Published 2009-12-02 10:17:29
2009 may be winding down, but like many other organizations, FUSION is already looking ahead to the New Year and ramping up to kick off 2010 with a full slate of activities.
Late last month the FUSION board participated in a day-long strategic planning session, during which board members identified opportunities to improve areas of weaknesses and ways to leverage the organization’s strengths.
“It’s important to plan ahead – for the next year and the long term,” says chairman Shawn Peterson. “We need to know where we are going and determine the best next steps required to follow through.”
With 800-plus members, FUSION is conscious of the fact that there are many interests and ideals it has to represent. By taking a step back to look at the year, it’s easier to ensure that future events, initiatives and projects offer something for everyone.
It also gave the board a chance to discuss and evaluate the progress committees and ongoing projects have made and brainstorm ways to help FUSION grow.
The session allowed board members to consider negative beliefs some hold about FUSION and discuss ways to address the issues.
Topics revolved around ways to engage new people and organizations, and how to work collaboratively to make Saint John a more interesting place to live and work.
Three major themes were identified: building stronger ties with both UNBSJ and NBCC’s Saint John campus; developing promotional packages for newcomers to Saint John or FUSION and making better use of the website to promote FUSION and connect with potential members and partners.
The board also discussed how to get members more engaged – encouraging them to share their ideas and then providing the necessary support and resources to see them through.
“We want to encourage people to bring their ideas and suggestions forward, and to get involved with the committees to make them happen,” Peterson says.
“It’s the best way to get things off the ground.”
Initiatives discussed during the session included a speaker’s series, a forum on youth issues, fundraising events and ongoing opportunities for FUSION to partner with other community organizations to improve quality of life in Saint John.
For more information, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca
‘Party with a Purpose’ explores literacy and skills training
Published 2009-11-24 08:14:50
FUSION Saint John is partnering with the Saint John Learning Exchange Friday to host a Party with a Purpose. This month, FUSION members and party goers will have the opportunity to learn more about the city’s literacy education centre and Ties 2 Work, an employer-specific training program.
The TIES 2 Work (Training in Essential Skills) program is an innovative community partnership that assists individuals by co-ordinating short-term workplace essential skills training that leads to full-time living wage employment. Essential skills are the foundation upon which further learning and training is built, and the tools that allow people to respond to the demands of work, learning and life, including: reading text, document use, writing and numeracy, communication, thinking skills, team work, computer use and continuous learning. Based on similar successful programs in Canada and the United States, Ties 2 Work endeavours to match the needs of local employers with the skills of individuals seeking employment. Learners participate in 12 weeks of classroom and on-site training and upon successful completion receive full-time employment.
“There is a pool of people out there who want to work, but need the skills required to gain employment,” says Christina Fowler, executive director of the Saint John Learning Exchange. “We see all kinds of people who would make fabulous employees. People just need to think outside the box and champion this kind of thinking when it comes to employing people.” Ties 2 Work is unique in that it addresses the needs of both the employers and prospective employees, and strives to create a working relationship that is beneficial for both parties.
By partnering with FUSION to host Party with a Purpose, the Saint John Learning Exchange hopes to bring increased awareness to the importance of literacy, essential learning and partnerships to a new audience.
“FUSION members and Saint John Learning Exchange learners have a lot to learn from one another,” says Kate Barnett, president of the Learning Exchange’s board of directors and former chair of FUSION Saint John. “The more we know about the things going on in the city, the better equipped we are to help the cause.”
The November Party with a Purpose will be at the Hilton Hotel from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and everyone is welcome to attend. For more information please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca
Sign up for Operation Red Nose
Published 2009-11-17 09:26:30
FUSION has kicked off the 2009 Operation Red Nose campaign for greater Saint John.
This important community initiative strives to prevent drinking and driving during the holiday season by providing a safe ride home service to inebriated motorists. Volunteer drivers ensure that impaired drivers, and their vehicles, get home safely, reducing the number of drunk drivers on the road and making Saint John streets safer.
Operation Red Nose was created in Quebec City in 1984, and the road safety campaign has since grown to include more than 100 communities in Canada. FUSION hosted Operation Red Nose for the first time last year, and it was very widely received; based on the success of the inaugural campaign, plans for 2009 have been underway for several months.
FUSION Saint John is seeking volunteers and businesses wishing to take part in the program.
“More volunteers equal more exposure, and ultimately more drives,” says Operation Red Nose volunteer and FUSION board member Tom Roberts. Approximately 40 volunteers are required each evening the program is running, and they are divided into teams of three – an escort driver, a driver and a navigator.
“Many of our volunteers and sponsors are on board again this year, but we are hoping to broaden the scope of the 2009 campaign,” says Operation Red Nose Greater Saint John co-ordinator Katie Emrich. “We hope to spread the word and encourage Saint Johners to take advantage of the service over the holiday season, but also consider spending a night or two volunteering. It makes the roads safer for everyone.”
Last year, over 100 volunteers travelled more than 7,400 km and made sure 224 Saint Johners – and their cars – got home safely. While the service itself is free of charge, those who use it have the option to make a donation that will be re-invested in the community; thanks to their generous support FUSION donated $3,300 to P.R.O. Kids.
“We had wonderful feedback last year, and many of those volunteers are signed on to participate again this year immediately,” says Emrich. “It’s a great opportunity for groups of friends, teams or employees to give back to the community.” People can volunteer in groups ranging in size from three to 30, and groups, organizations or companies of 12 or more who, in addition to small sponsorship fees, commit to an entire night of service will have the night named for them and will be recognized in radio ads.
The service will be available to residents of Greater Saint John – Grand Bay-Westfield to Quispamsis, and will operate on November 27, 28, December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 26 and 31. Interested volunteers must register two weeks prior to their night on the road to allow time to process the applications and complete the required driver’s license and police checks.
To learn more about the program, please visit http://www.fusionsj.com/operationrednose2009 or call the FUSION Office at (506) 693-6810.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca
Seeking diversity at the top
Published 2009-11-12 06:38:53
This week FUSION Saint John is putting out a call to members interested in joining its board of directors.
“We are looking for people who want to get involved in a working board,” says FUSION chairman Shawn Peterson. “Being involved in FUSION at this level is a great opportunity to collaborate with other individuals and organizations to help make great things happen in this city.”
Positions FUSION is seeking to fill include treasurer and secretary, as well as directors who will also chair the economic and urban planning committee and immigration committee.
“In most instances, board members also serve as committee chairs or co-chairs,” says Peterson. “We’ve found this system to be very effective in maintaining the synergy between the many different things we have on the go at any one time”.
The economic and urban planning committee participates in economic development and urban planning initiatives in the city, plans events and executes its own projects designed to move urban renewal forward. The immigration committee acts as a liaison with the city’s immigrant community, serving to ensure that all FUSION members have a place to display, promote and share their culture.
Applicants are selected by a nomination committee, who review the applications, nominate candidates and make recommendations to the board. The nomination committee seeks to ensure the board represents the diversity that exists in our community and includes people from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, expertise and experience.
“Ultimately, FUSION exists to help make people feel at home in Saint John,” says Peterson.
“Our hope is that by encouraging our entire membership to consider being engaged at these levels is helping us to meet this goal.”
By giving people an opportunity to be active participants in their city, FUSION strives to help people recognize that they have a stake in their community, and the ability to affect the kind of change that will make Saint John a more vibrant place. FUSION members who are involved at both the committee and board level will attest that organizing and executing events and projects requires lots of time and resources, but by the same token will express how rewarding it is to bring these initiatives to fruition and witness how their efforts are helping shape people’s views of Saint John.
“Ideally, every applicant, and more broadly, Saint Johners, will choose to be involved with FUSION in some capacity, at either the board or committee level,” says Peterson.
“The strength of our organization depends largely on the level of involvement of our members, and we are fortunate to have so many people who bring such different strengths and perspectives to the table”.
Applications for the FUSION board can be submitted via email to info@fusionsj.com. Deadline is Nov. 25. For more information please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca
Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative Open House
Published 2009-11-04 13:45:03
Join ACAP Saint John at the Marsh Creek Restoration Initiative Open House.
It will be taking place Monday, November 9th, between noon and 8pm at the Saint John Hilton Hotel (Kennebecasis Room).
A push to help youth
Published 2009-11-03 13:35:42
Vibrant Communities has partnered with the Business Community Anti-Poverty Initiative (BCAPI) to host a forum today on Saint John youth at risk. The aim is to bring a broad range of people together to examine the issues affecting teenagers at risk of not completing school and develop solutions.
About 130 people from all walks of life will participate in the day-long forum at the UNBSJ Grand Hall on Charlotte Street.
"The reasons that kids fail or succeed are really complex - too complicated for any one group to tackle," says Wendy MacDermott, of Vibrant Communities Saint John. "If we're going to revolutionize the way kids are learning, everyone's got to be involved."
A presentation on local research and best practices will help provide a framework for developing solutions. A panel of youth will then discuss the challenges they faced in school, followed by group work to brainstorm ways to tackle the issues. "At the end of the day we hope to have a couple things that we can run with," says MacDermott. "We're hoping for a priority or two that BCAPI can get behind and move forward."
The forum will conclude with a business and community mixer, hosted by the Saint John Board of Trade. It will feature a presentation and photos from the forum, and serve as an opportunity for those who weren't able to participate in the event to learn about what was discussed, the solutions suggested, and opportunities to get involved. "The work that BCAPI is doing to find solutions to help youth out of poverty through education is extremely important. Co-hosting this mixer with them is an opportunity for our members to learn more about this issue and how business can be a part of the solution," says board president Imelda Gilman.
The mixer takes place from 4:30. to 6 p.m. at the Grand Hall.
All are welcome.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca
A green building like no other
Published 2009-10-27 06:44:25
Last week, the Greater Saint John Community Foundation’s environment committee hosted an open house at Somerset Square, one of Saint John’s newest developments and the first building in Atlantic Canada to achieve Gold status in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED.
LEED certification is recognized internationally as the highest standard for sustainable and environmentally aware construction. The 25,000 square foot complex, located at the corner of Somerset Street and Wellesley Avenue in the north end, boasts sustainable design features, including the use of recycled building materials, reduced lighting loads, a rainwater collection system, low-flow washroom fixtures and proximity to public transit.
The event gave Saint Johners the opportunity to learn about energy efficiency in both residential and commercial buildings – Saint John Energy, Efficiency New Brunswick and TOSS Solutions were on hand with exhibits and information on energy conservation and sustainability. Guided tours gave attendees a chance to see the many building and design features that have been incorporated into the building’s unique work environment and have helped Somerset Square attain its Gold status. The building itself is a brown field redevelopment, built on restored land that had been contaminated by years of commercial use.
A tremendous amount of planning and foresight goes into developing a building that will meet such stringent environmental and sustainability standards as outlined by LEED.
Somerset Square proves that this is something that can be accomplished, and the building will now serve as an example for future developments in the city and the province. It’s also advantageous in terms of the city’s ability to attract and retain talent in the area.
The quality of a work environment is becoming increasingly important for people in choosing where and how they work.
Many of Somerset Square’s tenants serve dual features in that they are both environmentally and employee friendly – 75 per cent of work spaces have access to daylight and there are operable windows on each floor for fresh air and temperature control.
It also offers preferential parking spots for low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles and carpools, bike storage and shower facilities for people who opt to bike, run or walk to work.
The number of enthusiastic Saint Johners who attended last week’s open house demonstrated that people in the city are excited about this new era of development and are keen to support projects that are helping to shift the perceptions and demonstrate that the city is a regional leader in energy efficient and innovative development.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca
Green Feet starting to march THROUGH Uptown Saint John
Published 2009-10-20 06:30:24
This Friday, FUSION will partner with Uptown Saint John's Green Feet committee to announce the winner of the Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) art contest and celebrate the launch of the BYOB campaign at the October Party with a Purpose.
Green Feet is Uptown Saint John's environment committee, and is made up of people that live, study and work in the area. It was formed in 2008, the result of a visioning session that identified a number of priorities related to the environment.
Since its creation, Green Feet has worked with community partners on several green activities, including an anti-idling project with ACAP and a tree-planting initiative with St. Malachy's High School. It is also working with uptown stakeholders to develop a position on waste management and with the City of Saint John to help promote its sustainability toolkit.
"All in all we want to develop programs that create a better community, and not just have a single unilateral purpose," says Anne McShane, owner of the Feel Good Store and member of the Green Feet committee.
Bringing your own reusable bags along on errands is a simple way to reduce waste, especially with the variety bags that are so widely available. Green Feet is leveraging this trend by engaging a broad spectrum of the community to participate - FUSION's membership, the Uptown Saint John network, and the arts community, and so on. In doing so, the contest and campaign is keeping waste reduction new, interesting and at top of mind.
Calls for submissions took place over the course of the summer and early fall, and entries were received from about 27 local artists. Their work will be available by silent auction bids at the party, with proceeds divided between the artists and the Joshua Group, which works to assist underprivileged children in the community.
The contest winner will have their work printed on 1,000 organic cotton bags. Free bags will be given to the first 100 party attendees, followed by "bag blitz day" on Nov. 7, where another 900 bags will be distributed by select uptown merchants and a street promotion giveaway.
"We decided to hold the contest because we want every action taken by Uptown Saint John to work to support as many of our priorities as we can," says McShane. "In the case of the BYOB launch, we want to encourage people to shop green, especially with the Christmas shopping season approaching, while supporting our local art community by holding an art contest with wonderful prizes."
In addition to having their artwork featured on the bags, the first place winner will receive a $500 gift certificate to ESL Art Supplies; first runner-up will also receive a gift certificate from ESL Art Supplies, valued at $150.
The October Party with a Purpose will take place this Friday at the Big Tide Brew Pub from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. For more information please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca
FUSION’s Report from the Chair – October 2009
Published 2009-10-14 08:11:58
 Shawn Peterson, Chair, FUSION Saint John Inc.
It was been another solid month for FUSION Saint John. We have been busy in the community, and it will only get busier as we begin organizing Operation Red Nose in Saint John for the 2009 holiday season.
With that said, here is our second – “FUSION’s Report from the Chair”:
September’s Party with a Purpose
Our last monthly Party with a Purpose took place at Boilerworks. The goal was to encourage volunteerism within the community. On hand were folks from the Saint John Volunteer Center who were able to talk about the upcoming Volunteer Recruitment Expo. It was a great chance to learn about the various volunteer opportunities and challenges volunteer organizations in the city face. It’s great to see so many volunteers making a difference in Saint John.
Thanks to the Ambassadors committee for organizing these monthly parties!
FUSION presents ArtConnect!
FUSION’s Community Engagement Committee had been busy preparing for our second ArtConnect event. This time, the event took place during the Volunteer Recruitment Expo. FUSION was able to co-ordinate sponsorship from five local companies, which was used to purchase artwork from five local artists. The artwork was then put up for silent auction during the Volunteer Recruitment Expo.
The interesting twist is that the silent auction was for volunteer hours – not money.
The highest bidder for each piece of artwork will receive the artwork after completing their hours at their chosen volunteer organization.
In total, over eight hundred hours was pledged by the winners!
Thanks to our local companies for sponsoring the event (and ensuring that the artists were paid): Moosehead, Irving Oil, Cox & Palmer, T4G Limited, and Bell Aliant.
Thanks to the local artists for supporting the concept: Jennifer MacLean, Nate Guimond, Vicky Walker, Sue Furlong, and Shawn Smith.
Finally, thanks to everyone for coming out to see us at the event. We received so many wonderful comments. I am very glad that we helped bring out some new volunteers along with raising awareness of volunteerism opportunities in the city.
Operation Red Nose 2009
FUSION is once again organizing Operation Red Nose in Greater Saint John!
Last year was the inaugural year in Greater Saint John, and it was a great success! There were nine nights of service, on Fridays & Saturdays between November 28 and December 27. We gave 224 rides to residents of Saint John, Grand Bay/Westfield, Rothesay and Quispamsis, and clients donated $3,300, which was in turn donated to PRO Kids. Feedback from clients, sponsors and volunteers was phenomenal.
This year’s local launch will be held in Saint John in November and campaign details (operation dates, phone number, headquarters, etc) will be revealed at this time.
We are now looking for volunteers – please email saintjohn@operationrednose.com for more details!
FUSION Fredericton / FUSION Moncton
“This past spring, FUSION was awarded $25,000 through the Population Growth Secretariat’s Youth Engagement Funding Program. FUSION was one of 20 provincial organizations to receive funding, which is designated for youth engagement initiatives for people between the ages of 15 and 35, youth-driven community engagement initiatives, and efforts that increase awareness of opportunities in the province.
With the successful creation of FUSIONs in Halifax, Bangor and Detroit, FUSION sought this funding so that we could recreate and implement our model a little closer to home. A steering committee has been established to oversee the project and consultant Christina Taylor has been hired to help build the FUSION framework and assist individuals in Moncton and Fredericton to set up shop and implement this model.”
Help shape this initiative by completing this needs assessment survey.
Be sure to share with your friends/contacts across the province!
Board Openings
Several spaces are now open on FUSION’s board. We are especially looking for people with a background/interest in the following roles: Secretary, Treasurer, Committee Chairs, etc.
Be sure to submit your name if you are interested – no matter your background. We are always looking for a diverse mixture of talent.
Email your details to actnow@fusionsj.com.
Get Involved!
As always, FUSION is looking for people who want be involved in our local community. There are a number of committees working on fun events and activities that make a difference in our city. Everyone is welcome, and your ideas and feedback really do matter.
