Candlelight Service To Remember Children Who Have Died, Dec. 13, 2015

7^th Annual Candlelight service remembers children who have died

Local family members bereaved by the death of a child will come together for the 7^th annual Candlelight Service on Sunday, December 13, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in remembrance of children who have died.

The Candlelight Service is part of the Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting which unites family and friends around the globe in lighting candles to honour and remember children who have died at any age from any cause.  It is also an extension of the agency’s support group for bereaved parents who have lost a child.

“For many families this is an opportunity to come together to openly mourn their child who died,” says bereavement specialist with CMHA-WECB, Colleen Campo.  “For those whose pain is new it is a safe place to come together with others who feel the same loss.” 

This free event includes a service that includes the reading of the name of each deceased child, lighting of candles in honour of those who have died and a memory table that will be filled with photographs left by family and friends. The Vidler family, whose son Gerry died at the age of 46 in 2013, will be available to speak with media.

The vigil will take place on Sunday, December 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the WFCU Centre on Mickey Renaud Way, Windsor. This year the event is being supported by Heavenly Rest Family of Catholic Cemeteries,  Remember Our Children, Tim Hortons, Rose Wood and family, the Douglas family, the Osborne family, the Marentette family, the Gaudet family and the Knapp family.

CMHA-WECB has a vision of “mentally healthy people in a healthy society”. The bereaved parents group is part of the agency’s adult bereavement program. This program relies on community support to provide its breadth of services.

 About the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)

Founded in 1918, The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a national charity that helps maintain and improve mental health for all Canadians. CMHA-WECB is a lead provider and advocate of community mental health services. This is achieved through treatment, collaboration, education and community engagement.

by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com

ERCA is seeking for nominees for Conservation Awards by December 11, 2015

Do You Know a Conservationist?

 As the quest to create a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for the Windsor-Essex region continues, the Essex Region Conservation Authority wants to recognize the efforts of those in our community who are making tangible improvements.  If you know of an organization or individual who has contributed to the environment in the past year, we want to hear about them!  ERCA is calling for nominations for its 2015 Conservation Awards.  These awards honour and recognize those in the community who have made outstanding contributions towards improving our natural environment, and ultimately the health and quality of life in the Essex Region. 

“We feel it is important to recognize and thank all those who are making on-the-ground contributions towards achieving a healthy and sustainable future for the Windsor-Essex community,” explains Danielle Breault Stuebing, ERCA’s Director of Community Outreach Services.  While the United Nations has indicated that at a minimum, at least 12% of any region must consist of natural areas, in the Essex Region, merely 8.5% of our local landscape remains in its natural state.  “We highlight these actions in the hopes that others will be inspired to do their part in helping to create a healthier future for our region.”   The annual Awards will be presented to individuals and organizations in four categories:

The Youth Award recognizes a youth leader who has undertaken habitat or conservation projects or activities and is a student in the elementary or secondary schools of our region.

The Education Award for excellence in conservation education programs or projects in schools, organizations, companies, youth groups, etc. 

The Volunteer Award for outstanding effort in volunteering time and services for conservation programs and projects;

The Environmental Achievement Award for programs or projects which have enhanced the region’s environment.  In addition to individuals and organizations, municipalities can also be nominated for environmental achievements.

Nominations can be submitted online at www.erca.org by clicking the About ERCA page and the ‘Conservation Awards’ tab, or nominators can simply write a one page summary of the individual or organizational accomplishments that merit the receipt of the award.  Please be sure to include the category, name, address and phone number of the nominee, in addition to your own name, address and telephone number.  Nominations close on Friday, December 11, 2015.  The awards, presented since 1992, will be presented at ERCA’s Annual General Meeting in January 2016.

 

For more information on any of these awards, please contact Danielle Breault Stuebing at 519-776-5209 ext. 352.  Nominations can be faxed to 519-776-8688, or e-mailed to dstuebing@erca.org.

