In the News Today 7-22-2010

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New Events

Rosanna Haraszta April 29 at 10:14am

If you know anyone that might be interested in becoming a Language Interpreter please pass this information on.

Are you fluent in two or more languages? Obtain the training and credential you need to become an international language interpreter. There is a growing need for skilled interpreters who can provide services within the business, health, and human service sectors. St. Clair College is proud to offer this program in partnership with the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County. Courses will cover spoken language interpretation, consecutive interpreting, note-taking, sight translation, simultaneous interpreting, and setting specific interpreting with a focus on the language interpretation needs of local agencies and community services.

Program Admission Requirements:

1. An approved college or university degree or diploma is recommended but not required.

2. Fluency in English and a second language as demonstrated by a 75% or higher score on the ILSAT test administered by the Multicultural Council and graded by an internationally recognized outside agency.

The cost of the test is $200.00 CDN per student (fee subject to change). Individuals who pass the test will receive a certificate attesting to their language fluency. Contact the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County at 519-255-1127 ext.135 to schedule a test. Students should arrange to write the test at least 4-6 weeks prior to program start.

Please join us for one of the following information sessions:

Monday, June 14th 6:00 p.m. – St. Clair College, Thames Campus, 1001 Grand Avenue West, Room 103, Chatham

Wednesday, June 16th 9:30 a.m. - Multicultural Council, 245 Janette Avenue, Windsor

Wednesday, July 7th 6:30 p.m. – Multicultural Council, 245 Janette Avenue, Windsor

For information about the Language Interpreter Certificate Program or to confirm your attendance at an upcoming information session, please call the Multicultural Council at (519) 255-1127 or call St. Clair College Continuing Education at (519) 972-2711

The Need to Feed

4-13-2010 The need to feed food banks was made more evident by this week's release of the HungerCount survey.

It shows in this tough economic time a 17.6% jump in the number of Canadians relying on food hampers.

It also showed meals provided by soup kitchens, school breakfast programs and drop-in centres are up 39% from two years ago.

Nearly 800,000 people visited food banks this past March -- 120,000 more than a year earlier. That's the largest one-year jump on record, and 72,000 of the clients were first-timers.

And it gets worse. Feeding these people is growing more difficult. One-third of the 670 food banks across Canada have reported problems keeping up with demand or having to turn people away.

While Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation District 22 Niagara has recently donated $10,000 to six food banks in the region -- an admirable gesture -- it's easy to see that money won't go too far.

It is critical that communitywide food drives, such as the ones earlier this month in Welland and Port Colborne, and one in Pelham on Nov. 28 are supported. They generate tonnes of food each year, but soon after the holidays supplies of staples will be running low once again.

It was sad to hear that of the families Community Care West Niagara serves, a whopping 64 live without hydro. One family living this way is had to accept. Sixty-four is staggering. And that's just in less-populated west Niagara.

For some families, including those with two incomes, a decision must be made to pay bills or buy food.

Most recently, a report prepared by the Ontario Association of Food Banks, In the Midst of the Storm: The Impact of the Economic Downturn for Ontario's Food Banks in 2009, released last month, shows Ontario's food banks are under pressure due to growing unemployment, continually increasing food prices and rising demand. They have been forced to purchase more food, and in some cases ration the available supply of donations.

Meanwhile demand for nutritious breakfast programs, such as the one at Empire public school, not only needs more food to feed more students, they need more volunteers to ensure children don't go hungr.y

We can do our part by volunteering ans picking up a few extra items at the grocery store each week and setting them aside for such agencies as Open Arms Mission, Pelham Cares and the Port Colborne Inter-Church Food Bank.

It may seem like just another kind gesture, but added together these gestures can make a world of difference for many people.

Make a Gift to Help People Facing Hunger Across Ontario

Every dollar counts! The Ontario Association of Food Banks (OAFB) directs 96.7 per cent of annual revenue to food, distribution and programs and 3.3 per cent to administration, finances and fundraising. Our most recent audited financial statements are available on our website. For every dollar donated, the OAFB can acquire and distribute over eight dollars worth of food to Ontario’s food banks.

If you have questions about donating to the Ontario Association of Food Banks or to make a gift by phone call 647-261-0312 or 1-866-220-4022. 

What is a Rain Barrel

According to the city, A rain barrel is a specialized stormwater storage container connected to an eavestrough downspout from a house or building.

The use of rain barrels for rainwater collection is an effective way to reduce the demand for water during the peak summer season. It is estimated that lawn and garden watering make up nearly 40 percent of total household water use during the summer months. A half gallon of water per square foot of roof area can be collected during a 1-inch rainfall. A 2,000-square-foot roof can collect about 1,000 gallons of water (accounting for about 20 percent loss from evaporation, runoff and splash).