Remember – all of our major events, committees, and projects started out as a “what if”. Your idea could turn into our next big thing!
Input will help build network of organizations
Published 2009-10-13 17:25:53
This past spring, FUSION was awarded $25,000 through the Population Growth Secretariat’s Youth Engagement Funding Program. FUSION was one of 20 provincial organizations to receive funding, which is designated for youth engagement initiatives for people between the ages of 15 and 35, youth-driven community engagement initiatives, and efforts that increase awareness of opportunities in the province.
With the successful creation of FUSIONs in Halifax, Bangor and Detroit, FUSION sought this funding so that we could recreate and implement our model a little closer to home. A steering committee has been established to oversee the project and consultant Christina Taylor has been hired to help build the FUSION framework and assist individuals in Moncton and Fredericton to set up shop and implement this model.
Creating a model is not as simple as just assembling a “how-to” manual based on current practices and operations. It requires an assessment of the things we are doing well and areas for improvement, and a review of best practices from other like-minded groups in Canada and the United States. More importantly, it is an opportunity to incorporate feedback and ideas from people across the province to make sure the models that will be implemented in other regions will be effective in attracting members and addressing the needs of those communities.
To that end, a needs assessment survey is currently in the works, which will soon be available on the FUSION Saint John website. It will provide an opportunity for New Brunswickers to let us know what is important to them in terms of their vision for both their community and their province, and to share their thoughts and suggestions on how to best make the FUSION model work in their cities.
“We’ve gotten positive feedback from interested individuals on working together – it’s a great opportunity to link different communities and the involved persons together, so that these cities aren’t competing against one another,” Taylor said.
Feedback from our members, supporters and sponsors has historically been the catalyst that has allowed FUSION to improve and evolve to attract members and better serve Saint John. In seeking counsel from people across the province, we are applying the same approach with a broader stroke.
The success of this project will be based on the number of people we engage and the quality of feedback we can collect. How can you be a part of it? Look for the needs assessment survey, as well as other future opportunities to share your thoughts, and encourage your friends, family and colleagues across New Brunswick to do the same. Your input will help build a network of community organizations that serve the individual needs of their members and communities, while working with others across the province to propel New Brunswick forward.
For more information, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca
Update - Here is the link to the needs assessment survey!
Gems of Hope - Cosmos for a Cause
Published 2009-10-13 16:27:34
Be sure to check out the following event going coming up in Saint John:
Click here to view the Facebook event
| Date: |
Friday, November 13, 2009
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| Time: |
5:00pm - 8:00pm
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| Location: |
Hilton Saint John - Trade Convention Centre - Marco Polo Room
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| City/Town: |
Saint John, NB
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Please join us for a Cocktail Party and Jewellery Extravaganza. All proceeds raised will help build a school, community centre and low-income housing complex for the Tumaini HIV/AIDS women's group and the Ngando preparatory School in Nairobi, Kenya.
Event Includes:
- Complimentary Cosmopolitan Cocktail & hors d'oeuvres
- A draw to win a blue & White hope diamond pendant valued at over $1,250.00 donated by W. Smith & Co.
- A chance to bid on a signature jewellery piece from bejewel by Trudy Gallagher
- Silent auction and Jewellery Sale, including jewellery hand-made by HIV/AIDS women from the TUmaini HIV Project in Nairobi, Kenya.
- Word of Hope from Efficiency New Brunswick CEO Elizabeth Weir and Saint John Native and student Pierre Robichaud.
Ticket: $40.00
Available at:
The Butterfly Shoppe (39 King Street)
Jewels for Divas (Shops of City Hall)
Or you can purchase tickets by phone or e-mail:
Call: 506-648-9677
E-mailing Cathy.Robichaud@rogers.com
Gold Sonsors:
- Hilton Saint John
- W. Smith & Co.
Silver Sponsors:
- Bejewl by Trudy Gallagher
- Cali Jewelery by krista Stackhouse
- Flewweling Press
- Hunter Sounds DJ
- Jewels for Divas
- Sarah Jayne Design
- The Butterfly Shoppe
Student volunteers help make the world go Around
Published 2009-10-07 11:37:27
The last two weeks, I’ve written about volunteers. As a result, I’ve received a handful of emails from university and college students asking how they can get involved. This got me thinking how fortunate Saint John is to have UNB Saint John, NBCC and other learning institutions in our community, as they are a key resource for so many different organizations.
“Students get involved for a number of reasons – personal satisfaction, to meet friends, resume building and networking opportunities that converge in ways that can be very advantageous,” said Celia McDermott, vice-president external on UNBSJ’s Student Representative Council.
Part of McDermott’s role on campus is to liaise with the Greater Saint John community on behalf of the student body to create opportunities for students and Saint Johners to connect and collaborate. Over the summer, student volunteers led a book reading club at the Crescent Valley Resource Centre.
They are now collaborating with the PALs program; 43 UNBSJ students will be lending their time at Hazen White St. Francis School to coach sports, serve meals and provide in-school mentorship.
“Our hope is that by being good mentors, we can increase the chance that these kids will eventually look into post-secondary opportunities themselves,” McDermott said.
“Our student activities in the community, volunteer or otherwise, are not always affiliated with formal student clubs and activities, so their reach is quite far,” Dan Tanaka, communications manager at UNBSJ, said. Many local students have a handle on multi-tasking, as their extra-curricular engagement is only one piece of the overall student experience, which also often includes part-time work on top of labs, papers and exams.
“By being engaged in my community, I was able to work with other young leaders, and experienced leaders who helped build skills and gain experiences that really enhanced my learning in university and allowed me to grow as a person,” said Eric Savoie, UNBSJ graduate and FUSION board member.
The entire community stands to gain from the reciprocal relationship between students and the community organizations they lend their time to throughout the course of their studies. For most, extra-curricular service doesn’t stop at the end of the term, or even with the completion of their program. The Saint John community is known for its high level of volunteerism. By engaging the younger demographic and newcomers in volunteer activities, not only is the university helping to create a better city, it is also providing a vehicle to help people feel a part of the social fabric of our community. Those who have stake in the community are more likely to stay and grow roots.
By continuing to work together, students and volunteer groups can infuse the community with people power, new ideas and resources to grow and evolve our city socially, culturally, academically and economically.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
T4G developer named a 'Rising Star' in New Brunswick
Published 2009-10-05 18:56:44
SAINT JOHN, October 5, 2009 – T4G Limited, a leading national provider of project-based technology services, is delighted to announce that one of its developers is officially a “rising star” in New Brunswick.
Rising Stars is an annual provincial award recognizing 12 young knowledge industry workers in companies and organizations throughout New Brunswick. Winners must distinguish themselves by the quality of their work and positive impact in both the community and the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. The awards were announced at a gala dinner in Moncton on October 1 (www.risingstars.ca).
“It was a thrill and a surprise to win this,” says Shawn Peterson, 24, who was hired at T4G’s Saint John operation four years ago after completing a co-operative work program as part of ICT training at New Brunswick Community College. “I could never have won this if not for working at T4G, a company that brings out the best in employees through encouragement, mentoring and always offering challenging projects.”
While Shawn”s job title is developer, his skill set now includes analysis, project management, team leadership and quality assurance due to his drive and initiative to understand all aspects of IT consulting over his first four years with T4G.
“I knew within the first hour of working with Shawn that he had an outstanding work ethic and maturity level beyond his years,” says Karen Colpitts, the T4G Project Manager in Saint John who nominated Shawn for the award. “Shawn is also active in charitable and other community work. He has all the qualities and inherent skills to excel in the IT industry or any other industry for that matter.”
Shawn is the chair of FUSION Saint John Inc., a networking group for active, civic-minded Saint John residents with a clear vision of the city’s future as a great place to live, work and play. He is also a government affairs committee member of the Saint John Board of Trade.
Like many T4G employees, he is also active in Future Focus Foundation, T4G’s registered charity that raises money for organizations that help children succeed.
Sponsored by New Brunswick’s ICT industry, Rising Stars is more than an award. It is also a year-long mentorship and networking program for accomplished and emerging technology leaders with the goal to ultimately enhance and strengthen the provinces leading IT sector.
About T4G Limited
T4G is a national, project-based, full-service professional services company founded in 1996 that delivers IT consulting services through a federation of operating business units. These business units service such areas as User Interface Design, Software and Application Development, Infrastructure, Networking and Security, Business Analytics and Reporting, and Content and Data Transformation. We believe in The Intelligent Application of Technology™ where less can be more, where innovation leads to opportunity, and where a culture of commitment always strives to exceed customers’ expectations.
For more information: www.t4g.com
Media Contacts
Cathy Simpson
Director, Marketing and Public Affairs
T4G Limited
cathy.simpson@t4g.com
506-632-2522
Bob Brehl
abc2 communications
bob@abc2.ca
416-994-1470
Art auction will help to recruit volunteers
Published 2009-09-29 06:35:17
This weekend, FUSION's Community Engagement Committee will host ArtConnect 2009, a silent auction fundraiser with a community-minded twist.
Five local artists have donated a piece of their work for participants to bid on with hours instead of dollars. Winners will "pay" with a volunteer position with one of Saint John's non-profit organizations.
"The goal of ArtConnect is really threefold," says Kristen Coombs, co-chairwoman of FUSION's Community Engagement Committee, who partnered with the Saint John Volunteer Centre to organize ArtConnect 2009. "It's a different way of encouraging community engagement amongst Saint Johners, as well as supporting local artist and non-profit organizations. We're hoping that it will be an event that really benefits a broad segment of our community."
ArtConnect first took place in 2007 as a part of the Harvesting the Arts Festival; this year it is being held in conjunction with the Volunteer Recruitment Expo taking place this weekend in Brunswick Square.
"I wanted to participate in ArtConnect to help raise awareness for non-profit organizations in the city, and to make a positive contribution in the community," says local artist Jennifer MacLean, who, along with Vicky Walker, Shawn Smith, Sue Furlong and Nate Guimond, has donated a piece of their work for the event. "Money is necessary, but it's the commitment and effort of the volunteers that really define a non-profit organization. To volunteer is to make a personal connection with your community."
Each work has approximate value of $250, and has been sponsored by local businesses T4G Limited (Future Focus), Irving Oil Ltd., Moosehead Breweries Ltd., Cox & Palmer and Bell Aliant. A list of eligible non-profit groups, as well as a minimum amount of hours "starting bid," will be posted beside the artwork so bidders will have full disclosure about the opportunity for which they are bidding. At the close of the auction, the highest bidders will sign a memorandum of understanding, committing to their pledged volunteer hours with the chosen non-profit. From a group of participating organizations, participants can choose which non-profit to bid their hours against to allow selecting a volunteer position that interests them.
"When we decided to revive ArtConnect, hosting it in conjunction with the Volunteer Recruitment Expo made so much sense," Coombs said. "Our hope is it will allow us to connect with people already interested in donating their time, and offer them an opportunity to get something unique in return for making a commitment to work with an organization in need."
Allowing participants to choose which organization they will volunteer with means they are taking on a position that is interesting and engaging, ensuring that the experience is rewarding for the volunteers and organizations alike. FUSION's Community Engagement Committee exists to seek and create opportunities for Saint Johners to be involved with their community. Ultimately, the hope is that participants will continue to work with these organizations long after their pieces of art are home and hanging on the wall.
ArtConnect 2009 will take place in conjunction with the Volunteer Recruitment Expo on Thursday and Friday in Brunswick Square. Bidding will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Expo will help recruit volunteers
Published 2009-09-23 14:16:15
Got some extra time and energy? Looking to share expertise, or diversify your resume? Want to find a way to give back to the community, but not quite sure how to do it? You’re in luck. Next week, the Saint John Volunteer Centre will be hosting a Volunteer Recruitment Expo, aimed at matching community-minded Saint Johners with non-profit agencies looking for volunteer support.
“Non-profit organizations face a lot of challenges getting their recruitment message out, for a number of reasons, so this is a good want to connect potential volunteers with organizations in need,” says Eileen McLaughlin, Recruitment Expo chairwoman and executive director of the Saint John Volunteer Centre. To celebrate the occasion, FUSION has partnered with the volunteer centre to host the September Party with a Purpose, sponsored by the New Brunswick Non-Profit Secretariat.
This month’s purpose is not to promote the Volunteer Expo, but to encourage a sense of volunteerism within the community. “FUSION members have demonstrated a talent for getting the word out to their networks, and for achieving results,” McLaughlin said. “The Party with a Purpose will give us an opportunity to pump up the pre-expo excitement with participating agencies, FUSION volunteers and the volunteer community at large.”
There has been a significant decrease in volunteering across Canada. Non-profit agencies in the city have worked together organizing the volunteer expo as a way to address this issue, and as a means of one-stop shopping for prospective volunteers looking for the “right fit” to lend their time and talents.
The theme of this year’s expo is Unleash your energy: Be active €¦ Volunteer, focusing on the many ways active volunteering energizes the mind, body and spirit. Organizers will highlight the different types of high-energy volunteer work with a presentation that will run throughout the expo, Volunteering: A Gateway to Physical Activity. Approximately 40 non-profit agencies, FUSION included, will be on hand to share information on volunteer opportunities. There will be a Passport Program to encourage visitors to explore each booth and learn more about the non-profit agencies at work in the city; “passports” stamped by five agencies will be entered into a draw.
The reach of community organizations, FUSION included, extends only as far as its network of volunteers. Successes are only achieved when people share their ideas, and then commit to seeing through a project, event or initiative through. The Volunteer Recruitment Expo will give Saint Johners a chance to learn more about both the interesting opportunities available, as well as the number and diversity of agencies at work in the city and looking for volunteer support.
The Volunteer Recruitment Expo will take place Oct. 1-2 in Brunswick Square. September’s Party with a Purpose will take place this Friday, 5:30-7pm, at Boilerworks. For more information please visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Party with a Purpose - September 2009
Published 2009-09-20 14:42:01
FUSION’s Report from the Chair – September 2009
Published 2009-09-17 08:47:57
 Shawn Peterson, Chair, FUSION Saint John Inc.
It has been a busy time for me since becoming Chair of FUSION Saint John in August.
Since then, we have hosted our first board meeting where we welcomed several new people to the board: Shilo Boucher, Jessica Gozdzierski, Alexander Pesold, Thomas Roberts, and Lenny Qian.
It’s great to see so much enthusiasm on the board towards the city we love!
FUSION has been very active in the community this month. As communications is a top priority of mine, I thought that providing a report on what FUSION has been doing would help people understand what we do in the community.
Here is the first – “FUSION’s Report from the Chair”:
August Party with a Purpose
Our last monthly Party with a Purpose took place on Princess Street, which was closed from Canterbury to Prince William so that people could mix and mingle out on the recently rebuilt street. The weather was nice, the street was busy, and the businesses were packed – overall, another a great time for everyone who attended. Check out some pictures here!
An important thing to mention about these parties is that our Ambassadors committee was out in full swing – welcoming new members to FUSION and the city. This committee works very hard to make sure that people feel at home in Saint John!
FUSION raises over $2500 at the Saint John Dragon Boat Festival
FUSION once again participated in the annual Saint John Dragon Boat Festival. The team was made up of variety FUSION members who responded for our call for volunteers. Those who didn’t paddle came out to cheerlead!
Despite the wet weather, the team was in good spirits – and even finished in 15th place.
FUSION raised over $2,500 for the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation by having a silent auction and 50/50 at July’s Party with a Purpose, a yard sale in Queen Square, and much more.
Thanks so much to Katie Emrich, FUSION’s 1st Vice Chair, for organizing the team and fundraising events. Stay tuned for a call for team members for next years team!
Fifth annual Harvesting the Arts Festival
The fifth annual Harvesting the Arts Festival took place in King’s Square on September 12. The rain held off, the square was packed with people, and everyone had a chance to see great local bands, artists, dancers, and more! Read more about the event in our InFUSION article and HERE magazine.
The festival was organized by FUSION’s Arts and Culture Committee, who put in a tremendous amount of time and energy into making this a successful event. I am personally very impressed with all of the volunteers who came out to help setup tents, chairs, tables, and move them back at the end of the day. It was truly a team effort!
Germain Street Open
FUSION will be hosting a hole in the Germain Street Open, an annual “urban golf” tournament, later this month. This unique event raises money for the Children’s Wish Foundation. Be sure to stop in and say hello to the FUSION members taking part!
Get Involved!
As always, FUSION is looking for people who want be involved in our local community. There are a number of committees working on fun events and activities that make a difference in our city. Everyone is welcome, and your ideas and feedback really do matter.
Remember – all of our major events, committees, and projects started out as a “what if”. Your idea could turn into our next big thing!
JA offers hands-on experience at a young age
Published 2009-09-15 18:42:46
As the school year gets into full swing, Junior Achievement of Southwestern New Brunswick has begun looking for business-minded Saint Johners to volunteer as advisers for one of its extra-curricular initiatives, the Company Program.
This program, open to students in Grades 9 through 12, encourages participants to learn by doing as they organize and operate their own company, which allows them to learn the basics of entrepreneurial economics and business leadership first-hand.
"It's a good opportunity for students to get hands-on experience at a young age," say Gary Pitre, program manager for JA. A team of six volunteer advisers works with each student company, and provides counsel on issues ranging from marketing to product selection to liquidation. Advisers are responsible for attending company meetings, offering guidance and giving feedback to the company executive. By sharing their expertise and counsel, they help keep students on track, but the students are ultimately responsible for making the tough business decisions and pointing the company in the right direction.