Since 1973, the Essex Region Conservation Authority has served as a community-based organization dedicated to protecting, restoring and managing the natural resources of the Essex Region. 

by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com

“In His Presence 2015” Free Gospel Concert November 13, 2015

RCCG Throne of Grace Presents ISRAEL HOUGHTON & NEW BREED

The Redeemed Christian Church of God welcomes all community members to the 3rd Annual “In His Presence” concert at the WFCU Centre on Friday, November 13 at 7:30 pm. Gospel singer Israel Houghton and New Breed headline this year’s event. Houghton, a celebrated worship leader, has collected five Grammy-Awards, thirteen Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Music Award throughout his decorated career in addition to NAACP Image and Soul Train Award nominations. The evening will also feature a local blend of performances from the host choir in Windsor and groups.

Admission to this uplifting event is free.  TICKETS ARE STILL available at the Inspired Christian Storehouse, 1250 Tecumseh Rd in Windsor and In the Metro Detroit area at God’s World Super Store, West 13533  7 Mile Road Detroit, Mich.  The MC for the evening will be CJAM 99.1 FM’s, Joyful Noise in the Morning Radio Host, Michael Brown. Free-will offering will be collected at the venue to support future events and other charitable projects like the World Vision Child Sponsorship, African Mission Canada, African Children Choir and Windsor Downtown Mission.


For more information on “In His Presence 2015” please visit the website: wfcu-centre.com or link to the ad in Biz X magazine, http://www.bizxmagazine.com/issues/September-2015/#p=51


You can also contact the RCCG Throne of Grace at 1767 Northway Avenue in Windsor or call 519-971-0019. The Host Pastor is Pastor Grace Ugbeye.

#

About ISRAEL HOUGHTON

Israel Houghton is prolific worship leader, musician, songwriter, producer and recording artist. His music ministry has spanned 22 years and includes work on over 50 albums as an artist or producer, 19 awards and countless accolades.

In 1995 Houghton formed New Breed Ministries that gave way to his debut releases in 1997 “Whisper It Loud,” and “Way of the World.” Since then, Houghton has released 11 solo and group CD’s and has consistently been a commercial success with Billboard chart toppers “New Season,” “Power of One,” and the current “Jesus At The Center.” He achieved Gold-selling albums with “Alive in South Africa,” and “Live From Another Level.”

Making an impact by overcoming cultural and denominational barriers, Israel assembled a group of world-class musicians and singers to create a new sound that revolutionized the sound of contemporary praise & worship music. Houghton has received numerous Grammy, Dove, Stellar, NAACP Image and Soul Train Award nominations and has won several including 5 Grammy-Awards, 13 Dove Awards, 2 Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Music Awards.

Houghton has appeared and performed on several national programs including the MTV Awards, The Tonight Show, the 50th Annual Grammy Awards and so on. Houghton has recently ventured into film and television production. His current album “Jesus At The Center” debuted on multiple Billboard Charts and was named by Worship Leader Magazine as one of the Top 15 Worship albums of the decade. Houghton currently serves as a Worship leader at Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston, TX

 

by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com

The Gangsters & Dolls Rum Running Riot, October 22, 2015

The Gangsters & Dolls Rum Running Riot Event

                                                                                                                       

WHO:              The Charity Chix, those goddesses of goodness, are back with another exciting fundraiser. Their next event is called Gangsters & Dolls Rum Running Riot event which features gourmet appetizers, specialty bars, premium silent auction and valet parking. The Charity Chix organization comprises a dynamic group of business and professional women whose mission is to support lesser known, worthy charitable causes in our community and around the world.

 

WHAT:            Funding from this event will support the Sandwich Teen Action Group (S.T.A.G), located in Old Sandwich Towne. S.T.A.G. is committed to providing programs which foster positive life experiences for at-risk youth in a safe and caring environment. Teens find support to cope with problems and help with making positive and responsible choices away from the strife on the streets and at home.

 

WHEN:            The Gangsters & Dolls Rum Running Riot takes place on Thursday, October 22, 2015 (6:30PM). Tickets are $125 – For tickets call 519-253-0111.

 

WHERE:           Low Martin Mansion, 2021 Ontario Street, Windsor

by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com

Photo Contest In Amherstburg Until September 30, 2015

Take Your Best Shot at Amherstburg Photo Contest

We want you to take your best shot at Amherstburg – with your camera!