Rain Barrel Pilot Program

Windsor - Approximately 250 homes located west of Kildare and south of Ypres will soon have the opportunity to receive a free rain barrel as part of a pilot program being launched by the City of Windsor in partnership with the Windsor Utilities Commission (WUC) and the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA). Funding assistance for this pilot project has been generously provided by the Detroit River Cleanup Committee and the Province of Ontario.

As a suggestion provided by residents Doug Alley and Mike Finn, Windsor City Councillors Alan Halberstadt and Jo-Anne Gignac launched the idea as a means of combating basement flooding problems and to promote water conservation. Disconnecting roof leaders from the storm sewers in this south Walkerville neighbourhood while providing rain barrels will result in a number of benefits to the Detroit River and to area homes.

“The Woodlawn/Ypres/Memorial Storm Relief Study recommended disconnection of at least 50% of roof leaders connected to the storm sewer in the area to combat basement flooding, but we have not yet achieved this result. Disconnection in this area will reduce the strain on the neighbourhood sewer capacity and the Ypres Pump Station, thereby reducing occurrences of basement flooding,” explained Councillor Alan Halberstadt and co-chair of the Windsor-Essex County Environment Committee.

''A major pollutant of the Detroit River is the release of untreated sewage into the river during storm events. Disconnection will reduce the volumes flowing through the system at these critical times, ensuring that more sewage is properly treated at our Pollution Control plants,” explained Councillor Jo-Anne Gignac.

Providing free rain barrels to the residents in the pilot area will also help with household water conservation efforts.

“Water conservation is an important issue and the use of rain barrels for rain water collection is an effective way to reduce the demand for water during the peak summer season,” explains Councillor Ken Lewenza Jr., WUC Chair. “It is estimated that lawn and garden watering make up nearly 40% of total household water use during the summer months.”

Research on rain barrels and rainwater storage has identified a number of benefits, including decreased water bills, energy consumption and problems associated with storm water runoff. As well, many gardeners prefer the soft, chlorine-free water available to produce greener lawns and gardens. The rain barrels feature a spigot and hose connection for easy use, and the cover has a fine-meshed screen that prevents mosquito growth and captures debris.

“Rainwater runoff can pick up pollutants on the way to the storm water drainage system,” explains Councillor Dave Brister, ERCA Chair. “Preventing the excess run-off by capturing this water in rain barrels can help stop water pollution at the source.''

Over the next few weeks, homeowners in the pilot area will receive correspondence inviting them to call 311 in order to receive their free rain barrel. City of Windsor staff, as they disconnect downspouts from the storm sewers within the neighborhood, will then install up to one rain barrel per household.

During a smog advisory, there are a number of actions that you can
take to help spare the air.

Travel tips - all year round:
- leave your car at home - walk, cycle, carpool or take public transit
- tele-conference instead of driving to meetings
- limit car trips by doing all your errands at once, and do
not let your engine idle
- keep your car well tuned, check your tire pressure and
drive at moderate speeds
Health tips:
- avoid exposure to vehicle exhaust fumes
- consult your doctor for specific health advice
- wear light clothing at work while air conditioning is reduced
- avoid strenuous exercise in the heat of the day
Electricity saving tips:
- save electricity at home by setting your air conditioner
temperature a few degrees higher (health permitting) and turning
off lights you are not using
Other pollution reduction tips:
- leave lawn mowing for another day
- restrict the use of gasoline-powered equipment
- delay using oil-based paints, solvents and cleaners

Child Poverty -Food Banks- What Time is Dinner in Windsor,Ontario?
by Diane Knaus

When was the last time you invited your neighbors into your home for a meal? How are they really doing these days? Are their jobs adequate, can they afford to feed their families? Do your neigbours have clothes that are warm enough and not full of holes? Can they get the medications that they need on a regular basis? When was the last time you had a heart to heart talk with your neighbor?

330,491 Hungry People in Ontario Last Year 2008

According to the Ontario Hunger Report, 330,491 people have been served as of last year in Ontario from the food banks. A number of food banks closed or were at risk of closing in 2006, including agencies in communities such as Wasaga Beach, Pars, and Minden.

40 per cent are Ontario’s children

“The real face of hunger is not what we might expect,” said Adam Spence, Executive Director of the OAFB. “It transcends definitions of geography. The problem cuts through our towns, cities, and neighbourhoods. No matter where you live, hunger can be found next door.” More people turn to food banks in Ontario than any other province. There are over 330,000 Ontarians served by food banks each month. Since 2001, the number of Ontarians served by food banks has increased by 18.6 per cent. What is most striking is who is hardest hit by hunger: over 40 per cent are Ontario’s children, almost 20 per cent are Ontarians with disabilities, and 17 per cent are working Ontarians. This translates to over a hundred thousand children being hungry in Ontario every month.

How Much Money has the Federal Government Spent on Alleviating this Problem
$0.00. The Federal Government Promised to spend Money to Eliminate Child Poverty Problem 17 years ago. They Have Done Nothing to Date -We Have An Empty Promise.