"It's very rewarding to see how far these students can go and how much they can learn in a fairly short period of time," says Greg Cashin, a member of the local council for JA in Saint John. "Advisers can learn just as much from these students as the students can learn from them. They have amazing grasp on technology and such great ideas on how to use these tools to market their product."
The current team of advisers has a diverse cross-section of occupations, experience and backgrounds. They include stay-at-home moms and retirees, as well as representatives from a number of local companies: Xerox, IBM, Irving, CIBC, Aliant, UNBSJ, NBCC-SJ, TD Bank, Saint John Board of Trade, Exxon Mobile and Canaport LNG. This diversity means students can acquire a broad range of skills by working with people who have a variety of perspectives, from which they can learn from and draw upon as they build relationships with their classmates, colleagues and customers.
"Getting involved in these types of things and supporting these programs will ultimately make Saint John a more vibrant place," Cashin said.
Through a number of different initiatives, including the Company Program, JA has helped Saint John students grasp the fundamentals of entrepreneurship for 25 years, giving countless students a chance to learn about conducting business.
By creating an opportunity to learn about the components of a successful enterprise, students have a headstart in thinking about how these principles apply not only to their own business, but to the world around them, giving them a better understanding of how their community works outside the walls of their high school.
The 18-week program starts in October, and adviser training will begin Sept. 22. For more information, please contact jast@nb.aibn.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Day-long festival will feature artists, musicians and more
Published 2009-09-08 06:39:14
For the fifth year in a row, FUSION Saint John will usher in autumn with a celebration of Saint John’s arts and culture community at the Harvesting the Arts Festival, an annual day-long event that gives artists, musicians, performers and food vendors an opportunity to showcase their talent in King’s Square.
“Being a part of events like the Harvesting the Arts Festival (is) a great way to get out there and show your work to people who may not otherwise ever see it,” says painter Mallory Driscoll, one of a number of Saint John artists who will be selling their work at the Harvesting the Arts Festival.
Driscoll is no stranger to the festival, but this will be the first time she will be there as a vendor.
“It’s a terrific atmosphere,” she says, “and I think it’s a great opportunity to reach out to a new audience and network with other artists.”
Driscoll will be joined by other great local talent including potter Alison Gayton, jewelry maker Kelly O’Neill and photographer Lindsay McLaughlin at the day-long, free-of-charge, community event.
The Harvesting the Arts Festival continues to grow each year.
Last year more than 2,000 people passed through King’s Square to support the Saint John artists, musicians and performers who make up the city’s vibrant arts and culture community.
“Art is a lot like music in that it’s much better live,” Driscoll says.
“People generally appreciate the work more once they have met the artist.”
Over the course of a day a number of local musicians will grace the stage, including: Jason (Moondog) Robertson, Karen Palmer, Alex Keleher, Micah Nickerson, Keith Facey, Ken and his band of Friends with James Dalzell, Wayne Fowler, Matt Soucy, December Fall Out, Eric Muir, Girls Would Kill, Shinjuku Mad and headlining band Quonset.
“There are a ton of great artists and musicians here in Saint John,” Driscoll says.
“We’re very fortunate to have these kinds of events that promote and celebrate the arts – it’s the best way to share your work and connect with new people.”
There will also be a number of other activities.
There will be food from around the world at Food Alley, children’s activities including the Indigo Reading Circle, face painting and the InterAction Children’s Theatre. Jason MacLean of the Yoga Outlet will lead a yoga class and Joe Hatfield will again be on hand in Karate Korner, teaching a karate class and giving demonstrations over the course of the day.
The Harvesting the Arts Festival will take place this Saturday in King’s Square, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, please visit www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Harvesting the Arts Festival 2009
Published 2009-09-06 09:30:25
Harvesting the Arts Festival 2009
Read more on the Harvesting the Arts webpage!
New FUSION leader will reach out to community
Published 2009-09-01 06:30:50
Peterson, a developer and analyst at T4G Limited, was born and raised in the city, and since making the decision to live and work here, has become dedicated to improving the quality of life and level of community engagement in Greater Saint John. He has been involved with FUSION for the past four years, previously serving as chairman of the community engagement and government relations committee. In the year ahead, Peterson plans to make outreach and improved lines of communications top priorities.
“Over the coming year, I’d like to see FUSION improve the way we communicate with Saint Johners, and the organizations and group with whom we collaborate with on different activities and initiatives,” Peterson said. FUSION stands to gain from identifying ways to improve the lines of communications with members. “We’re always looking for feedback on what’s not working, and what’s working well. Moving forward, we will continue to look to our members for new ways to engage others, and make sure everyone has an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas.”
FUSION also welcomed Shilo Boucher, Jessica Gozdzierski, Alexander Pesold, Thomas Roberts and Lenny Qian to the board of directors. Each brings a wealth of ideas and experience that will serve FUSION, and Greater Saint John, over the coming year.
“Fusion is an organization that is constantly evolving,” Peterson said. “The committees are always working on new ideas and identifying new opportunities, based on member input. I’m really excited about having so many new faces around the board table and the fresh perspective our new directors will bring to the committees, and to FUSION as a whole.”
Next up for the FUSION board will be a strategic planning session, during which the board will identify its priorities for the coming year and address areas for growth.
“FUSION is presented with a unique challenge – trying to connect people with their community,” Peterson. said. “I think by helping people feel at home in Saint John, whether they grew up here or they have only recently arrived, we are making a valuable contribution to the city.”
To achieve this end, Peterson also hopes to create closer ties with the student bodies at both UNBSJ and NBCC-Saint John, leveraging the existing relationship between FUSION and local students.
For more information on FUSION’s board of directors, committees or opportunities to be involved, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
1st MYPIE Golf Scramble Tournament
Published 2009-08-28 06:25:26
The network of Miramichi Young Professionals and Involved Entrepreneurs is organizing its 1st MYPIE Golf Scramble Tournament that will be held on Thursday, September 3rd 2009 at the Miramichi Golf and Country Club. Find enclosed the registration form with all the details.
For more information on how to register or forming partnerships, please contact Nicole Pozer at 622-5260 or via email at nicole.pozer@ent-miramichi.ca
Registration deadline is August 27th 2009. Limited spots so book now!
1er Tournoi de golf MYPIE
Le réseau des jeunes entrepreneurs et professionnels de la Miramichi, communément appelé MYPIE, organise son 1er tournoi de golf (18 trous) qui aura lieu le jeudi 3 septembre prochain au Club de golf de la Miramichi. Veuillez trouver ci-joint le formulaire d’inscription contenant plus de détails.
Pour vous inscrire ou obtenir plus d’information, veuillez contacter Nicole Pozer au 622-5260 ou via courriel à nicole.pozer@ent-miramichi.ca.
La date limite pour s’inscrire est le 27 août 2009.
Les places sont limitées, donc réservez dès maintenant!
Taking it to the street
Published 2009-08-25 10:54:40
This month, FUSION is taking its Party with a Purpose to the street, celebrating the recently completed construction phase on Princess Street with a block party.
“It’s a celebration of the block and of the fun atmosphere on this street,” says Peter Smit, owner of Happinez wine bar. Happinez, along with Sebastien, O’Leary’s and the Big Tide Brewing Co., the recently opened micro-brewery, are working together to host the event, in conjunction with FUSION and Uptown Saint John Inc. The block between Canterbury and Prince William streets will be closed to traffic, giving party-goers a chance to mingle on the streets, and explore the different establishments that populate the block. Each of the host establishments will serve appetizers and FUSION-themed cocktails will be available. People will have the chance to learn about the Princess Street development – the work recently completed as well as future plans, while supporting the establishments that keep this particular block unique.
“We jumped at the chance to be a part of this block party,” FUSION chairman Shawn Peterson says. “It’s’ a great opportunity for FUSION members to explore these great establishments and celebrate the revitalization taking place in our uptown.”
The block party is more than just a celebration of the finished work, it’s a chance to learn about the development project underway in the uptown – the completed phase and future plans alike. It’s also an opportunity to experience the city’s night life, and the diverse options available for Saint Johners looking to have a night on the town.
“Any city would be lucky to count an Irish pub, martini bar, micro-brewery and wine bar amongst its offerings,” Peterson said. “Here in Saint John we’re got this great selection on one city block, and the establishments are willing to work together to promote themselves and this area.”
One of FUSION’s top mandates is to make Saint John a great place to live, work and play. Local businesses working together for special events such as a block party help support this goal and brings tremendous value to Saint John’s social scene. Having a variety of bars and restaurants is an important ingredient to attract and retain people to the city; knowing that there are lots of options at the end of the workday can be very persuasive in selling Saint John.
The August Party with a Purpose – a Princess Street Block Party will take place this Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Princess Street, between Prince William and Canterbury streets. For more information, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Perceptions of city have changed
Published 2009-08-18 09:54:02
Last week, a colleague from Halifax joined us at the office for the day. Originally from Saint John, she left for university, and has been away ever since. Over the course of the day she remarked on how much Saint John's retail landscape had changed in the years since she had left.
With each new business that opens its doors, Greater Saint John seems well on its way to becoming one of the most sophisticated cities in the region. For those of us living and working here, this change has seemed more organic - Saint John was always a hot spot, right? But for Saint Johners living away, returning home - whether for a day, week or permanently - the shift seems much more sudden.
And the growth shows no sign of stopping, as the city prepares to welcome Costco, the revamped west side and a host of other new developments.
Since moving back to the city slightly more than a year ago, I have heard similar sentiments from a number of friends and family members upon their return to Saint John. People are so pleasantly surprised by the many entertainment options there are to choose from.
"It's not the same industrial city it once was," says the Northrup Group's John Johnston, who chaired the International Council of Shopping Centre's annual conference that was held in Saint John last week. "Although industry will always be the heart of Saint John, we are seeing spinoffs that are changing perceptions. Our uptown, west and east sides are starting to gain significant momentum and development."
Johnston noted that delegates represented a cross-section of sectors - including retail, tourism and business - and session topics touched on a variety of elements that lend themselves to the development of a dynamic retail landscape: site selection, strategic development, waterfront development and becoming a customer-focused organization. These activities occurred against the backdrop of the city, giving participants and opportunity to explore the city and experience for Saint John for themselves.
"People are starting to recognize and build on our natural assets," Johnston said.
"We now have diverse restaurants, shopping, spa and cultural experiences we didn't have five years ago - not to mention our architecture, waterfront, walking trails and nature parks all within a three-mile radius."
Developers, entrepreneurs and economic development organizations have put a tremendous amount of effort into expanding the city's offerings and have done a great job stewarding Saint John through recent months of economic uncertainly. However, we all have a role to play in sustaining this momentum and increasing the retail, dining and entertainment options available in Saint John by supporting our local businesses.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Princess Street Block Party
Published 2009-08-14 09:52:36
Spotlight on the arts
Published 2009-08-11 09:53:59
Once again this fall, FUSION will train a spotlight on the Saint John arts and culture community at the fifth annual Harvesting the Arts Festival. Festival co-chairs are recruiting artists, musicians, food vendors and businesses to highlight their wares at the day-long, free-of-charge celebration featuring art displays, performances and Food Alley, which serves up an array of international foods over the course of the day.
"There is always new and emerging talent that is looking for ways to be seen or heard," co-chairwoman Jessica Gozdzierski says. "The Harvesting the Arts Festival is the perfect opportunity to do just that."
For the artists, musicians and food vendors involved, this all-ages event is more than an opportunity to make a sale or put on a show. It is the chance to display their work to a broad audience they may not otherwise have access to, as well as meet other artists and make professional connections. Last year, almost 2,000 people passed through King's Square over the course of the day, viewing the work of more than 150 artists working in a variety of media.
"It's a great opportunity for emerging artists and musicians to get their work out there," Harvesting the Arts Festival co-chairwoman Jennifer Waldschutz says. "It's a great networking event for these artists - for many this is their first opportunity to sell their work to the public."
For the artists, musicians and food vendors involved, it's an opportunity to raise their profile and network, but those lacking artistic ability also have the chance to contribute to the success of the event, because the committee is also looking for volunteers to fill a variety of roles.
"The Harvesting the Arts Festival couldn't function without our many wonderful volunteers," Gozdzierski said. "Not only are they involved in a fun and exciting event, they are exposed to some of the city's best talent."
"It's a super opportunity for people to meet others in the community," Waldschutz said of the many volunteers whose efforts make the Harvesting the Arts Festival a success. "Our volunteers seem to really build good relationships with the people they're helping; some request to help the same vendors each year."
The Harvesting the Arts Festival is a testament to the vibrancy of Saint John's arts and culture community - the people who are working to contribute to and enhance our arts tradition, and those who support them by purchasing their work, whether it's food, jewelry or CDs, or by donating their time to ensure the event is a success.
The 2009 Harvesting the Arts Festival will take place on Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., in King's Square. Those interested in volunteering or participating as a vendor are encouraged to visit FUSION Saint John online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
HOLA Saint John Fiesta 2009
Published 2009-08-05 18:24:20
HOLA Saint John Fiesta 2009
More details on their Facebook group.
Starts - Friday, August 7, 2009 at 8:30pm
Ends - Sunday, August 9, 2009 at 12:00am
Location - Market Square Boardwalk, Saint John
Latin Music Fiesta
Friday, 8:30 pm - Midnight
Dee (Dianelys Hernandez)
Sumba (Good Life) Dancers
Saturday, 8:30 pm - Midnight
Tierra Morena (Quebec)
DJ Music (Friday & Saturday)
Fiesta de Musica Latina
Viernes, 8:30pm-Medianoche
Dee (DIanelys Hernandez) Bailarines
Sábado, 8:30pm-Medianoche
Tierra Morena (Quebec)
DJ Music (Viernes y Sábado)
Children’s Fiesta
2pm - 5pm
Face-painting, Crafts Talent Show, Giant Pinata, Fiesta Cake, Food, Music, and Games
Fiesta para Niños
2pm-5pm
Decoracion facial y Artesanias Show de talento, Piñata Gigante, Pastel de la Fiesta, Juegos, Comdia y Musica
SPONSORS:
Market Square Boardwalk, Saint John Board of Trade, Province of New Brunswick, City of Saint John, Canaport LNG, Fundy Engineering, Alliance Assurance and ServiceMASTER.
Yard sale Saturday will help dragon boat team
Published 2009-08-04 21:12:44
This Saturday, the FUSION/Investors Group dragon boat team will hold its second fundraising event of the summer with a yard sale in Queen Square in the south end. This is the second year for the yard sale after a popular inaugural event last summer, and all proceeds will be donated to the 2009 Saint John Dragon Boat Festival.
"We wanted to do something different," said Katie Emrich, the dragon boat team captain and event organizer. "And everyone loves a yard sale, but not many have the time or patience to put one on."
The yard sale gives people a reason to clean out those closets and donate their unused goods, as community members donate all items for sale.
The 2009 Saint John Dragon Festival will take place Aug. 29 at the Renforth wharf, and the proceeds will be used to create a Wellness Garden and Sanctuary at St. Joseph's Hospital for patients and their families.
Have some things you'd like to donate? It's not too late to downsize and give to a good cause. Team members will be taking donations this week, and they will also ensure that anything that is not sold during the day-long event won't end up back in your junk drawer. Leftover items from last year's yard sale were later donated to First Steps, the Salvation Army and Value Village for Community Living.
Take advantage of the great space Queen Square has to offer for community gatherings. The dragon boat team is working to build on the success of last year's sale and make this one of FUSION's marquee summer events. Additional festivities will include a barbecue, starting at 10:30 a.m., face painting and children's entertainment.
One man's trash is another man's treasure. In this case, use of the term "trash" is debatable - great items that have already been donated include a computer monitor, karaoke machine, furniture, home décor items and children's toys and games. Regardless of whether you're parting ways with your "trash" or discovering a great new treasure, you're supporting a great cause.
"It's something that costs very little to host, which means more money can go directly to the cause," Emrich said of the inspiration for turning a yard sale into a fundraiser.
"Everyone is hard up for money these days, so this is a great opportunity to unload old stuff, and support our team and the dragon boat festival."
FUSION's fundraising yard sale will take place Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Queen Square. Items may be donated at 271 Princess St. on Thursday and Frdiay from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Community Foundation Releases Vital Signs 2009 Survey
Published 2009-07-29 19:12:55
The Greater Saint John Community Foundation is releasing an online survey on “Greater Saint John’s Vital Signs®” today, with an invitation to the public to “grade” our community’s quality of life. Vital Signs® is an annual community check-up conducted by more than a dozen community foundations across Canada. It measures the vitality of our cities, identifies significant trends, and assigns grades in at least ten areas critical to quality of life, using data compiled from many national, provincial and local sources. The survey is posted on the Community Foundation’s web-site, http://www.saint-john-foundation.nb.ca or by going directly to: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=YuF0ljepi4shMi3BY_2fGucA_3d_3d. In an effort to engage youth, the Foundation’s Facebook fans and Twitter followers are being invited to participate. As well, local municipalities will post it on their websites.
Between July 30 and August 7, participants are asked to grade selected data in 10 key areas, critical to our quality of life, for inclusion in the 2009 Report: Gap between Rich and Poor, Safety, Health, Learning, Housing, Getting Started, Arts and Culture, Environment, Work, and Belonging & Leadership. Forty questions comprise the survey, which contains data highlights from the full report, due this fall. Participants can give their input based on a one to five “Star” grading for each data set. It includes for example, food bank usage, air quality and youth employment statistics, housing starts, high school completion rates and voter turnout. Last year, the first year the survey was used, over three hundred respondents took part.