The Town has launched the “Take Your Best Shot at Amherstburg Photo Contest”.  This contest not only aims to engage residents and visitors in Amherstburg, but asks them to use their cameras to capture the beauty and enjoyment that they experience in their Town! 

 

General Contest Details:

• Contest Period: from July 13, 2015 to September 30, 2015.
• Contest is open to legal residents in the Province of Ontario who are eighteen years of age or older.
• One photo entry per person.
• Photos must be taken within the legal municipal boundaries of the Town of Amherstburg.
• Subject of submitted photos shall portray one or more of the following themes:
• Cultural legacy of the Town of Amherstburg
• Scenic landscapes and vistas
• Town beautification
• Quality of life
• Tourism and/or recreation
• All submissions become the property of the Town of Amherstburg.
• Photos can submitted by hand, by mail/courier, or through an email link at www.amherstburg.ca/PhotoContest

A panel of judges will be assembled that include a number of Council Members, the CAO, and Town Administration.  Photo entries will be judged on criteria that considers creativity, photographic quality, and the unique depiction of Amherstburg’s characteristics.

The Photo Contest will provide prizes to the top three entries as selected by the judging panel.  These prizes will be:

Grand Prize Winner (1st Place):

           $250

• Feature photo on the cover of the 2016 Collection Calendar
• Feature on the homepage of the Town’s website (for a minimum of 6 months)
• 1/2 Page feature in one edition of the River Town Times newspaper
• Photo will be on display in the lobby of Town Hall
• Certificate of recognition signed by the Mayor
• Presentation of prize and recognition at a Council Meeting

Runner Up (2nd Place)

         $100

• 1/4 Page feature in one edition of the River Town Times newspaper
• Photo will be on display in the lobby of Town Hall
• Certificate of recognition signed by the Mayor
• Presentation of prize and recognition at a Council Meeting

2nd Runner Up (3rd Place):
           $50

• 1/4 Page feature in one edition of the River Town Times newspaper
• Photo will be on display in the lobby of Town Hall
• Certificate of recognition signed by the Mayor
• Presentation of prize and recognition at a Council Meeting

For a full set of official rules, visit:

 www.amherstburg.ca/PhotoContest

 

Good luck everyone!!

by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com

Win A Digital Sign From Fast Signs, Enter By August 7, 2015

FASTSIGNS of Windsor is hosting a digital sign giveaway contest
to celebrate its 15^th anniversary

 

In celebration of its 15^th anniversary, local visual communications provider FASTSIGNS^® of Windsor is hosting a giveaway contest for local businesses to enter for a chance to win a free digital sign and custom digital signage content, an estimated value of $1,500. 

"Over the past 15 years, my team and I are so thankful for all of our wonderful customers and being able to help them build their business with compelling signs and visual graphics,” said Donna Bilodeau, who co-owns FASTSIGNS of Windsor with Jackie Raymond. “To celebrate, we’re offering a contest to win a free 32-inch digital sign and two custom digital signage content pieces.” 

Beginning on June 29, local businesses and organizations can submit a photo and explain why they would use the digital display to generate sales or awareness for their business. Entrants must represent a Canadian organization or company to qualify. No purchase is necessary to enter. The deadline for submissions is Aug. 7. To enter, visit FASTSIGNS of Windsor’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fastsigns658 or http://woobox.com/tpzx2x. 

 

Then, from Aug. 8 through Sept. 11, people can vote for the entry they think should win.

 

“What better way to celebrate the past 15 years than to offer a new technology and encourage customers to take the next step in modern advertising,” Raymond said.

 

To connect with FASTSIGNS of Windsor on Facebook, visit facebook.com/fastsigns658. 






by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com

"Media City Film Festival, July 28 to August 1, 2015

Media City Film Festival launches 21st edition with world class film, music, poetry from Windsor / Detroit and around the world!
 

