The Front Page
Skating at the Marina
The opening of the renovated Prince Arthur’s Landing took place December 16. Cathy and I went ‘A Carolling’ with Pro Kids during the opening (Pro Kids assists children whose parents can’t afford the cost of recreational programs).
I was impressed although I must say I am looking forward to the summer so we can stroll through the park rather than dash from spot to spot to get out of the cold.
I especially liked the set up for the rink with the change room and large gathering room (see picture at the right) where one can sit in comfort and watch the skaters. I can’t help but think that this will encourage non skaters to take young people skating (free wi-fi too).Michael Sobota reflects on the public art at the waterfront in his column. Check it out.
Volunteers for January 2012
Mary Clara Courtland & Gail Baily
In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Therapy Dog Program; St. John Ambulance would like to recognize the hard work and dedication of Mary Clare Courtland and Gail Bailey. Both of these ladies work numerous hours to place and evaluate new volunteers and their dogs, all while they too are visiting with their own Therapy Dogs.
Mary Clare and her Newfie, Callie, visit at Pioneer Ridge. Mary Clare is also the lady who ensures that all the volunteers have a placement after evaluations and that all the hours are recorded and turned in on behalf of the volunteers.
Gail has two dogs in the program, her Newfie, Murphy, and her King Charles Cavalier Archie; they visit at Pioneer Ridge as well as the Grace Remus Day Care. Archie is also a Paws 4 Stories participant in which he goes into the schools and acts as an aid for young child learning to read. Gail is also the Evaluator for the Thunder Bay Region; she is responsible for running the evaluations and determining if the dogs are suitable for the Therapy Dog Program.
Both these women and their four legged friends are an asset to St. John Ambulance and we cannot thank them enough for all they do!
Merry Christmas to One and All
On a visit to Washington DC last month, Cathy and I were impressed with the number and variety of outstanding monuments and memorials. This memorial to the Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran was just off the sidewalk on our walk down to the Metro at Dupont Circle. The trees were in full colour when we were there and no matter how many great paintings one sees, there is nothing like the real thing. Keith
Volunteers of the Month
Bud Smart was a partner in a local upholstery business for 32 years, and his wife, Nobu, worked there as a seamstress. After retiring late in 1989, they sought a commitment to occupy some of their new-found leisure time.
They chose to volunteer for Meals on Wheels as it was something they could do together, and they realized how crucial the role is. “Somebody had to do it”, says Nobu. “If we were not there, we were missed. They had to replace us.”
“We didn’t have a lot of other commitments “, says Nobu. She and Bud agree that volunteering for Meals on Wheels was a perfect fit between their need to contribute and feel useful and the program’s need for reliable and caring volunteers. “It was good for us; we had time on our hands; It gave us an interest and we met a lot of nice people…we got to know them, and we looked forward (to going out every week).”
In reviewing almost 22 years of involvement with Meals on Wheels, Nobu and Bud disclosed some intriguing experiences: – once, close to Christmas ,Bud wore a Santa Claus costume on his deliveries. “The clients got a bang out of it!” And there were Mother’s Day and Easter, when Bud decided that they really should distribute carnations to their clients (which he supplied and delivered, unbeknownst to Meals on Wheels staff!). One client was frustrated that her window needing cleaning and she was unable to do it. Nobu told her, “Have the paper towels and cleaner ready when I come back next week, and I’ll do it” (which she did!)
Nobu “hit it off” with a woman who was approaching her 100th birthday. The client pressed some fabric “swags” on Nobu, who used her talent for sewing to transform them into 4 placemats, 2 of which she returned to the client. Another round of swags became 2 shopping bags – one for Nobu, one for the client. Nobu later visited this client in hospital, taking her a comforting prayer shawl from her church.
In 2005, Bud and Nob each received prestigious Ontario Volunteer Services Awards for 15 years of continuous service to Thunder Bay Meals on Wheels. Nobu also enjoys volunteering at Bethammi.
The Smarts encourage others to come forward and volunteer ; “Go for it!” says Bud. “I got the hang of it, no problem!”
With regret, reluctance and “great memories”, the Smarts recently decided that it was time for them to retire from delivering Meals on Wheels. With deep appreciation, Meals on Wheels celebrates over 2 decades of kindness and caring that Nobu and Bud have exemplified as volunteers for Meals on Wheels.
For program information or to apply to volunteer for Meals on Wheels, please contact Heather Mihichuk, 625-2785, or Elizabeth Pim, 684-3671.