On October 6, 2009 the Greater Saint John Community Foundation will release Greater Saint John’s Vital Signs, 2009, our community’s fourth annual report card, incorporating the results of the survey, along with a wealth of data, tips for how individuals can get involved to improve our grades, as well as local “good news” stories. The aim is to ensure that the October report has fairly, comprehensively and accurately described our community using the best information available from reliable sources.
The foundation funds this project as a public service to highlight issues of local importance, and as a planning tool for many sectors of the community. It engaged the Saint John Human Development Council to assist in compiling the research on economic and social data, and is being shared with the City of Saint John's Vision 2015 process and in the development and implementation of their Integrated Community Sustainability Plan. It was shared with Saint John area foundations and charities which provide funding to local causes last month at a Funders’ Forum organized by the Community Foundation. The Foundation’s Grants Committee will use it to guide their fall granting program.
The Greater Saint John Community Foundation is part of a national effort, Vital Signs®, based on a project of the Toronto Community Foundation, started in 2001, which is coordinated nationally by Community Foundations of Canada. Vital Signs® has been lauded as a valuable measurement tool for community groups, leaders, businesses and researchers.
The Greater Saint John Community Foundation serves as a trustee for charitable, educational and cultural purposes. It administers funds given by the public-spirited individuals for the benefit of the people of this area. Since 1976, the Foundation’s assets have grown to over $7 Million. Grant applications from local registered charities are invited before September 30th, 2009.
City folk staying home for holidays
Published 2009-07-28 12:45:01
Summer – the time of year where vacation reigns supreme. Destinations range from rustic camp sites to swanky resorts, but the purpose is the same – to pack up and hit the road for some sun, fun and relaxation.
This year, however, the “staycation” seems to be equally as popular as “just getting away-” rather than heading off into the vacation sunset, more people are choosing to spend their holidays closer to home.
“People are taking the time to explore interesting aspects of the city they haven’t bothered with for decades, either because they have new prominence, as is the case with Barbour’s General Store, or because they have decided to get back in touch with their city – most likely a combination of the two,” says Sean Payne of Tourism Saint John.
There is certainly no shortage of things to do or “stay-trips” to take, whether you’re geocaching at Rockwood Park or meandering around the uptown.
Tourism Saint John itself has also gotten into the spirit of the staycation. It typically sends its summer information centre staff on day trips in southern New Brunswick as a way of familiarizing themselves with local attractions and areas outside the city. This year, however, they opted to focus on the many attractions around Saint John, sending several groups of summer information centre staff on a day trip in the city. “We felt that spending a day touring the city would benefit the staff much more than going elsewhere,” Payne said. “This is how a lot of people are approaching summer vacation this year; I’ve seen more visitors from Moncton and Fredericton visiting who haven’t been here in years. Once they’re here, they’re finding themselves pleasantly surprised with how much there is to do.”
Saint Johners are spending their holidays right here at home and discovering that there are plenty of great ways to spend a vacation in the city – no packing and unpacking required. One of the best benefits is that it gives us the chance to explore the many attractions our own region has to offer, but that seem to get lost in the shuffle of our day-to-day lives.
The economic uncertainty that has hijacked the headlines over the past year has inspired people to find creative ways to make the most of their dollar. This perspective has crept into all areas of life – including summer vacation planning, and “staycation” has become as big of a holiday buzzword as “all-inclusive.” As is often the case, the sites and sounds that are right under our noses are often overlooked and under appreciated. This year, we are rediscovering that there are plenty of great ways to spend a vacation right here in the city. Rather than spend money getting somewhere, Saint Johners are staying here and living larger, rediscovering an appreciation for our own neck of the woods.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca
FUSION's Silent Auction List!
Published 2009-07-21 17:20:57
Below is a list of the silent auction items that will be available at this Friday's Party with a Purpose!
- Lily's Café – $50 Gift Certificate
- Time Out Massage Therapy – Gift Certificates for 1 HOUR Massage ($75.00)
- Time Out Massage Therapy – Gift Certificates for 1 HOUR Massage ($75.00)
- Tim Isaac Art, Antiques and Auctions - Victorian Caboose Chair circa 1890's Charlotte County Estate ($150.00)
- Bean Books - Oil on Canvas Painting of Saint John ($68.00)
- Handworks - Sterling Silver Mail smith Bracelet by local jeweler Jonathan Corey of Masterworks Jewellery ($162.00)
- New Brunswick Museum - 4 Adult Day passes & NB Museum Tote ($44.00)
- Je Suis Prest Boutique - $50 Gift Certificate
- L’il Shop of Science - Easy Flyer Kite ($25.00)
- DECOR8 FINISHING TOUCHES - $50 Gift Certificate
- Coles Brunswick Square - Bestseller Novels ($67.00)
- Manchester Shoes - MATT & NAT Wallet Set ($115.00)
- W. H. Hayward - Village by the Sea Platter ($15.00)
- Keith Hermack of Investors Group - Laguiole 6-Piece Steak Knife Set ($60.00)
- Uptown Girl SJ Accessories - Handmade Necklace and Earrings ($50.00)
- Jewels for Divas - Raw Silk Tye-Dyed Scarf, Sunglasses and Case, Sterling Silver Pendant & Chain ($143.00)
- UNBSJ Bookstore – Sweatshirt ($47.95)
All invited to party on Friday
Published 2009-07-21 12:43:50
This Friday, Fusionites will be celebrate summer with a Party with a Purpose on a new Saint John patio and welcoming everyone from the community to join in. Not only is it an opportunity to check out the Pepper’s Pub/Lemon Grass new outdoor digs on Market Square, it’s a chance to support an especially important purpose – the Saint John Dragon Boat Festival. With the call for paddlers long filled, and teams hard at work organizing fundraising project activities, FUSION’s efforts for the Dragon Boat Festival have become one of the most popular events of the year.
The 2009 Saint John Dragon Festival will take place Aug. 29 at the Renforth wharf, and the proceeds will be used to create a Wellness Garden and Sanctuary at St. Joseph’s Hospital for patients and their families. The FUSION dragon boat team is made up of FUSION members from all walks of life, linked together by the desire to support a great local cause.
This month’s party will take place at Pepper’s Pub on the Market Square boardwalk and is sponsored by Avant-Garde Construction and Management Inc., a longstanding supporter of both FUSION and the Dragon Boat Festival.
“I was at FUSION’s first event and remember looking around and wondering what this group would do for our community,” says Patrick Sohy, president of Avant-Garde. “FUSION is proven to be a bold force in the community, and the dragon boat teams are the same.”
The party is one of two fundraising events scheduled for the coming weeks; a yard sale is also planned, and information on how to participate will be available at the party. Ultimately, the purpose of this party is to give attendees the opportunity to give to a great local cause, while enjoying great food and drinks at the newest patio on the Market Square boardwalk.
As always, the Party with a Purpose is free of charge, however; the dragon boat team will be accepting goodwill donations at the door. A silent auction and 50/50 draw will also take place.
Items for auction have been donated by Lily’s Café, Time Out Massage Therapy, Tim Isaac Art, Antiques and Auctions, Bean Books, Handworks, the New Brunswick Museum, Je Suis Prêt Boutique, L’il Shop of Science, Decor8 Finishing Touches, Coles, Manchester Shoes, W.H. Hayward, and East Point Shopping. There will also be information on the upcoming FUSION garage sale, another major FUSION dragon boat fundraising event.
The Party with a Purpose on Friday takes place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. All are encouraged to attend. For more information on this event, and other fundraising efforts for the FUSION dragon boat team, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca
FUSION Fundraising Yard Sale
Published 2009-07-20 14:49:27
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South end bash is a way to connect
Published 2009-07-14 07:44:35
This weekend, uptown residents will gather under a big top tent at Rainbow Park for South End Days, a weekend-long neighbourhood festival celebrating the people who live and work there.
“It’s a way to celebrate the south end and south ender and bring the community closer together,” says Jennifer Edison, member of the committee organizing the festival.
The committee has built on the momentum of last year’s successful event, and has planned a full slate of events taking place over three days, including barbecues, dances, a yard sale, bingo, children’s activities, and a neighbourhood breakfast and clean-up; events are open to all and free-of-charge. The committee is also keeping their sights set on future years, working to create a sustainable event that will continue to thrive, attracting new neighbours every year.
“The south end has been given a bad name, but the truth is that it is a great place to be,” says Carl Trickey of the organizing committee. “It’s a neighbourhood festival that is encouraging people to come together and celebrate all that is good.” The impetus behind South End Days was straightforward: a way to get neighbours together and foster pride in the community. It has grown in size and popularity, a testament to the fact that the people who chose to live in the area are proud of their neighbourhood and happy to support community events. The south end is diverse, to say the least, but events like South End Days present valuable opportunities for neighbours to meet one another, make connections, and build a foundation for future partnership and collaboration.
The variety of activities slated for South End Days offers something for everyone, regardless of age or economic circumstance. A number of individuals and businesses have pitched in to ensure the festival’s success by donating funds, services and supplies. This support from the broader community has allowed South End Days to grow, without having to compromise its accessibility.
“Those of us living in the south end are proud, resourceful and enthusiastic about what we have and what we contribute to greater Saint John,” says Trickey.
Despite the density of the south end, many of us don’t know the people with whom we share buildings, let alone in other areas of the community. The south end is one of the city’s priority neighbourhoods, but something as simple giving neighbours the opportunity to mix and mingle is a positive first step toward moving an area forward.
South End Days 2009 will kick off on Friday, July 17 at 5 p.m. and runs through to Sunday, July 19 at Rainbow Park.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca
Bring your own bag uptown
Published 2009-07-07 07:43:57
Across the city, Saint Johners are finding new ways to make their lives a little more environmentally friendly by unplugging appliances and recycling, among other things. One of the easiest and most popular ways to reduce waste is to BYOB – bring your own bag. Uptown Saint John’s environmental committee is hoping to encourage “Being Green in the Uptown,” a trend that has already taken hold among people living and working in the uptown, and throughout the city.
“Uptown Saint John is, by nature, a greener place,” says Anne McShane, environmental committee chairwoman and owner of the Feel Good Store in the uptown. “The residents and their visitors support local products and businesses and you’ll often see shoppers carrying their own bags.”
With funding from the Saint John Community Arts Board, the environmental committee is currently holding a contest for artists of all ages and levels of experience to add their artistic flair to reusable bags. The winning entry will be printed on 1,000 organic canvas bags distributed at various uptown retailers this fall.
The contest is not trying to ignite a new trend. Rather, the hope is that it will encourage something that has already become a routine habit for many Saint Johners, for whom remembering their own shopping bag has become as natural as remembering house keys or wallet.
“We want to applaud the green nature and take it a step further,” McShane said. “We want to encourage visitors to the uptown to bring their own shopping bag and contribute to the success of the uptown in environmental sustainability.”
The contest theme, “Being green in the uptown,” is meant to inspire artists to incorporate their own spin on what it means to be green into their projects. “We didn’t want to make the theme too specific,” McShane said. “We want to promote green living in the uptown and encourage less use of plastic bags but “green living” might be different for any given person and this is a great opportunity for us to see how people envision an urban sustainable lifestyle.”
Simple solutions to going green often result from creative thinking; by asking Saint John artists to use this creative thinking in a more literal sense, local artists are being given the opportunity to examine the choices Saint Johners make, and translate them into works of art.
The winning entry will be unveiled at an upcoming FUSION Party with a Purpose this fall, along with the other submissions, which will then be auctioned off. Artists will receive 50 per cent of the proceeds and the other half will be donated to the Joshua Group.
Artwork will be scanned and converted, thus does not need to be submitted on a bag. First and second prizes will be awarded courtesy of uptown retailer ESL Art Supplies. The contest deadline is July 31. Submissions may be made at Uptown Saint John Inc., located in the Business Resource Centre, 40 King St.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
The Arts & Culture Committee would like to Harvest Your Help!
Published 2009-07-06 13:44:36
The Arts & Culture Committee is responsible for the Harvesting the Festival, an annual event held in September each year at King’s Square in Saint John, New Brunswick. This year the event will be on September 12, 2009 from 10am-5pm. The Harvesting the Arts Festival showcases local artists, musicians and performers free-of charge for the community.
The Arts & Culture Committee would like to harvest your help! We are looking for artists, musicians, buskers, dancers, food providers or perhaps you have a talent you may wish to share. If you are interested in participating or volunteering to help with this Festival, please contact Jessica Gozdzierski via email at g_ynot_j@hotmail.com
Chinese Cultural Learning Camp
Published 2009-07-06 06:44:10
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Vote for the Bay of Fundy in the New 7 Wonders of Nature contest
Published 2009-06-29 10:52:57
For more information on voting for the Bay of Fundy in the New 7 Wonders of Nature contest, please visit www.votemyfundy.com.
Bay of Fundy needs your votes before July 7, 2009, to ensure that we become one of the top 77 international sites in the next phase of the contest.
How to vote?
CLICK HERE TO VOTE for Bay of Fundy on the New7Wonders of Nature website. On the voting website you’ll also be asked to vote for 6 other international nature sites (there’s a drop-down menu to help). You’ll find us under the Seascapes category.
Why vote for Bay of Fundy?
- home to highest tides in world.
- Bay of Fundy compares in biodiversity to the Amazon Rainforest
- 12 species of whales
- critical migratory feeding area for many bird species
- internationally renown geology
- best site in the world for tidal power generating potential
- home to two UNESCO sites
Want to know more about Bay of Fundy? Download our Bay of Fundy Fact Sheet or visit Bay of Fundy Tourism.
Click here to VOTE FOR BAY OF FUNDY
Offering a hand to newcomers to the city
Published 2009-06-23 10:51:25
FUSION’s immigration committee will join forces with the Saint John Multicultural and Newcomers Centre (SJMNRC) to host June’s Party with a Purpose, which will take place this Friday and highlight the services offered at the centre.
The SJMNRC helps newcomers to Saint John settle in the city and effectively navigate the many obstacles that can arise when trying access services or find work or housing. FUSION offers newcomers a vehicle for establishing new contacts and broadening their social networks, allowing new Saint Johners to better acquaint themselves with the organizations and opportunities that exist in the city.
“Working with other community groups such as FUSION, PRUDE Inc. and the YMCA is critical to assist our clients in making a home in Saint John,” says Luisa Montoya, project co-ordinator with the SJMNRC. “Through these partnerships we can accomplish greater goals; we can maximize our resources by working with organizations with expertise in other areas.”
Developing a sense of community is an important factor that compels people to put down roots in a particular place. “The people who stay are doing so because of other people,” Montoya says of the volunteers who have mobilized throughout the city to help newcomers acclimatize to their surroundings. The diverse social networks that exist within Saint John are a result of these connections, and add to Saint John’s overall appeal, for locals and newcomers alike.
“I would like for the attendees to understand the challenges that newcomers experience in settling into the city, as well as to know our organization and the array of volunteer opportunities that we offer,” Montoya says. Approximately 70-80 people have accessed the services available at the SJMNRC since it opened, including accreditation and job preparedness. This event will give SJMNRC clients a chance to meet new people and learn about the value of joining FUSION. FUSION members, meanwhile, can learn about the services offered and volunteer opportunities available at the SJMNRC and other affiliated organizations, including Prude Inc. and the YMCA-YWCA.
Much of FUSION’s success can be attributed to the efforts of newcomers to Saint John. FUSION members have found themselves in Saint John for a variety of reasons, and joined simply as a way to get to know people. June’s Party with a Purpose will give Saint Johners an opportunity to learn more about the SJMNRC, and how we can work with the centre and its clientele to strengthen Saint John’s social landscape. Through these combined efforts, Saint John will be a better place to work and live, whether you came from North Africa, northern New Brunswick or the north end.
June’s Party with a Purpose will take place June 26 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at A Khord. For more information, please visit FUSION online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Book club for the rest of us
Published 2009-06-16 07:57:50
My friends and I have batted around for ages the idea of starting a book club. It seems so sophisticated - tackling a piece of fiction, and then sharing your interpretations and insights with others. If we had quit talking about it and just started reading, we'd probably all have comprehensive personal libraries by now. However, we have never been able to move beyond the "we should start a book club" conversation. The problem hinged on the details - how do you actually figure out how to pick books, delegate hosting duties and agree on reasonable timeframes? Even as a pretty avid reader, the idea that I would have to start and finish a book within a pre-determined time period seems ambitious. Who needs another deadline?
Enter Sarah Jones of Bean Books with a solution for aspiring book clubbers with similar commitment issues. She has started hosting the Thursday Night Book Club, a weekly gathering for Saint John readers to meet and discuss books of their own choosing. The rules are simple: the book must be fiction, and it must be something you have read or are reading.
"I wanted to provide something less formal than the traditional book club," says Jones. "More like a 'let's get together, drink some coffee and talk about books' rather than an in-depth analysis of a single book. It gives participants the flexibility to come as frequently or as infrequently as they like. You can drop in any Thursday and still be a part of the conversation, no matter what you're reading at the time."
Last Thursday, a handful of Saint John readers gathered at the uptown bookstore, current read in hand. Everyone gave a brief synopsis of his or her book, asked questions about the other selections, and the conversation took on a life of its own from there.
"I'm hoping that a fluid dialogue will build up over time, so that conversations may start to sound like 'I heard you talk about this book a couple of weeks ago, and it sounded interesting so I gave it a go and thought this or that'," says Jones.
If the first meeting was any indication, this club is off to a good start; last week's dialogue touched on pandemics, Biblical humour, CBC podcasts and historical Venice, all within the span of an hour.