Windsor ON / Detroit MI — Media City Film Festival, Windsor's annual international festival for artists' film and video will celebrate its 21st edition this July 28- Aug.1, after resounding support for its successful Kickstarter campaign.

Media City Film Festival opens Tuesday July 28 at 8 pm, at the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (4454 Woodward) with performances from renowned trail-blazing US composer and saxophonist Matana Roberts, who recently opened the new Whitney Museum  alongside first lady Michelle Obama and other dignitaries. Opening night will also feature live multi-projector performances by one of Britain’s most celebrated artists, Malcolm Le Grice.

This year’s celebration will showcase more than 60 filmmakers from around the world including historical films by legendary American pioneers Ken Jacobs, Barbara Hammer, Andy Warhol, and new films by artists from China, Thailand, Argentina, Portugal, Palestine, Spain, Colombia, Germany, Brazil, Iran, Austria, South Korea, and more.

The 21st Media City will also feature works by filmmakers from across the USA and Canada, along with a program of Regional Films, generously sponsored by the City of Windsor, including a film shot in 1978 on Regular 8mm offering historic views of Windsor courtesy of local artist / musician Scotty Hughes.   

Festival staff are bracing for a very large number of out-of-town guests this year. Over 110 room nights are currently booked at downtown hotels, and Media City's Guest Services Coordinator has been working around the clock to find additional accommodations for the many cinema lovers travelling to Windsor from all corners of the globe. 

“Media City is a truly unique festival, and the only film festival in the world that takes place on both sides of an international border. The festival is recognized and celebrated worldwide, and we are very proud to continue to feature so many significant artists and filmmakers here in Windsor each year. We’re very grateful for the support of a local and international community of cinema lovers”, says Jeremy Rigsby, Media City Program Director.

All Media City Film Festival screenings and events are Pay What You Like or FREE. The FREE Opening Party in Windsor is Wednesday July 29 at 6 pm at the Capitol Theatre (121 University W.), and will feature drinks, light fare and remarks from this year's International Competition Jury; 2015 Guggenheim fellow Akosua Adoma Owusu, Havard Film Archive curator Jeremy Rossen and Canadian Filmmakers Distribution Centre Director, Lauren Howes. The reception is followed by a retrospective screening of the films of Warren Sonbert at 7:30 pm, co-presented with the Harvard Film Archive and featuring a reading from celebrated Detroit-based poet, essayist and playwright, Carla Harryman.

The 21st Media City Film Festival continues until Saturday, August 1st with nightly screenings at the Capitol. Programs include more than 65 new international films with filmmakers in attendance from around the world. For full program details and schedule information visit mediacityfilmfestival.com or view an online version of the festival's 90+ page catalogue.

Media City Film Festival
Media City Film Festival is an annual international festival of artist's film presented in Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan since 1994. Each year the festival attracts filmmakers and audience members from around the world to participate in five days of screenings, live performances, exhibitions and artist’s discussions. Over the years the festival has achieved critical acclaim and international recognition for its “sheer excellence in programming” and is recognized as a leading venue in the world of artist’s film and video.
 






by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com

Second Annual Hearts Together for Haiti Showcase in Walkerville, July 3 to 16, 2015

The Windsor/Essex branch of the charity, Hearts Together for Haiti, will be showcasing some amazing and original art from Haiti at Walkerville Artists' Co-op for the second year in a row. July 3rd at 6:30 p.m. is the opening at 1974 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor.

Last year's showcase was very successful, earning much needed money for their orphanage and school in Deppe. The orphanage houses girls from the earthquake and some who were rescued from slavery. 100% of the money earned goes to fund the charity's school and orphanage, as well as tuition for high school students and school lunch program. Lunch, for many, is the only meal of the day.

The 2014 art works from Haiti included many masks, paintings and small sculptures, which sold very quickly. Make sure to visit the gallery early, to be able to have the best choices and support this worthy cause. The show runs for two weeks, until July 16, 2015.

Walkerville Artists' Co-op has been in there present location of 1974 Wyandotte Street East location for 18 months and strives to showcase captivating art works for your pleasure. They are home to 35 local artists and 6 local authors, each with their own view to the arts. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday 10-6, Sunday 12-4. Parking is available in the rear.