Over 2.9 million meals a month are being served by the Canadian Association of Food Banks with no monies from the Federal government received.

People who need food assistance can go to their local churches for additional information on the local food banks locations and their hours of operation. Referrals can also be received from the Social and Health Services Department, legal and community organizations such as the Kiwanis club etc.

With job layoffs in the car manufacturing plants so prevalent in Windsor area, and the ripple effect on jobs from that, we should expect to see more food banks struggling to meet peoples needs. A January headline said that Ford Motor Company lost US $5.8 billion dolars in the last quarter of the year. Many people are on layoff status from their employers in the Windsor area due to this alone.

What Time is Dinner

What type of dinner is your neighbors favorite, can you remember? When are you going to invite them over? Do you ever go grocery shopping together? Buy them something that you know they like once in a while? Do they have children, what do they like to eat? You know it is just like anything else, we all need to refocus on what is really important to us and our social contacts.

Sometimes the easiest thing to do is to have a potluck, invite many neighbors so you can enjoy all of them and get caught up on their lives. Not everyone has to bring a dish, only those who can, or want to. Neighbors helping each other is a great way to break the ice and alleviate some stresses.. You could always tailor the get together to help in other ways, maybe a clothing exchange as well, or job tips, contacts of people who can help.

According to the Ontario Association of Food Banks “When compared to the world’s richest countries, Canada falls in the bottom quarter for child poverty, ranking 19 of 26 nations.’

The organization is a network of over 100 communities across Ontario, and has been in service to the communities since 1992.

The low income rate means that a family who spends more than 63 % of their income on food, shelter, clothing and other necessities would be living below the poverty level.

Jumpstart Community Nourishment Program

Nourishment Program:  The main goal of this organization is to create universal access to nutritious food for all children in Windsor and Essex County. Nutrition is a fundamental determinant of healthy child development and good nutrition enhances a child’s ability to learn. Jumpstart is a coalition of several community organizations consisting of five main partners, The Greater Essex County District School Board, Windsor-Essex District Catholic School Board, Windsor-Essex County Health Unit and the United Way/Centraide of Windsor-Essex County.

Youth & Family Resource Network of Essex County

Community Food Co-op Program:  This would be a continuation of a program in the towns of Kingsville, Leamington and Harrow to provide healthy, essential food to an estimated 200 low-income families and their children up to age 17 at a low cost by utilizing purchase agreements with local suppliers and community partnerships. Seniors and other individuals on a low or fixed income will be able to participate if they meet the “means test”.  Food might be delivered at no cost to increase accessibility.

Windsor Community Children's Fund

Birth to Six Parental Support Coalition (Windsor) a.k.a. Ready-Set-Go!
Sewing For Life/Growing Gardeners-Growing Together:  This program will help 4–6 year old children learn the basics of container vegetable gardening, teaching them to grow and care for fruit, herbs and vegetables from seed.  During this course they will also do related crafts and activities about food and nutrition.  Volunteer high school students will be available for troubleshooting and advice.  The target group is families of low-income.

Windsor Goodfellows Club

Shoe & Boot Program:  This initiative will provide up to 1150 requests for shoes and/or boots for children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 who are from low-income families.

Jumpstart Community Nourishment Program

County Schools Nourishment Program:  This program will run during the school year, September 2005 to June 2006 and September 2006 to December 2006 and in partnership with all School Boards. The principal of universal access to food is fundamental to the program, and Jumpstart would ensure that all children have access to nutritious food regardless of the ability to pay. The target population is families of low income

Unemployed Help Centre/Housing Information Services

Keep The Heat Energy Assistance Program:  This program will provide financial assistance to prevent the turn-off of utilities and provide coats for children in the Windsor and Essex County area for an estimated 250 low-income families.  The public and affected families are educated about energy conservation and provided with tools such as window insulation kits.

East Windsor Community Service Centre (Drouillard Place)

Food Co-op Program:  This is a continuation of a food co-op that services low-income families/residents in Windsor East. It works in partnership with Co-ops servicing the west end and county.  It plans to increase participation by 25 percent through extended community outreach/promotion, and the funds include an impact assessment by the University of Windsor.
Food co-ops are different than food banks. A food co-op provides foods at lower prices usually for an annual fee, plus your weekly amount that you spend. Many times it is cheaper to buy grocieries there than the grocery stores.

If you would like to donate canned food, you may do so at the Unemployed Help Centre or call them 519-944-4900 for additional information.
1256 words Published by the Scoop newspaper Wndsor,Ontario February 2007

Updated editions of Arts Council -

Windsor & Region's Arts Notes are always available here:

Arts Council - Windsor & Region

Artspeak Gallery

1942 Wyandotte Street East
Windsor, ON N8Y 1E4
519-252-6855

Photography by Diane Knaus

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