The Thursday Night Book Club gives local readers the chance to meet one another, discuss preferences, and encourage others to test the waters with a new genre, author or historical period.
The Thursday Night Book Club is held Thursdays at Bean Books, 122 Germain St., from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca
Fusion is hiring!
Published 2009-06-12 09:00:29
Our job posting is now live on CareerBeacon!
Project Manager
(Part-time/Contract Position)
FUSION is a networking group for Saint John residents. We serve as a catalyst for engagement through networking, partnerships and events, and are a leader encouraging people in our community to stay in Saint John.
FUSION Saint John Inc. has an opening for a Project Manager. This position is a part-time/contract position giving you the option of working from home. The salary will be commensurate with experience. The successful candidate will be required to create the tools/resource materials to implement the "FUSION" concept in other major, New Brunswick urban centers. The Project Manager will gather information on issues of importance to youth in the selected communities and develop a sustainable model for organizational design that encourages co-ordination between FUSION host communities.
Requirements:
- Draft by-laws that can be customized by individual communities
- Develop lists of potential partners and stakeholders in each community
- Develop a sustainable funding model
- Develop tools for creating demographic profiles and communication collateral
- Brainstorm event/project ideas
- Create planning documents.
Qualifications:
- Ability to work independently and be a self-starter
- A degree from a recognized university in a relevant area of study (e.g. community development, business administration, social science) or an acceptable combination of relevant post-secondary education, experience and training
- Experience in the development, analysis, administration or delivery of community services and/or previous experience with membership organizations
- Experience in the promotion of programs and/or initiatives to client groups
- Experience in collaboratively working with organizations and decision-makers in the public, private, and voluntary sectors
- Work experience in analyzing financial and statistical information
- Experience in project development and administration
- Experience in program evaluation
- Experience working with youth
- A valid drivers license and vehicle
- Ability to work from a home office
To be considered for the Project Manager opportunity, mail or drop off your resume and cover letter at 40 King Street, Saint John, NB. To the attention of Sarah Craig in care of Fusion Saint John Inc. (Email: info@fusionsj.com Fax: 658-2872)
Panel aims to improve life in city
Published 2009-06-09 07:35:55
Community engagement. It's a term we hear a lot. But what does it actually mean? Community engagement is the result of a conscious decision to make a positive contribution in a community beyond the usual obligations of work, school or colleagues. The advantages are endless: meeting new people, learning about your surroundings, applying skills and developing interests while making an investment in your city.
FUSION's community engagement committee serves as a conduit between interested volunteers and organizations in need, making connections with other local non-profit and charitable organizations to create opportunities for members to become involved.
"Before I even really knew anything about FUSION, I learned about the community engagement committee," said Shawn Peterson, the chairman of the panel. "I really liked the idea of working to engage people in the community, especially working with other non-profit organizations, to make things better in Saint John."
The community engagement committee meets monthly; in addition to identifying existing opportunities, it co-ordinates new projects and initiatives. Current projects include a "taking it to go green" campaign - working to encourage vendors in the City Market to use environmentally friendly packaging. Motivated by the success of a similar event in 2007, the committee is also planning Art Connect, which will be a component of the 2009 Volunteer Fair. The committee is working to secure sponsorship from city businesses to purchase pieces of art, which are then assigned to non-profit organizations and auctioned off for volunteer hours in lieu of actual dollars. Volunteers are able to claim their art once their volunteer hours are completed.
"I've helped organize other events - always the committee was focused on one event with a specific purpose," committee member Carolyn Prebble says. "I'm excited about being a part of a committee with no end in sight. Any idea we come up with has the potential to be added to our agenda and improve life in Saint John in some way."
Being truly engaged in your community is more than just volunteering your time. It implies a deeper sense of connectedness, which is a key ingredient in keeping people in the city, and being committed to seeing it progress and move forward. Having this sense of belonging is just as important for people who have come from away as it is for the people who have spent their entire lives in Saint John.
"I've met some great people and get to see at the grassroots level the ideas that our generation is coming up with to make the city a better place to live for everyone," said Prebble, who joined the committee shortly after moving to Saint John from Ontario late last year. "My work with this committee has helped me feel connected to this city,. I'm starting to make connections with the community that I wouldn't have otherwise."
The community engagement committee's next meeting is tonight at 6:30 p.m. For more information, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
2nd Annual Saint John Young Professionals Golf Tournament
Published 2009-06-04 14:30:32
Register here: http://www.sjfungolf.com/register_contact.html
Call for Nominations - Outstanding Business Achievement Awards
Published 2009-06-04 14:23:30
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Growing a garden and a community
Published 2009-06-02 06:34:14
This summer I'll be making my foray into the world of gardening, having recently signed up for a plot in the south end community garden. In doing so, I'll have the opportunity to spend time in one of my community's green spaces and become better acquainted with my neighbours, most of whom I do not ordinarily see in my day-to-day travels.
"The garden is not just a place to plant flowers and vegetables," says Mark Leger, a FUSION board member involved in overseeing in the garden. "It's also a gathering spot for community members, a place to get to know your neighbours and share tips about gardening."
The garden is located on Broad Street and has been home to a handful of south end gardening enthusiasts since 2001. As renovation efforts get underway for Rainbow Park, the garden will benefit from a series of improvements to the space.
The south end garden is one of three community gardens in the city that serve as green spaces for community members. In the south end, the garden has already served as the impetus for community engagement beyond the garden itself. This year, gardener Milville Couture and students from St. John the Baptist/King Edward School planted beds and he will help them tend to their plants throughout the summer, allowing the students to see the plants through to maturity.
"It's a great experience for them to learn about growing food for themselves," Leger said. "Over the years, they have come to the garden to watch us plant. They've always had questions and wanted to help and they are now getting the opportunity through the program at the school. Milville is nurturing a new generation of green thumbs, who will eventually have gardens of their own."
The south central peninsula is a diverse area, but the lack of available green spaces is the common denominator that links neighbours. What appealed to me (and what will hopefully appeal to other would-be gardeners in communities throughout Saint John) is that becoming a part of a community garden is really a multi-faceted opportunity. The people involved will not only be honing their gardening skills, they will become a part of a social network in their community, one that is making a significant investment in a shared green space.
"People lead busy lives, shuttling back and forth between work and their homes," Leger noted. "Green spaces like gardens and parks get people out in their communities in their leisure time."
Sometimes getting involved in your community requires you to get your hands dirty. In this case, the analogy is quite literal. By digging into a community garden, gardeners will get much more than some perennials or a few heads of lettuce. They will be part of the network reinvigorating the south end, and on a larger scale, Greater Saint John itself.
Plots in the south end community garden, located on Broad Street, are available to individuals, families, businesses or organizations. For more information on the community garden, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Fusion Saint John seeking new members for its Board of Directors
Published 2009-06-01 09:19:13
Want to be involved in your community?
Fusion Saint John is seeking new general members for its Board of Directors.
FUSION is a networking group for active, civic-minded Greater Saint John residents.
We serve as a catalyst for engagement through networking, partnerships and events, and are a leader in the movement that is helping to prevent the migration of educated young people to larger cities and to encourage those who have left to return to the Greater Saint John region. We strive to breathe new life into greater Saint John, making it the premier place to live, work and play.
The term is for a maximum of four years; and a minimum of a one year commitment beginning August 2009. We hold monthly two hour meetings which all board members are expected to attend. This is a working board; and the expectation is that you will find your interest and work to make this organization the best it can be!
If you are interested, please email your resume and cover letter explaining why you would be a good fit to info@fusionsj.com or for more information call the board secretary, Sarah Craig, at (506) 632-6119.
FUSION teams up with Board of Trade
Published 2009-05-26 06:38:29
This month, FUSION’s Party with a Purpose is a joint venture with the Saint John Board of Trade, which has partnered with FUSION to provide an opportunity for members of each organization to mix, mingle and learn more about the work they are doing in Greater Saint John.
“We are looking forward to this opportunity to network with FUSION members,” says Saint John Board of Trade president Imelda Gilman. This is the first time the Board of Trade has participated in a Party with a Purpose, but it is not the first time the two organizations have teamed up to engage members. Last year the two co-hosted the Campaign on the Clock event during the municipal elections giving Saint Johners a chance to meet the candidates.
The idea for the party was born out of a recent focus group session that sought input from FUSION members. The conversation centred on identifying new ways to work together to engage current members and generate interest for potential members.
“This event will be another great opportunity to learn about each other and build on those relationships,” Gilman said. “We already have a number of FUSION representatives on our committees and this event will be an opportunity to encourage more young business professionals to get involved with our organization.”
The purpose of this party is not just a chance for FUSION members to learn more about the Board of Trade (and vice versa), it is also an opportunity for any Saint Johners interested in learning more about their community and available opportunities to contribute. It is especially timely, considering the number of current students and recent university graduates who are back in town, looking for work and new ways to be involved in their community.
Two very familiar FUSION supporters are also lending a hand to this Party with a Purpose. It is being held at the Saint John Arts Centre, which also provides an office space year-round (as anyone who has ever sent us a piece of mail may have noticed). Cracked Canoe, the newest product from Moosehead Breweries Ltd., is sponsoring the event. Moosehead was FUSION’s first corporate sponsor in 2004 and has continually supported events and activities over the past five years.
“Moosehead Breweries is very proud of the fact that it was the very first corporate sponsor of FUSION,” says Megan Parsons, brand manager, premium brands with Moosehead. “As a corporate citizen, we try to support groups and events that are making valuable contributions to our community.”
Moosehead’s continued support has arguably been integral to the success of many FUSION events. The “happy hour” component is as important to drawing members to our events as the purpose itself.
All are welcome at the Party with a Purpose, which will take place this Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. For more information, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
25th Annual IWK Telethon for Children
Published 2009-05-25 14:33:58
Party with a Purpose - May 29, 2009
Published 2009-05-25 14:28:08
Women get lowdown on working in trades
Published 2009-05-12 14:55:14
Last Thursday FUSION had the opportunity to reach out to potential members at a unique event. The Skills Work for Women networking dinner gave young women from Greater Saint John high schools a chance to learn about skilled trades, and discuss career opportunities with women already working in various fields.
More than 100 students participated in small group sessions led by the 22 mentors. This event provided a platform for mentors to answer questions, debunk misconceptions and offer advice about pursuing a career in the trades.
A FUSION information table joined other representatives, including NB Power, the New Brunswick Age Gap Reduction Initiative, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 37 and lead sponsor Skills Canada New Brunswick.
At first glance, the FUSION table may have seemed unusual, but having a presence at the event was beneficial for both FUSION and those who stopped by to learn more. FUSION is constantly looking for ways to engage new members, including students and tradespeople; meanwhile, the information FUSION shared gave attendees (students, their parents and mentors alike) a sense of the many community engagement opportunities that exist in the city.
"Many people choose a particular community for employment opportunities, but decide to stay because of the quality of life," says Sarah Craig, a workforce development officer with Enterprise Saint John and FUSION board member. Craig worked on co-ordinating the event and felt FUSION representation would be of value.
"Having a FUSION presence helped us to present a more holistic perspective of the community, and what it has to offer to the people who choose to stay here to work."
For welder and mentor Shelley Dougherty, a networking event specifically for female high school students interested in the trades is overdue in Saint John.
She is one of the approximately dozen female members of the United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 213 800-plus membership and their only female welder.
"We're behind the other provinces," Dougherty said of the low number of females in the skilled trades in New Brunswick. "Girls are not encouraged to look into trades and go that route, so we're not getting as many women even though there's opportunity to work here."
In her discussion with the students, she helped clarify the details surrounding education, apprenticeships, unions and employment.
"There is such a wide variety of trades and well-paid opportunities out there," Dougherty said.
"But there is also a lack of knowledge about the trades and how apprenticeships work; I hope we were able to clear up some of the confusion."
FUSION's rationale for engaging students at the high school and university level is not that different from the businesses and professional associations.
The purpose of the Skills Work for Women networking dinner was to encourage female high school students to learn more about opportunities in the trades.
By giving students a full slate of options - in terms of education, professions and community engagement, they are getting a clearer picture of the advantages of living and working in New Brunswick.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Big Splash on the Waterfront!
Published 2009-05-12 14:52:30
City has shifted from defeatest thinking to can-do attitude
Published 2009-05-05 06:41:46
This month, FUSION is celebrating its fifth anniversary, a milestone for which the entire city can take a little credit. FUSION has given hundreds of Saint Johners an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to our city; in turn, our members are playing a major part in the shift in perceptions our city is experiencing.
To mark this milestone, we asked our members to share their perspective on what is happening in the city. In an online survey, we asked, “What are the most significant shifts you’ve seen in Greater Saint John in the past five years?”
The answers were surprising. There are a number of things happening in Greater Saint John, but many of the people who participated in the survey did not identify a person, place or project. Rather, they commented on the changing attitudes and positive outlook people have about the city these days.
As one participant noted, “The city feels more alive and vibrant with an active population involved in making ours a great community. Whether we are focusing on poverty, the environment or literacy rates, it is electrifying to see so many young people wanting to be involved.”
In bringing our members together and encouraging them to share ideas, work together and be part of the change that is happening in Saint John, FUSION has set a new standard for community engagement in New Brunswick. And it has done so on a limited budget and entirely under the direction of volunteers.
Beyond FUSION’s membership, countless businesses and organizations have recognized the value of this type of organization, and have gotten behind our events and initiatives. As a result of these collaborative partnerships, FUSION has been able to reach and engage so many Saint Johners. In exchange for this support, FUSION members are often asked to give feedback, attend events and join boards and committees. The belief that change can happen as a result of working together has disseminated throughout the city, and there is a new sense of optimism, especially among the younger demographic. Another survey participant put it bluntly: “Over the last five years there has been a shift from a defeatist to a ‘can-do’ attitude.”
For those who have never attended a FUSION event or encountered a member, it is important to know members and committees are not content to rest on their laurels. FUSION is celebrating five great years, with eyes to the future, and continuing to propel the new belief. Learnings from the past five years will be applied as FUSION continues to engage its members, future members and Saint Johners seeking out new opportunities for citizens to become active in the decisions being made in, and for, our community.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. She can be reached at cryan@mtlpr.ca.
Faces of Fusion 2009
Published 2009-04-18 17:07:10
The Lawson Creamer Faces of Fusion Networking Dinner will take place on May 1st at the Trade and Convention Centre.
This year’s event celebrates Fusion’s 5th anniversary featuring a look into the past, present and future of Fusion.
Faces of Fusion is the largest networking event for civic-minded individuals of Greater Saint John. The event provides an opportunity to discover new connections and make an impact on the future of our city.
This year will feature a keynote address by William Draves, author of Nine Shift, on how the way we live, work and learn is changing before our very eyes. Discover each of the major nine shifts currently taking place and find out the implications of each shift for work and life. Then explore the practical changes needed for leadership and emerging leaders to respond to the 21st century.
Tickets are $50. We are excited to provide each attendee with a chance to win a Fairmont Algonquin Prize package!
Tickets are available here and the Business Resource Centre (40 King Street).
P.R.O. Kids - Annual FUN-raising Dinner
Published 2009-04-16 06:38:04
On Saturday April 25th at , the P.R.O. Kids team will be hosting the Out of the Park: Annual FUN-raising Dinner at the Delta Brunswick Hotel. This is our biggest fundraising event of the year. In fact, we hope it will be our most significant fundraiser to date. The reception will be at 6pm, with dinner getting underway at 7pm.
We’re very pleased to announce CFL star Damon Allen as our guest speaker. Leading the All-Time Pro Football passing chart, he is celebrated as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, with both the CFL and NFL considered. Damon has proven himself to be a team player both on and off the field and will be offering great insight. We look forward to an enjoyable evening for all.
We are faced with the reality of a large need within our community, with many families living below or just above the poverty line. These families simply cannot afford the extra costs to allow their children to participate in recreation activities. Without the help of generous organizations and individuals, we would be unable to help so many local children and youth to participate in positive, life changing recreation activities.
Please join us on April 25th to make a difference in the lives of these young children.
Tickets can be ordered online from our new website www.prokidssj.ca. You can also order tickets by emailing prokids@saintjohn.ca or by calling 642-PLAY (7529). We thank you for your continuous support.
Creating Business Opportunities for People Living with Mental Illness in Southwestern New Brunswick
Published 2009-04-08 14:37:10
The Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI) is one of several training, employment and housing opportunities launched by Regional Health Authority B to address the fact that there are 4,000 - 5,000 people living with mental illness in southwestern New Brunswick, with an unemployment rate of at least 75%. Businesses run by, and for, mental health consumers are tapping into the incredible skills these individuals possess, and can help this region's growing economy bridge its widening skills gap.
The cornerstone of SEDI is the Business Venture Group (BVG Enterprises Inc.), a non-profit corporation with a community-based Board of Directors, bringing together individuals living with mental illness with volunteers from the Saint John Board of Trade and various community agencies. The BVG Board provides management, legal, marketing and community development expertise to a number of small businesses. For example, Simply Good Catering has been serving affordable, hot and cold, home-style meals to groups both large and small since 1999. Garden Buds provides lawn and garden care services for non-profit, public sector and private customers. It also provides snow removal services for these customers in the off-season.
The BVG is looking for a young entrepreneur with hands-on experience running a small business to join its very active Board of Directors. Besides contributing their expertise to the overall program, this individual will also have the opportunity to directly mentor the start-up of BVG's next new business venture.