 For more details contact the co-op at 519 915 3535.

by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com

Business Start Up Program For Retirees June 24, 2015

The WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation and the Small Business Centre will be presenting an information seminar for retired and nearly retired Windsor-Essex residents that may be interested in starting their own business. The WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation is interested in developing a program aimed at providing information and support to retirees on how to start and sustain their own small business enterprises.

 

Sandra Pupatello, CEO of the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation said “Our keynote speaker, Wendy Mayhew is a successful Canadian Entrepreneur and Author. We know that Ms. Mayhew will be well received because she is known for her definite flair for helping first-time entrepreneurs establish successful businesses. The concept for our Encore Enterprise Program comes as a direct response to global statistics showing us that individuals are retiring earlier and then re-entering the workforce. Today, becoming a seniorpreneur can often be an opportunity to turn a personal passion into a viable business.”

 

Sabrina DeMarco, Executive Director of the Small Business Centre added, “A growing number of workers age 50 + are turning interests, hobbies or skills into a small business and we see this at the Small Business Centre every day. Whether someone is interested in starting a small business right away or is intending to wait until after retirement, we can help them to explore the possibilities of turning their business ideas into a thriving business.The event on June 24th will be a pilot to see the level of interest from our region’s retirees.  Based on feedback we get from this event, we will use it to design and create a program ready to launch in the fall.”

Event Details –Encore Enterprise Event is being held on June 24, 2015 from 8 am to 12 noon at the Fogular Furlan Club in the Dante Costa Hall, Registration is $5 and includes a hot breakfast.

Space is limited.  For further details and to register https://encoreenterpriseprogram.eventbrite.ca

by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com

"August: Osage County": starts early June

August: Osage County

The Most Award Winning Play of This Century

 including seven 2008 Tony Awards and seven 2008 Drama Desk Awards

 

"Misery Loves Family"
Theatre Ensemble closes  its exciting and diverse 2014-2015 season with the Tracy Letts, Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play, "August: Osage County".

 

The show runs for eight performances – Thursday June 4, Friday June 5, Saturday June 6, Sunday June 7, Thursday June 11, Friday June 12, Saturday June 13, and Sunday June 14. All performances are at 7:30PM except Sundays which are 2PM matinees.

Tickets are $18 and are available at the Cardinal Music Box Office, 2569 Jefferson Boulevard, 519-944-5800 or at 226-346-SHOW (7469) and www.theatreensemble.ca  Tickets will also be available at the door on performances.

Winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award for Best New Play, August: Osage County centers around the Weston family, brought together after their patriarch, world-class poet and alcoholic Beverly Weston, disappears. The devious matriarch, Violet, depressed and addicted to pain pills and “truth-telling”, is joined by her three daughters and their problematic lovers, who harbor their own deep secrets. Barbara Fordham, the eldest daughter is the strongest and most sympathetic character. Throughout the play she tries to gain control of her chaotic mother, her dilapidated marriage, and her pot-smoking 14 year old daughter;  Ivy Weston, the stay at home middle daughter who has had to endure the acid tongue of her mother. She has been maintaining a secret love affair with her first cousin. (And if you think that sounds like a Jerry Springer episode, just wait till you see Act Three!): and Karen Weston the youngest daughter who claims to have been unhappy her entire adult life, prompting her to move away from the family and reside in Florida. However, she returns to the Weston home bringing along a fiancé in tow – a successful 50 year old business man who, unbeknownst to Karen, turns out to by the most loathsome character within the play.  Throw in a meddling sister and finally, the observer of the chaos, the young Cheyenne housekeeper Johnna, who was hired by Beverly just before his disappearance. Holed up in the large family estate in Osage County, Oklahoma, tensions heat up and boil over in the ruthless August heat. Bursting with humor, vivacity, and intelligence, August: Osage County is is both dense and funny, vicious and compassionate, enormous and unstoppable.                                                                                

The cast includes, Norma Coleman as the matriarch, Niki Richardson, Kristie Loewen and Christine Chemello as her daughters.  The production also stars James Neely, Jim Reid, Cindy Lee Kok, Rick Laforet, Adrienne Kelly, Ola Straszak, Jay Tessier, Clinton Hammond and Chris Powers and is directed by Mario Carnevale who recently directed "It's a Wonderful Life" for Theatre Ensemble and "Driving Miss Daisy" with Windsor Light Players.