For more information, please contact Patricia Allan-Clark (643-7643) or Andrew Cosman (650-1132)
Big Band Dance
Published 2009-03-25 06:36:29
Lawson Creamer cordially invites you to their 30's style big band cabaret featuring Doug Reece and the Black Cats Orchestra.
The dance will be held at Rothesay Netherwood School Dining Hall on March 28, 2009 at 8:00pm.
All proceeds go the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation’s Rally of Hope for a new neonatal intensive care unit.
For more information or tickets please contact 633-3737.
P.R.O. Kids - Annual FUN-raising Dinner
Published 2009-03-18 15:09:10
On Saturday April 25th at , the P.R.O. Kids team will be hosting the Out of the Park: Annual FUN-raising Dinner at the Delta Brunswick Hotel. This is our biggest fundraising event of the year. In fact, we hope it will be our most significant fundraiser to date. The reception will be at 6pm, with dinner getting underway at 7pm.
We’re very pleased to announce CFL star Damon Allen as our guest speaker. Leading the All-Time Pro Football passing chart, he is celebrated as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, with both the CFL and NFL considered. Damon has proven himself to be a team player both on and off the field and will be offering great insight. We look forward to an enjoyable evening for all.
We are faced with the reality of a large need within our community, with many families living below or just above the poverty line. These families simply cannot afford the extra costs to allow their children to participate in recreation activities. Without the help of generous organizations and individuals, we would be unable to help so many local children and youth to participate in positive, life changing recreation activities.
Please join us on April 25th to make a difference in the lives of these young children.
Tickets can be ordered online from our new website www.prokidssj.ca . You can also order tickets by emailing prokids@saintjohn.ca or by calling 642-PLAY (7529). We thank you for your continuous support.
The Arts & Culture Committee would like to harvest your help!
Published 2009-03-18 15:08:08
The Arts & Culture Committee is responsible for the Harvesting the Festival, an annual event held on the third weekend of September each year in King’s Square in Saint John, New Brunswick. The Harvesting the Arts Festival showcases local artists, musicians and performers free-of charge for the community.
The Arts & Culture Committee would like to harvest your help! We are looking for an enthusiastic person who is passionate about the arts to direct this project and lead a team of volunteers to prepare and coordinate Harvesting the Arts Festival 2009.
If you are interested in this exciting challenge, please contact Jennifer Waldschutz via email at jennwald@nbnet.nb.ca before March 24th 2009.
Arts community is thriving
Published 2009-03-18 15:00:51
In the February 2009 report Building the Creative Economy in Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Cultural Action Network Research Committee discusses how creativity, the arts and cultural industries affect the economy. The report is Nova Scotia specific, but the premise is applicable anywhere in the Maritimes.
The report notes a number of spin-off benefits of strong cultural presence, including youth retention.
“There is evidence that the increased recreation and employment opportunities associated with the creative economy appeal to the youth demographic,” the report states. “Areas with strong, creative economies will thus be more successful at retaining and attracting younger residents.”
Saint John has a head start in this regard, thanks to the talented artists, musicians, actors and entrepreneurs who have chosen to make Saint John home. FUSION’s Arts & Culture committee works to support local artists, musicians, performers and arts promoters, and keep FUSION members “in the loop” about the myriad of diverse arts and cultural opportunities, from open-mic nights to theatre performances.
“There is so much happening in the city. Almost every night of the week there is something going on,” says committee chairwoman Jennifer Waldschutz. “Our goal is to make people aware of, and interested in, these extremely talented people.” The Arts & Culture committee participates in the popular Gallery Hops and organizes the annual Harvesting the Arts Festival. This fall art festival showcases local talent, encouraging the community to try new food, see local art and musical performances, and celebrate Saint John’s vibrant arts community.
“With all our events, and especially with the Harvesting the Arts Festival, we are giving artists, musicians and performers the opportunity to show their talent to people they may not otherwise reach,” says Waldschutz.
The 2008 event connected more than 50 artists, musicians and local businesses to the approximately 4,000 visitors who passed through King’s Square throughout the day.
“We’re constantly looking for new ideas and welcoming new members,” said Waldschutz. “Our objective is to make the arts accessible to the community.”
Attending a committee meeting is a cultural experience in itself; the meetings are held in different venues, including the Saint John Arts Centre and Trinity Galleries. The committee is currently planning events to take place throughout the spring, including tours of local venues, including the backspace of the Imperial Theatre, the New Brunswick Museum and artists’ studio spaces around town.
FUSION’s Arts & Culture committee will hold its next meeting March 24, 5:30 p.m. at 115 Prince William St. New members are always welcome, and encouraged to attend.
For more information on the Arts & Culture committee, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com.
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. Email her at cryan@mtlpr.ca
Putting out the welcome mat to immigrants
Published 2009-03-10 18:47:52
Adjusting to life in a new city can be difficult for anyone, but it can be especially so for new immigrants, many of whom face a unique set of challenges getting settled in the city. Recognizing that the future of the community depends on attracting and retaining people, including immigrants, FUSION’s Immigration Committee was created to help ease this transition for immigrant newcomers.
Fusion hosted a curling social at Thistle St. Andrews Curling Club on Saturday afternoon. Jennifer Nicholls, left, Celine Tacniere, George Zhu, and Carrie Smith watch Lily Jiang throw a curling stone.
“The committee was established to give FUSION members the opportunity to display, promote and share their culture, whether they’re from Germany or Grand Bay,” say Immigration Committee chair Carrie Smith. The committee works to identify and create ways to increase awareness of the cultural diversity that exists in Saint John.
On Saturday, the Immigration Committee hosted its first event of 2009 at the Thistle-St. Andrews Curling Club that saw more than 20 people come out for an afternoon of curling and networking.
In 2008, the committee was awarded a multicultural grant from the New Brunswick Population Growth Secretariat. It has used these funds to organize events that encourage people to “meet their neighbour”. Recent projects include a Party with a Purpose on cultural awareness, and the Food Alley at the 2008 Harvesting the Arts Festival, which sold Canadian, Kurdish, Jamaican and Chinese food.
“I heard about FUSION at work, and thought it would be a good way to get involved and do something positive in my new community,” committee member Celine Tacniere said. Originally from Belgium, she lived in the United States and Ottawa before moving to Saint John two and a half months ago. For her, joining the Immigration Committee was a natural fit. “I think people need to take some responsibility if they want a better community,” Tacniere said. “In my case, I understand issues surrounding cultural integration, having gone through the process of having to adapt culturally. By being a part of this committee I hope I can help others by sharing my experiences.”
“We’re hoping to partner with similarly-focused organizations on the topic of hiring diversity,” Smith said. “We’re currently working on securing funding to produce a video that focuses on cultural differences of interviewing and how they should be considered as part of the hiring process.”
Other plans for 2009 include hosting a monthly coffee house, where community members would to come together, network, share their culture while learning about the culture of others, and practise English.
“Saint John is such a diverse community,” Smith said. “By creating these networking opportunities for newcomers we are helping them establish local contacts. Having a social network is essential to anyone trying to settle in a new city, but is especially important for those adjusting to a new country and culture. There are endless opportunities to bring people together, and I think everyone stands to benefit from learning more about the cultural make-up of our city.”
For more information on FUSION’s Immigration Committee, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. Email her at cryan@mtlpr.ca
Swing into Spring Event
Published 2009-03-04 16:29:12
The Greater Saint John Community Foundation is organizing a musical for Sunday, March 22 at 2pm.
It will take place at Saint John High School - tickets are $10 each.
Click here to view the poster (includes more details on the event)!
FUSION provides an energy hub of a different kind
Published 2009-03-04 14:25:43
We’ve all heard the buzz about the energy hub that is forming in our region. Saint John is waiting with baited breath for the unprecedented growth that promises to expand many diverse sectors and bring new people and perspectives to our city.
Greater Saint John is navigating its way into this era of prosperity, working to make sure the services and infrastructure are in place to accommodate our growing population. Homes, schools, highways and hospitals are all vital to any major centre - but creating means to get people involved is equally important. For five years, FUSION has been working to implement a social infrastructure in the city, addressing an immediate need: giving people who live here reasons to stay, and giving those from away incentive to come back. It is an energy hub of a different sort - a people energy, generated by the people who have committed their time and resources to making Saint John a better place to live, work and play.
FUSION is unique in that our members are free to be involved as much (or as little) as they want. Given that our membership is largely made up of a younger demographic, it’s little surprise that the most effective way to get FUSION members together is by throwing a party.
On the fourth Friday of each month, FUSION’s Ambassadors Committee hosts a Party with a Purpose. The Ambassador’s Committee exists to help ease the transition for newcomers, as well as Saint Johners looking to expand their networks. Ambassadors are often a first point of contact with FUSION, serving as a springboard for engagement in other FUSION committees and initiatives.
Held at different venues and sponsored by a different business or organization each month, the parties are planned with a handful of purposes in mind. By having the party at a new location each month, FUSION members and party attendees convene at a restaurant, bar or meeting place outside of their usual haunts. Sponsors have the opportunity to speak to and interact with an audience they may not otherwise be able to reach. They also serve as the entry point for our newest members, who are officially welcomed by the Ambassadors Committee.
FUSION caters to a diverse membership, and strives to find a way for everyone to participate and make a valuable contribution to the social fabric of this city. Social networks seem trivial to some, but it is often the connection one feels with their community and neighbours that creates the impetus to stay. Parties with a Purpose give people the opportunity to meet friends, make connections, and learn about their city. Saint Johners new and old are able to accomplish at one event what could otherwise take months. It is the energy of our parties and other FUSION events that creates the spark for new members to join and current members to take part.
For more information, please visit us online at www.fusionsj.com
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. Email her at cryan@mtlpr.ca
A Fusion Of Young Ideas
Published 2009-02-24 11:12:27
From city planners to politicians to big industry to local businesses - everyone wants to know how to engage young Saint John.
About five years ago four Saint Johners came up with an idea. What if a network of young people were to come together to share ideas and action plans for becoming more involved in shaping the future of their city? From this, FUSION Saint John was born. FUSION is a network for people with new ideas and a motivation to work with fellow community leaders and members to make Saint John great. What better way to attract and retain young people to our region than to include them in the very plans aimed to keep them here? Municipally, provincially, federally and from a business and community perspective, the leaders of tomorrow needed a voice. And they got it.
Stephanie Bell, Shane Goguen, Mara Mallory and Shannon Merrifield were the founders. They knew they had a good idea, but they also knew they needed to engage the right people to make the FUSION concept a success. First they approached the Saint John Board of Trade - Bob McVicar, Darryl Goyetche, Imelda Gilman and Tim Curry - who quickly signed on to mentor and help this group establish its vision. With the support of the business community, they hosted a launch event.
No one was expecting what happened next. Although they had a feeling they were onto something special, FUSION's founding members soon realized they had created a demand beyond their expectation. Suddenly they had a membership of 400, and many organizations were reaching out to engage the new group members on community boards, municipal committees, and speaking engagements. Media wanted these new leaders' opinion on just about everything, from the new cruise terminal to skateboard parks, and municipal politics - they wanted a young perspective.
The idea took root in Saint John, but grew beyond our provincial boundaries to include a FUSION Bangor, FUSION Detroit and FUSION Halifax.
The network continues to thrive and evolve in our region, and the membership continues to grow in both quantity and quality. Now not only does the media want to ask the younger demographics' opinion on the happenings in Saint John, they want us to write about it from our perspective.
On Friday at O'Leary's Pub, FUSION Saint John, in partnership with the Telegraph-Journal, will celebrate the official launch of this column. The purpose of this column is to highlight the people , events and organizations who have a hand in creating a new face of Saint John. What you can expect? Positive and fresh ideas that are transforming our city, our community and our province.
After all, it all starts with an idea...
Claire Ryan works with MT&L Public Relations Ltd. and is a member of the FUSION Saint John board. Her column appears on Tuesdays. Email her at cryan@mtlpr.ca
Canadian Women in Communication National Workshop
Published 2009-02-15 08:58:44
The latest CWC (Canadian Women in Communication) National workshop on Strategic Planning for one's career is coming up next week -- Thursday 19 February 2009 -- at the SJ Arts Centre.
Register online at http://cwc-afc.com.
Fusion’s high hopes for 2009
Published 2009-01-08 07:39:02
SAINT JOHN, NB - 2009 is shaping up to be another exciting year for Fusion Saint John. After participating in a strategic planning session in late 2008, the Fusion board has identified the goals it plans to achieve over the course of the year, which is also Fusion’s fifth anniversary.
"Fusion has experienced tremendous growth over the past five years," says Danny Jardine, Fusion Saint John chair, "but we remain focused on moving forward, which leaves little time to reminisce". Top priorities include sponsorship and funding, creating a coordinated workforce plan and developing a demographic profile of Fusion members.
"We are a working board, in every sense of the word," says Jardine, "so identifying the things we want to accomplish from the onset will help us reach these goals". Fusion will continue to engage its members via Parties with a Purpose, online polls and surveys, and efforts to increase membership. Adds Jardine, "The events are a great way to get new members to become acquainted with Fusion, and for existing members to get to know one another".
First up for Fusion in 2009 is an Operation Red Nose volunteer appreciation event. "The success of Operation Red Nose exemplifies our members’ desire to make a positive contribution in Saint John," says Operation Red Nose co-ordinator and Fusion past chair Kate Barnett. Planning for the annual Faces of Fusion dinner is well underway, and members of the Fusion sub committees are hard at work planning events and creating opportunities to expand membership and challenge perceptions in the city.
For more information, please e-mail info@fusionsj.com.
First annual Pavilion Cup Pond Hockey Tournament
Published 2008-12-31 11:36:32
The first annual Pavilion Cup Pond Hockey Tournament will be taking place at Lily Lake in Saint John on February 5-8th, 2009.
Space is available for 120 teams (4 players per team, plus 1 spare - Men's, Women's and Mixed Leagues). Each team will play 4 games of 30 minutes each. This is not a competitive event so, even if you haven't laced up your skates for a couple of years (or decades), you are still a contender!
There will be entertainment at the Pavilion throughout the weekend and "New Brunswick's Largest Kitchen Party" on Saturday night with a buffet and entertainment by Radio Factory.
As the ice surface is licensed, this event is restricted to those over the age of 19 years.
All proceeds raised from the event will be used to establish a camp for at-risk-youth from the Saint John area. Get a crew together from your workplace or a couple of your friends and participate in a great cause - what else are you going to do during the dreary month of February?
You can register at www.pavilioncup.com or by calling 608-0700.
Celebration of Young Entrepreneurs
Published 2008-11-25 14:29:19
Operation Red Nose to kick off 2008 season in Saint John
Published 2008-11-13 12:27:36
National road-safety campaign Operation Red Nose will kick off the holiday season by launching the 2008 New Brunswick provincial campaign in Saint John on November 14, 2008. The launch will take place in the Red Room, located on the 8th floor of City Hall. Special guests include honorary campaign chair Roly MacIntyre, Insurance Bureau of Canada VP Atlantic Bill Adams and Operation Red Nose national program coordinator Chantal Lefebvre.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting the provincial launch here in Saint John,” says Operation Red Nose president and co-ordinator Kate Barnett. “We hope that the awareness generated by this event will result in safer streets in Saint John, Quispamsis, Rothesay and Grand-Bay Westfield.”
Hosted by Fusion Saint John, the organization, staffed entirely by volunteers, provides a safe ride home service to inebriated motorists during the holiday season. It is an original way of getting home safe in one’s own vehicle without taking the wheel….and the service is free. It is hosted in hundreds of communities across Canada, including a handful of New Brunswick communities, including the Acadian Peninsula, Edmundston, Moncton and now Saint John.
“Considering this is our inaugural year, we have been very lucky to secure some fabulous community partners,” says Barnett. “Sandalwood Management has donated space in Place 400 to use as our headquarters for the duration of the campaign, and Indigo has offered to stock it with books and magazines for volunteers during their shifts.”
All donations made by those who use the service will be reinvested into local youth organizations. Fusion Saint John plans to conduct an online poll with its membership to choose the organizations who will receive these funds.
The campaign will begin on Friday November 28th, until that time Fusion Saint John is actively recruiting volunteers and businesses wishing to take part in the program. To learn more, please e-mail the Saint John Operation Red Nose team at saintjohn@operationrednose.com or call the Fusion office at (506) 693-6810. You can also visit the national Operation Red Nose side at http://www.operationnezrouge.com/en/.
FUSION SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS
Published 2008-10-16 20:06:44
"Call for expressions of interest! Fusion Saint John is now seeking a member to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors. To express interest please send a resume to info@fusionsj.com, Attn Sarah Craig in the subject line, by October 31st, 2008. More information on the expectations and responsibilities can also be requested through info@fusionsj.com. "
2008 Federal Election Candidate Mix & Mingle
Published 2008-10-06 11:41:14
Fusion Saint John to host Operation Red Nose
Published 2008-10-03 11:44:57
Click here to download the full press release!
You're Invited! Progress Top 101 Awards Reception
Published 2008-09-29 19:01:30
Its not too late! No Admission Cost
On behalf of the Department of Energy and Enterprise Saint John, all Fusion members are invited to attend the PROGRESS 2008 Top 101 Companies Awards!
When: THIS WEDNESDAY, October 1st, 2008.
5:00-6:00pm Awards and Networking, Delta Saint John
Enjoy a stand up cocktail reception where you can mingle with the business leaders who are shaping our region’s present and future. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate with other thought leaders!
If you are interested in attending the Progress Magazine Top 101 Award Reception please register with Gina O’Rourke at gorourke@enterprisesj.com
Saint John's Very Own Music Video
Published 2008-08-18 11:58:20
The wait is almost over – filming for Chris Cummings’s newest music video, Welcome Back! begins in Saint John next week!
Sara Stashick, Life on Your Terms Coordinator with Enterprise Saint John invites the community to participate in the video. “As much as this is Chris’s product, it also belongs to the Saint John Community, and so we really want area residents to join us during the shoot. That’s why the team has taken the unusual step of releasing the details of their schedule to the media – this way we can all join in, have some fun and show off our great community together!”
The team will be scouting locations early next week. Outdoor scenes will be filmed late Tuesday evening and all day Wednesday, August 20th, with a rain date of Friday, August 22nd. Go to http://www.saintjohnlifeonyourterms.ca/news-welcomeback.cfm to find out how you can participate!
Life On Your Terms
Published 2008-08-06 12:41:23
Well Saint John, whats your story? Complete the form and you will be automatically entered into our draw for a VIP evening on the Boardwalk during the Fundy Fog Festival!
Fill out the form HERE!
Saint John Port Authority Announces Exciting Changes on The Waterfront
Published 2008-06-24 06:32:10
Saint John Port Authority Announces Exciting Changes on The Waterfront
For the Artist Concept Click HERE
To Check out the forum discussion Click HERE
SAINT JOHN, NB
Understanding (MOU) with Irving Oil Limited that would see development of a new building complex
on the Long Wharf property in Saint John’s inner harbour. The development would provide space for
a new Irving Oil building and would also enhance public access to the city’s waterfront via Harbour
Passage with the addition of new walking trails and park space. Irving Oil would also contribute to the
redevelopment of the Fort La Tour National Historic site as part of the site’s landscaping and public
space.
The Saint John Port Authority would retain ownership of Long Wharf’s water frontage, and both
Irving Oil and the Port Authority would work closely together to develop the site for both cruise ship
passengers and public use. The Long Wharf site would continue to be used as a secondary berth for
cruise ships visiting Saint John.
Under an agreement worth approximately $10 million, Irving Oil would lease the Long Wharf property
from the Saint John Port Authority. Contained within this leased land would be a parcel of land that
would be owned by Irving Oil and would be the location of the new building. This agreement is
dependent on the City of Saint John agreeing to sell the former Lantic Sugar site to Irving Oil, at fair
market value, for the purposes of immediately transferring ownership to the Saint John Port Authority.
“Today, we are securing the future of the working port”, stated Stephen Campbell, Chairman of the
Board for the Saint John Port Authority. “The sugar refinery site will be incorporated into the Lower
Cove terminal and connect this facility with the Potash Terminal, providing contiguous marine facilities
for present and future marine cargo operations in this area. This will protect the integrity of the working
port, now and in the future.”
“The MOU calls for the exchange of the sugar refinery site for a comparable portion of Long Wharf to
accommodate an exciting project, which will enhance both our cruise business and the waterfront area
of the City,” observed Captain Al Soppitt, President and CEO of the Saint John Port Authority. “With this
exchange, we will be retaining the marginal berth area as our secondary cruise terminal, and we know
Irving Oil’s development on Long Wharf would be done to the highest standards, should it proceed.
With approval of this project, cargo operations on the East side will in future be concentrated at Lower
Cove and the newly acquired Lantic Sugar site.”
“Our company has been encouraged by a number of organizations in the community to remain in the
uptown area and consider development on the waterfront,” says Blaine Higgs, Director of Logistics
for Irving Oil. “The Saint John Port Authority has helped make this idea a reality by showing vision
and a willingness to work together on a solution that meets the needs of the whole community. The
community’s encouragement, along with the Port’s vision and Saint John’s continued growth as a
great place to live and work, has led to this exciting announcement. We look forward to receiving the
community’s input and working with them to develop plans for the waterfront that would be enhanced
and made accessible to the public as part of this development.”
The agreement is subject to federal government approvals and is conditional upon the Saint John Port
Authority and Irving Oil reaching a final agreement on property layout and detailed design. Construction
on the Long Wharf property would begin when all approvals are received. The proposed project
would take two to three years to build and would create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs during
construction.
Irving Oil’s proposed development would be constructed under the Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System, reflecting Irving Oil’s commitment to
environmental responsibility and sustainability. The LEED system is a rigorous standard for the design,
construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
The Port of Saint John, New Brunswick’s largest and most diverse marine gateway, is a bulk and break
bulk port with the capacity to handle containers and is the second busiest port of call for cruise ships
operating in Atlantic Canada.
The Port is a commercially viable, self-sufficient business enterprise and a cornerstone of the local
economy. It is a critical component of the region’s transportation infrastructure essential to many of New
Brunswick’s major industries engaged in international trade and provides deep-water, ice-free access to
shipping year round.
Media Contact:
Bill Eaton
Public Relations
Saint John Port Authority
(506)636-4674
beaton@sjport.com
FUSION Halifax Celebrates Achieving 1000 Members
Published 2008-06-10 11:18:02
FUSION Halifax celebrates achieving 1000 members
Halifax, Nova Scotia – June 9, 2008 - Since its inception less than a year ago, Halifax’s signature organization for engaging the 20–40 demographic has grown from a small team of volunteers to a city-wide organization of over 1000 members.
FUSION Halifax was launched in October 2007 with a mandate of unleashing networking and volunteer opportunities and creating a stronger sense of community in Halifax.
“To be part of an organization which gives you the opportunity to help shape the future of the city and network with other young professionals is an amazing thing,” says Mark Stiles, a project manager with Jacques Whitford and the official 1000th member. “In my line of work, and being in the city a relatively short time, this type of organization plays a significant role. I look forward to being part of Fusion Halifax to help ensure the city remains a great place to live, work and play.”
In the past eight months, FUSION Halifax has been busy partnering with existing organizations and planning new events and projects. Some highlights include roundtable discussions with HRM Council and several provincial deputy ministers, urban development presentations, community clean-ups and the first of a quarterly health and wellness series.
“This milestone, along with the success of our events, really demonstrates the next generation's appetite for change and involvement in our city,” says Peter Moorhouse, chair of FUSION Halifax. “Our goal was and still is to help our members connect with each other - and to opportunities that allow them to contribute in a meaningful way. We’ve achieved a lot so far but it’s only the beginning of what we can do to shape the future of our city and province.”
A special edition of the monthly networking series, FUSION Connects, will take place on Thursday, June 12 at the Halifax Club to celebrate achieving 1000 members. The event is free of charge and begins at 6:00pm.
Membership to FUSION Halifax is free. Sign up for news and information on the website www.fusionhalifax.ca.
About FUSION Halifax
FUSION Halifax is a networking group created by and for young people who are inspired to make their city a better and more sustainable place to live, work and play. Through its members, volunteer committees and dynamic networks, FUSION Halifax showcases existing opportunities—and unleashes new ones—that encourage civic and community engagement. For more information or to join FUSION Halifax, visit www.fusionhalifax.ca.
Atlantic Canada needs reforms, says McKenna
Published 2008-05-29 08:29:02
Published Thursday May 29th, 2008
Economy Ex-premier backs changes in taxation, EI and trade at Toronto business summit
B1
DAVID SHIPLEY
Telegraph-Journal
TORONTO - Former New Brunswick premier Frank McKenna used a keynote speech to a gathering of expatriate Atlantic Canadians on Wednesday to urge dramatic reforms to taxation, employment insurance and trade in the region.
The region has made significant progress over the past 20 years, he said in remarks to the Atlantic Business Summit, which was held at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management in Downtown Toronto. The summit was organized by East Coast Connected, an Ontario group dedicated to linking Atlantic Canadian expatriates with their former home.
"The Atlantic Canada of today is not the same place it was 10 years or 20 years ago," he said. "It is dramatically different on every single scale."
McKenna pointed out that unemployment when he was premier in the 1990s was in the double digits in New Brunswick.
Today, in many communities in Atlantic Canada, it hovers between five and six per cent, he said.
"Twenty yearsago we had the worst roads in the entire country. Today I would argue we have the best highways in Canada," he said. "You see fiscal situations (in the Atlantic provinces) that are the envy of the rest of the country."
But Atlantic Canada can't rest on its laurels.
"As much as things are going better for us, things are going even better in other parts of the world," he said. "At the same time the east is doing much better, the west is doing much better than the east."
As Western Canada grows in wealth and as the country's political centre of gravity shifts westward, Atlantic Canada will find itself facing new challenges, he said.
"Ontario is on the verge of equalization-receiving status, along with Quebec and, when that happens, I can guarantee we are not going to have a lot of friends in this country interested in distributing wealth," said McKenna.
"We're going to be on our own."
But Atlantic Canada shouldn't shy away from this new adversity, he said.
"Adversity is not something we should fear, it is something we should embrace."
The region can surpass its challenges by working together to scrap trade barriers, said the former premier and one-time Canadian ambassador to the United States.
"Inter-provincial trade barriers, we've been working on this since God was wearing short pants. Every government has said they're going to tear down barriers. Why don't we just get on with it?"
McKenna said the provinces should drop all trade barriers and then require industry or the public service to make the case for why a province should have a certain barrier.
"Just reverse the onus," he said.
The former premier pointed out a sign at the New Brunswick-Nova Scotia border that highlighted the ridiculousness of some trade barriers.
The sign banned New Brunswick bees from crossing into Nova Scotia.
"They bees do not know this," he said.
McKenna urged the four provinces to work together to lower corporate and personal income taxes. He suggested they offset some of the lost revenue by increasing consumption taxes, noting the two percentage point cut to the federal GST provides some room to increase such taxes.
Atlantic Canada must also take the lead in reforming the employment insurance system, he said.
"We need to face the bald reality that EI has become a trap for us," he said.
Saint John Volunteer Centre Recruiting Volunteer Trainers
Published 2008-04-29 13:19:52
SAINT JOHN VOLUNTEER CENTRE
RECRUITING VOLUNTEER TRAINERS
The Training Resources Program has been operated by the Saint John Volunteer Centre for over 20 years. It supports local non-profits in two key areas:
v Building stronger Organizations, Boards, and Committees
v Training Volunteer Coordinators in effective volunteer management practices.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE: JOIN OUR TRAINING TEAM
Training of volunteers in Board Development, and of Executive Directors and Coordinators in Volunteer Management, is essential in order to maximize volunteer resources in the community. The voluntary sector is rapidly changing, demanding higher levels of professionalism and accountability.
We are currently recruiting experienced trainers to meet the growing demand for Training in the local non-profit sector. We are looking for people who:
v Have a strong knowledge of voluntary sector issues, boardsmanship and/or volunteer management;
v Understand the principles of Adult Education;
v Are confident as facilitators;
v Have strong presentation skills;
v Use a variety of presentation methods and audio visual aids;
v and can work as a team.
On-going Trainer development, mentoring, and “train the trainer” program will be offered.
If interested, please call Brian Boudreau, Training Resources Coordinator, Saint John Volunteer Centre 658-1555, to discuss the criteria and benefits of this volunteer opportunity.
Human Development Council looking for Board Members
Published 2008-04-28 10:23:42
The Human Development Council (www.humandevelopmentcouncil.nb.ca) is the local social planning council for Saint John working with citizens to improve our community’s overall quality of life. It has two key functions: an information role of linking citizens to human services and a proactive role of developing solutions to meet our community’s challenges. We are currently seeking to fill positions on our Board of Directors for the upcoming year. If interested, please contact Belinda Allen at belindaallen@rogers.com.
Fusion asks ‘What the f*!% is it about Saint John?’
Published 2008-04-28 10:18:50
4th Annual Lawson Creamer Faces of Fusion Event:
Fusion asks ‘What the f*!% is it about Saint John?’
SAINT JOHN — We mean ‘face’ of course…what’s the current face of Saint John and what will our city look like as it grows? Is it growing into a city we want to stay in, or our ex-pat family and friends want to come back to?
With our city bracing for growth, this year’s 4th Annual Lawson Creamer Faces of Fusion is focused on Saint John’s future: celebrating the optimism of the community, but also discussing what needs to change in order to retain youth, repatriate ex-pat Atlantic Canadians and attract immigrants.
An interactive panel will kick off the discussion, featuring Hon. Greg Byrne, Minister of the Population Growth Secretariat; Nathalie Godbout, Chair of the Saint John Board of Trade and a partner with the law firm Lawson Creamer; and Sara Stashick, Enterprise Saint John’s Life On Your Terms Coordinator. Moderated by journalist Lisa Hrabluk, this panel will engage the entire room in a Q&A to collect further insights on Saint John’s predicted population growth. Following the panel will be keynote speaker Jian Ghomeshi , host of Q on CBC Radio and Bold TV. Ghomeshi will focus on diversity and immigration with his speech ‘The New Face of Canada’, including his experiences as a first-generation Canadian.
“Our goal with Lawson Creamer Faces of Fusion is to produce a memorable event that celebrates our city and gets people talking about the issues facing the community,” said Kate Barnett, Fusion Saint John Chair. “By talking about the changing face of Saint John, we’re eager to hear what community members think about the future and how we can all be a part of it.”
“Saint John’s strong economic outlook has given the city a lot of momentum,” said Nathalie Godbout. “We’re a community poised for tremendous growth and the changes that come with it, so what better time to celebrate and discuss this topic than at an event like Lawson Creamer Faces of Fusion? I’m looking forward to being a part of what’s sure to be a thought provoking night.”
“Through my experiences from coast to coast, I’ve noticed increased diversity,” said Jian Ghomeshi. “I think many Canadians, particularly younger people, are embracing this diversity and growth and have a lot to say about how it’s going to impact the future of their communities; that’s what intrigued me about this event and I’m interested to see what the people of Saint John have to say.”
The event will also feature a prize draw for two WestJet tickets (anywhere in Canada) and a $300 resort certificate care of Wyndham Worldwide. Tickets to Faces of Fusion are $50 each or $500 for a table. They are available online at www.fusionsj.com or for purchase at the Business Resource Centre, 40 King Street, 506-658-2877.
4th Annual Lawson Creamer Faces of Fusion
Friday, May 2nd, 6:30pm
Hilton Saint John Trade and Convention Centre
Fusion seeks Rally of Hope Team Members
Published 2008-04-28 10:15:25
Calling all runners and fun-lovers! Join the Fusion SJ Rally of Hope team! The Rally is a 12-hour annual event, organized by the Saint John Regional Hospital and sponsored by several local businesses, including UNB Saint John. The Rally of Hope raises approximately $650,000 annually and is one of the top five annual fundraising events in Canada. This year's event will be held on Saturday, June 21st at the Stadium at UNB. If you are interested in joining the team, contact Katie Emrich at katharine.emrich@nbed.nb.ca. Team meeting date TBA.
Adam Mowery wins three Best of Saint John Music Poll Awards
Published 2008-04-28 10:10:58
Adam Mowery was the big winner at the first annual Best of Saint John Music Poll Awards, picking up three trophies during an awards presentation at A Khord April 25. Fans from around the region voted their favourite Saint John musicians and musical happening www.giraffecycle.com poll, and chose Mowery in three categories, including Best Male Artist, Best Song (“The Three Sisters”) and Artist Most Likely To Make It Big.
The 2008 Best of Saint John Music Poll Winners Are:
Best Cover Band - the Cover-Alls
Best Album Artwork - Jud Crandall for Saint John 3: The Revenge
Best Radio Station - CFMH 107.3 FM
Best Concert - Joel Plaskett at Elwood’s, July 14, 2007
Best Venue – Elwood’s
Best Record Store - Backstreet Records
Best Fan - Barb Crawford
Best Musician - Adam Kierstead
Best Album - Saint John 3: The Revenge
Best Male Artist - Adam Mowery
Best Female Artist - Jessica Rhaye
Best Group - Grand Theft Bus
Best Song - Adam Mowery - The Three Sisters
Best New Artist - Something French
Artist Most Likely to Make it Big - Adam Mowery
The Best of Saint John Music Poll Awards were sponsored by A Khord, Giraffecycle, BBQ Records and CFMH.
Harbourfront Residences at Three Sisters - Looking for your input!
Published 2008-04-28 10:05:30
HARBOURFRONT RESIDENCES AT THREE SISTERS
We want your input...
The Rocca Group and their team want your input and opinion on the design, suite layouts, amenities and prices planned for their much-anticipated Uptown Saint John waterfront condominium.
Harbourfront Residences at Three Sisters is planned to be an affordable community of Condos, Townhomes and Patio Residences located at the juncture of Prince William and Water Street, by the Three Sisters light.
If you are interested in participating in a one-hour Focus Group, contact their marketing and design team at focusgroup@partnership.ca or call
Monday to Friday 10am-6pm 1-888-499-0557.
Serfs Up! New local phone-in show
Published 2008-03-04 18:28:57
Serfs Up! Tune in to "Serf City," a new local phone-in show hosted by Mark Leger on CFMH 107.3 FM, Thursdays, 6 – 7 pm.
You can also listen to the show live on the Internet. Go to www.shoutcast.com and type CFMH into the search field. Talk to you Thursday night!
The Arts & Culture Committee congratulates Clyde A. Wray!
Published 2008-03-04 17:52:13
Fusion's Arts & Culture Committee would like to congratulate Clyde A. Wray on his accomplishment!
Clyde A. Wray is a recent winner of the local division of CBC Radio’s 7th Annual Poetry Face-off for his poem, ‘Ruffy (heating up)’.
Clyde will be representing NB in the Nationals in April.
Congratulations!