Theatre Ensemble’s Creative Team includes John Anthony Nabben (Artistic Director), Mario Carnevale (Managing Director), and Joe Cardinal (Musical Director). The combined efforts of these theatre practitioners has resulted in a company that produces what local audiences describe as “must-see theatre” that is “awesome”, “outstanding”, and “spectacular”.

Bursting with humor, vivacity, and intelligence, August: Osage County is is both dense and funny, vicious and compassionate, enormous and unstoppable.

 

For more information contact Mario Carnevale at 519-969-8855, email tetickets@cogeco.net or visit www.theatreensemble.ca








by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com

Green is Beautiful Event on May 23 2015

by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com

chic @ the City fashion show, May 7, 2015

A dynamic group of business and professional women have joined forces to create a new organization called the “Chairity Chix,” whose mission is to support worthy charitable causes in our community and around the world. The inaugural event of the Charity Chix is called Chic @ the City which features a fashion show, gourmet appetizers, complimentary valet and fabulous raffle and silent auction prizes.

 

WHAT:            Funds raised from this event will support Rotary’s upcoming mission to Ghana, Africa and will also benefit the John McGivney Centre. Internationally, funds will be allocated to school supplies, backpacks and malaria prevention mosquito nets for impoverished children, pregnant and nursing mothers in Ghana. Locally funds will be invested into programs at the John McGivney Children’s centre.

 

WHEN:            Chic @ the City takes place on Thursday, May 7^th(6 PM)

WHERE:           The City Grill, 375 Ouellette Ave.

Tickets $100 and available by calling 519-253-0111.

by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com

Plant A Tree For Earth Day In Windsor April 26, 2015

 Calling the community to help plant tees and celebrate Earth Day!  On Sunday, April 26^th from 10am – 12noon, ERCA will host its annual Earth Day® Tree Planting Celebration at Florence & McHugh, just east of the WFCU Centre.  More than 2,000 trees will be planted.

“We’ve been hosting this event since 1998,” explains Danielle Breault Stuebing, ERCA’s Director of Community Outreach Services.  “It’s a true family event, and it’s been wonderful to see so many families return year after year.  As their children are growing, so are the trees that are being planted.”

Planting trees helps improve water quality, removes carbon from the air and provides shelter for birds and other wildlife.  “Over the past sixteen years, this event alone has added more than twenty thousand trees to the City of Windsor,” Breault Stuebing goes on to say.  “As this is part of the Detroit River watershed, the trees planted help to improve water quality for the entire Detroit River and ultimately, our Great Lakes.”

There are nature crafts for kids and ERCA’s Youth Engagement Team will host an e-waste collection to benefit Computers for Kids.  Organizations that have registered as ‘Green Teams’ will be recognized at the event, and the winners of this year’s Earth Day Contest will be honoured.  With more than 2000 trees of varying sizes to be planted and mulched, while ERCA does have a supply of gloves and shovels, guests are encouraged to bring their own as well.

“Earth Day is about taking action – all of us working together to protect our watersheds and restore natural areas to help improve our quality of life and the attractiveness of this region,” Breault Stuebing adds.

 

Since 1973, the Essex Region Conservation Authority has served as a community-based organization dedicated to protecting, restoring and managing the natural resources of the Essex Region. 


Learn more at ERCA.org.

                       

by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com

CO Alarms Must Be In Your Home by April 15, 2015

Carbon Monoxide Alarms Now Required in Homes

Beat the Silent Killer: Prevent CO in Your Home

As of April 15, 2015, all Ontario residents must install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in their homes if they have a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage.