New Brunswick's Population Growth Strategy
Published 2008-02-13 22:34:27
New Brunswick's Population Growth Strategy
Click here to view the complete report that focuses on four areas:
- increasing and targeting immigration
- increasing settlement and promoting multiculturalism
- retaining youth and repatriating formerNew Brunswickers and
- adopting family-friendly policies
Next steps in North of Union Consultation to involve Community Workshops
Published 2008-02-13 22:28:44
Next steps in North of Union Consultation to involve Community Workshops
Workshops to be held on February 26, and March 1 will address themes highlighted in community information sessions
Saint John, February 8, 2008 – The City of Saint John has announced details of the community workshop sessions about the North of Union development opportunity. All community members are welcome to attend two workshops on February 26 and March 1.
The workshops are the next steps outlined in the consultation plan presented to Saint John Common Council in December of 2007.
“We’re pleased with the initial feedback from the community. Over 200 people attended our two information sessions, and over 100 people have completed a feedback form at the sessions or online. We’ve used these inputs to design these workshop sessions – to give Saint Johners an opportunity to ask questions, provide input and engage in meaningful discussion about their vision for this project,” says Mayor Norm McFarlane.
Initial themes arose from the feedback received from the community during initial community sessions held on January 30th, and February 2nd, and on the North of Union web page. These themes included parking, sustainable transportation, traffic management, public spaces and pedestrians, and the existing buildings on the development site.
The first workshop session on February 26 will explore the opportunities and options with regards to existing buildings on the development site. “Many respondents have questions about what will happen to the buildings currently on the site,” says Deputy City Manager Pat Woods. “This session will give us a chance to discuss this in-depth.”
The second workshop session on March 1 will engage the community in discussions around public spaces, traffic flow, development potential (what will go on the site), parking options, and environmental considerations. This session will be facilitated by the Cities and Environment Unit from Dalhousie University.
“Both of these sessions will be open and participatory, and will explore all of the options for this development,” says Woods.
The feedback from these sessions will provide the input into the development of a set of principles (physical, environmental, social, arts and culture etc.) that will guide the development of the North of Union opportunity.
“We want to have meaningful conversation in the community about this development. This is another step to achieving that,” says Woods. “We look forward to presenting the results of these sessions back to the public.
Final details regarding the location and start times for the workshop sessions are currently being arranged and will be available in the very near future. For up-to-date information relative to this development project please check the City of SJ website at www.saintjohn.ca/northofunion.
21 Leaders for the 21st Century 2008 Announced
Published 2008-01-23 18:19:08
21 LEADERS FOR THE 21st CENTURY 2008 ANNOUNCED
FREDERICTON (NB) - January 18, 2008
21inc. is pleased to introduce its 2008 class of 21 leaders for the 21st century. The leaders were selected by an inter-disciplinary panel of judges and were chosen based on a combination of criteria, including: their vision; their academic, professional and extra-curricular contributions; and for their capacity to have an impact on the province and its people. Late last year 21inc. together with Premier Shawn Graham, launched a province-wide search for 21 enthusiastic and energetic young New Brunswickers to participate in its renewed 21 leaders for the 21st century program - a unique leadership development exercise designed to give new and emerging leaders the tools, networks and confidence to help make a difference.
21inc. is a not-for-profit organization committed to creating the capacity for change in New Brunswick by developing the best community leaders in Canada. Executive Director Tim Coates said the ongoing need to develop and encourage the province’s next generation of leaders underpins New Brunswick’s ability to successfully address the social and economic challenges it is facing: “Truly moving forward as a province means identifying, cultivating and enlisting the contribution of new leaders,” he says. “We had a great response and have assembled an incredibly talented group of young people ready to take up the challenge. I'm very much looking forward to meeting and working with the new class.”
The 2008 program began with a weekend spent working and learning more about each other, the province and its challenges, including an intimate dinner with Andrea Mandel-Campbell, a veteran journalist specializing in international business and global competitiveness and author of Why Mexicans Don't Drink Molson: Rescuing Canadian Companies From the Suds of Global Obscurity.
The leaders first working weekend was made possible thanks to an investment of $10,000 by the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
"If New Brunswick is to continue to be the kind of place where people want to live, study, work, invest and start businesses, we need to involve new voices – those of our new and emerging leaders," said the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of ACOA. "This investment in our province's young people will allow them to spend time getting to know each other, learning about their province and charting their course. It’s further evidence the Government of Canada is committed to working with its partners to get things done for the people of New Brunswick.”
Over the course of the 10 month program, the 21 leaders will have the opportunity to learn from established provincial and national leaders; accelerate their leadership development and, most importantly, join a dynamic and diverse network of engaged young New Brunswickers committed to their province, and its future. In addition to ACOA, 21inc. is supported by the Government of New Brunswick, the University of New Brunswick, Bell Aliant, Revolution Strategy, Caisses populaires acadiennes, Major Drilling, Mariner Partners, McCain Foods, Moosehead Breweries, Diversis and the Barrett Corporation.
Click here for bios on the new 21 Leaders!
Different cities, different immigrants
Published 2008-01-08 10:43:10
Different cities, different immigrants
Kate Barnett, Danny Jardine and Lesley MacLeod
Published Saturday December 22nd, 2007
Telegraph Journal, Appeared on page A10
As Saint John residents and members of Fusion, we like our apple just fine; and by apple, we mean Greater Saint John.
According to a recent report by the Conference Board of Canada, out of 27 of the nation's largest "census metropolitan areas" (CMAs), our community is the second-least attractive one in Canada.
This report describes a city unfriendly to immigrants, scarce on jobs and shrinking in population. Compared to cities like Calgary, Vancouver and Ottawa the report states that our Port City literally doesn't make the grade in forming 'city magnets' for attracting new people through such categories as economic performance, health care, education and environment. It's a harsh view of Saint John we've probably heard before, but with this comparison, are we really talking different apple varieties here or is this the proverbial apples and oranges comparison?
What this report doesn't objectively measure is quality of life, nor the preferences people have when choosing a place to live. Our CMA apple of 122,389 people (as listed in the report) is being compared to CMA oranges that are several times larger.
Naturally, with a larger population comes advances in infrastructure and economies of scale that make a city more liveable out of necessity. However, increased size also comes with a lot of issues that affect quality of life - everything from a longer commute to work, to a shortage of affordable housing to fewer green spaces.
Some people are willing to sacrifice that aspect of their quality of life for the advantages larger cities have to offer.
Cities have different combinations of 'magnets' to appeal to different people with different preferences. Not every person who moves to a city is going to be attracted there based on the same set of reasons. If living near the ocean is a priority, land-locked cities will never compete.
Of course, there is always more we can do to improve our city and there are many aspects that need improving. Still, we shouldn't let reports like this make us lose sight of the progress we're making (or unable to see the orchard for the trees, so to speak).
The city we're seeing today is one that is refocusing on its uptown through urban development and looking at new ways of strengthening and investing in its art and culture community. We're seeing a city that has new houses, stores and hotels sprouting up in Millidgeville and the East Side, among other areas. We're seeing a commuter bus system that is beginning to reach outlying communities. We're seeing new Fusion members from China, Korea and India who were attracted here for university programs and/or new jobs - people who are excited to move away from the norm and live in a place completely different from the enormous cities they grew up in. We're seeing a city that is working towards a vision of what it wants to be in eight years.
This is an exciting time of progress and potential, and we need to start talking about it more to wider Canadian and international audiences - to all the oranges and bananas out there that we're competing against for new talent. We don't think our Fusion members are the only ones who would prefer this apple.
Kate Barnett, Danny Jardine and Lesley MacLeod are members of Fusion Saint John, a not-for-profit organization that provides social, business and volunteer opportunities for Saint Johners of all ages.
Saint John is Canada's happy place
Published 2008-01-08 10:34:28
Saint John is Canada's happy place
The Canadian Press
Saint John, N.B. — Saint John is the happiest city in Canada.
The New Brunswick city was one of several Atlantic Canadian centres to score well in a satisfaction study conducted by the University of British Columbia.
Sponsored by the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, the findings were based on survey data provided by Statistics Canada.
John Helliwell, an economics professor at UBC, examined close to 100,000 responses to Stats Canada's ethnic diversity survey of 2002 and its general social survey of 2003.
“The magic is to find out, not only how happy people are with their lives, but to situate them in communities (and) explain why people who are happy are happy,” Mr. Helliwell said.
Saint John led the pack with a life satisfaction score of 8.6 out of 10, which Mr. Helliwell said makes it among the happiest cities not only in Canada, but the world.
“That's pretty high,” he said. “Denmark is the highest country and runs about 8.1 or 8.2. Saint John is operating in pretty rarified territory, so something's going well.”
Quebec City placed second on the survey while Charlottetown was third. Moncton, N.B., and Kitchener, Ont., tied for fourth while St. John's, N.L., was sixth.
Rounding out the Top 10, in order, were Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg and Halifax.
Mr. Helliwell said it's no coincidence that smaller communities scored higher than bigger ones.
He said trusting others is important and those kind of connections are easier to make in smaller cities.
“Having a community that's stable enough to get to know people is important,” he said. “That's one of the advantages of a community that's not subject to the big turnover major metropolitan areas are.
“You have a chance to see people regularly. Clerks in stores are [more likely to be] their friends, not just somebody trying to sell you something. And that's harder to do in big cities.”
Helliwell said he'd like to see a greater focus on this type of qualitative research when it comes to gauging the development of countries, as opposed to strict economic measures.
“Life satisfaction is an alternative way of approaching development,” he said. “We need to stop just looking at GDP per capita and look at the quality of people's lives.”
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"12 Wonder of Saint John" Calendars
Published 2007-11-29 12:23:53
"12 Wonders of Saint John"
After announcing the 12 Wonders of Greater Saint John last August, Fusion has launched a calendar of those Wonders!
The calendar sells for only $10 and is available at the following vendors:
• NB Tea Company, center aisle, (Saint John City Market)
• Beckwith & Co. Studio ( Saint John City Market)
• Read’s/United Book Store (25 Charlotte Street)
• House of Tara (Market Square)
• The Feel Good Store (89 Germain Street)
• Moosehead Country Store (49 Main Street West)
• The Imperial Theatre
• Saint John Arts Centre (20 Hazen Ave)
• Mahogany Manor (220 Germain Street)
• Syndicate Skate and Snow (106 Prince William St)
• Pictures Plus (85 King Street)
For general information on the Greater Saint John 12 Wonders Calendar, contact Fusion Saint John at info@fusionsj.com or at (506) 693-6810. Please keep in mind that many of these vendors use a "cash only" policy for the calendars.
Fusion Talks Development
Published 2007-11-28 08:32:39
Fusion Talks Development
SAINT JOHN — Cruise ship terminals, green spaces, and new office buildings: you’ve heard the announcements, now it’s time to hear the community’s response. Join Fusion Saint John as it hosts an Urban Development Forum, an interactive information session featuring presentations and Q&As with the city’s key developers.
Urban Development Forum
November 29th 2007, 6-9 pm
Chinese Commerce Centre (24 Coburg Street)
Guest speakers include:
Peter Asimakos (General Manager, Uptown Saint John)
John Rocca (Real Estate Developer)
Ross Jefferson (General Manager, Waterfront Development Partnership)
His Worship, Mayor Norm McFarlane
For more information, contact:
Kate Barnett
(506) 333-6476
Thank you to our event sponsors:
Uptown Saint John and Java Moose
Fusion idea spreads to Halifax - Telegraph-Journal, Oct. 23rd
Published 2007-11-21 23:49:20
SAINT JOHN - An idea that had its origins in Saint John will be planted in Halifax later this week.
On Thursday Fusion Halifax will hold its first meeting, based on the model created here and then adopted in Bangor, Me., before travelling to Nova Scotia.
Fusion's mandate is to connect, engage and inspire people aged 20 to 40, unleash networking and volunteer opportunities and create a stronger sense of community.
"We're extremely excited to see Fusion launch in other cities of our region," said Kate Barnett, chairwoman of Fusion Saint John Inc., which began in 2004. "It's clear the Halifax team has enthusiasm, fresh ideas and passion for their city and we look forward to working with them further."
Last spring, Halifax resident Peter Moorhouse heard about the work the Saint John group was doing to encourage city council to implement an urban planning strategy and came to see what was going on, said Barnett.
"Within about a couple of weeks we were on conference calls talking about how they were going to execute this," she said.
Fusion Halifax will feature learning, lobbying and networking opportunities for Gen X, Y and millenials in the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) with committees being formed on such current issues as sustainability, urban design and community engagement.
Included in the programs will be regular social networking opportunities and an ambassador program that will act as a retention and recruitment vehicle for both Fusion and the community as a whole.
"Fusion Halifax has been created for young people by young people and is meant to be a catalyst for networking and change in this community," said Moorhouse, Fusion Halifax's chairman. "We have such a diverse community and the time has come for the next generation to really get organized and make a difference."
The Halifax launch will begin with a late-afternoon networking event at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic on Lower Water Street. The launch, which sold out in 48 hours, will feature Danny Graham, leader of the Liberal party of Nova Scotia from 2002 to 2004, as the guest speaker and offer opportunities for attendees to network and learn about upcoming activities.
"People feel like they are a true part of the community when they are engaged and contributing," Moorhouse said. "Our new membership has told us that Fusion Halifax is needed now to attract and retain the next generation in our city. We look forward to seeing this group grow and thrive in HRM."
'People want it done right' - Telegraph-Journal, Nov. 16th
Published 2007-11-21 23:42:55
'People want it done right'
Development People fear another General Hospital-site fiasco, realtor says
Sandra Davis
Telegraph-Journal
Published Friday November 16th, 2007
Appeared on page C1
SAINT JOHN - The commotion surrounding a clandestine plan to change the face of two or more city blocks north of Union Street is about one thing and one thing alone, say concerned citizens who attended a closed-door meeting Wednesday night: Being locked out of an exciting moment in Saint John's history.
Uptown residents who gathered in Loyalist House fear of being labelled "heritage kooks" and that's a shame, says realtor Bob McVicar.
"The big picture here is simply that this is the biggest urban redevelopment project that has ever occurred in Saint John, if it occurs," says McVicar.
"Anybody I've talked to who is concerned about this is desperately aching for development, progress and a more vibrant and interesting uptown in which to live.
"People want it done right.
"One of the smaller-scale parallels is that piece of junk that appeared on the former General Hospital site," says McVicar.
"That's what people see and that's what they fear."
McVicar was one of 25 or so people who showed up for a meeting of citizens concerned that they have not been invited to chime in on the future of land north of Union, part of a huge site in the area near Vito's and the Saint John Arts Centre, where a police/justice complex is to be built.
Jeff Roach, who lives on Princess Street, was out of town for the meeting but says he would have been there had he been in the city.
Roach has been wound up since he found out earlier this week that things have been going on behind the scenes.
"This Father Knows Best Thing is so offensive," says Roach. "Decisions made without any consultation offend people."
He's hoping the public outcry that has begun will galvanize the community and change some minds. "It often does affect the people who are leading it. I hope it continues."
Roach says he's feeling like he's not being represented.
"I almost feel like I need to be vigilant and protective of myself against the decisions my city is making for me. I don't think that's a healthy way to grow a community."
The lack of public consultation could result in the loss of a feeling of community, resident Judith Meinert fears.
When things are done behind closed doors, the natural question is always "what's going on?" says Meinert, who went to Wednesday night's gathering.
"I want to write a letter to the mayor (Norm McFarlane) and cc the paper. I want to say, 'please don't override the citizens.'
"Nobody seems to know who's behind the whole project.
"I'm just wondering whether the mayor has learned anything about that whole uproar about giving the Irvings (Irving Oil) that huge tax break."
Art gallery owner and activist Peter Buckland, who went to the meeting, says people in attendance are not against building a new police-justice complex.
"We're pretty excited about those things," he said, echoing McVicar.
"This isn't all about arts, culture and heritage," he says.
Maybe some councillors feel residents have nothing to contribute, says Buckland.
"Maybe they think we're stupid, that it should just be left to a small group of people."
The tone of Wednesday night's gathering was more one of frustration than anger, says Buckland.
"We just want to be part of it. All we want to know is what's going on."
Buckland is hopeful that the networking that has started surrounding the project continues. "It's about talking to other people in our community about this, spreading the word, writing letters.
"All we want to do is open some doors."
Although a lot of work seems to have been done already, Buckland is optimistic that it's not too late for public input.
"I like to think that there's still an opportunity for the citizens to learn where this thing is going and to have some sort of participation in it," he said.
"People are feeling very optimistic but then this comes along and it's starting to kill some of that optimism,"
No one wants to have to resort to standing in front of bulldozers, says McVicar.
"No one wants to not see urban renewal and development," he says.
"People want to se it happen right and they want to be involved because they're enthusiastic and passionate."
What they're afraid of is that the project has become "a big steam engine rolling down the hill."
"How do we take this concern and convert it into something that is proactive and will change something and make this a better project?"
Meanwhile, Buckland says the meeting ended with no clear agreement "but a sense that we would all be talking over the next few days.
"We're waiting to see what kind of reaction we get."
Fusion is also a planning a meeting for Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. at a place to be announced.
That meeting has been called to discuss development in the city in general, says Fusion chairwoman Kate Barnett.
"Because of what's going on north of Union, we think it's probably the best opportunity for everyone to come together and discuss what's up, what's going on," she said.
"How much voice do we really have?"
It will also provide a platform for developers in the city to come and give an outline of their projects, she said.
Everyone is welcome.
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