“If your home has a fuel-burning appliance, a fireplace or an attached garage, you must have a working CO alarm adjacent to each sleeping area of the home,” said Windsor Fire Chief Bruce Montone. “For added protection, install a carbon monoxide alarm on every storey of the home according to manufacturer’s instructions.” Fuel-burning appliances can include furnaces, hot water heaters, gas or wood fireplaces, portable fuel-burning heaters and generators, barbeques, stoves and vehicles.

Homeowners and owners of residential buildings that contain no more than six suites must be in compliance with the law as of April 15, 2015. Owners of residential buildings with more than six suites have until October 15, 2015 to comply.

The law will be enforced by Windsor Fire & Rescue Services. Failure to comply with the CO alarm requirements could result in a fine of up to $50,000 for individuals or $100,000 for corporations.  

 

The Ontario Fire Code was amended October 15, 2014 to require CO alarms after the provincial government passed Bill 77 – the Hawkins Gignac Act, in December 2013. Bill 77 is named after OPP Constable Laurie Hawkins, who died along with her husband and two children in her Woodstock, Ontario home from CO poisoning in 2008.

 The Ontario Fire Code also requires that in condo and apartment buildings with a service room, CO alarms must be installed in the service room and adjacent to each sleeping area of all homes above, below and beside the service room. In condo or apartment buildings that have a garage, CO alarms must be installed adjacent to each sleeping area of all homes above, below and beside the garage.

“In Ontario, more than 80% of injuries and deaths from CO occur in the home,” said Chief Bruce Montone. “We want to make sure everyone is safe from CO. Install CO alarms, and do everything you can to prevent CO in your home in the first place.”

 What is CO?

• CO is known as the silent killer because it is an invisible, tasteless and odourless gas that can be deadly.
• CO is produced when fuels such as propane, gasoline, natural gas, heating oil or wood do not burn completely in fuel-burning appliances and devices such as furnaces, gas or wood fireplaces, hot water heaters, stoves, barbeques, portable fuel-burning heaters and generators and vehicles.

Prevent CO in your home:

• Ensure all fuel-burning appliances in your home are inspected annually. Visit COSafety.ca to find a registered contractor near you.
• Check that all outside appliance vents are not blocked.
• Never use a portable fuel-burning appliance inside (e.g. barbeques, portable heaters and generators).

Know the symptoms of CO:

• Exposure to CO can cause flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness, as well as confusion, drowsiness and loss of consciousness and death.
• If your CO alarm sounds, and you or other occupants suffer from symptoms of CO poisoning, get everyone out of the home immediately. Then call 9-1-1 or your local emergency services number from outside the building.
• If your CO alarm sounds, and no one is suffering from symptoms of CO poisoning, check to see if the battery needs replacing, or the alarm has reached its "end-of-life" before calling 9-1-1.

Know the sound of your CO alarm:

• Your CO alarm sounds different than your smoke alarm. Test both alarms monthly and make sure everyone in your home knows the difference between the two alarm sounds.
• Don’t be confused by the sound of your CO alarm’s low-battery warning. Follow your CO alarm manufacturer’s instructions so you know the difference between the low-battery warning, the “end-of-life” warning, and the alarm alerting you to the presence of CO in your home.

by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com

Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides team,Sasha’s Smile hosts fundraiser March 29, 2015

On Sunday, March 29th 2015, a bowling event in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides team, `Sasha’s Smile’ will be taking place at Bowlero Family Fun Centre! All proceeds go to support their team which will be donating to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Tickets are $20/person and that ticket includes two hours of bowling, shoe rental, pop & pizza! For tickets, contact Merisa LePage at 226-246-1749 or merisalepage@gmail.com.

 

 

EVENT:                                

Strike against CF in Support of Sasha’s Smile! (Cystic Fibrosis Canada-Essex-Kent Chapter)

Date:                     Sunday, March 29^th, 2015

Time:                 noon until 2 p.m.

Location:             Bowlero Family Fun Centre, 675 Tecumseh Rd W. Windsor, Ontario

 

 

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. It is a multi-system disease that mainly affects the lungs and the digestive system. Most deaths related to cystic fibrosis are due to lung disease. Severe respiratory problems result from a build-up of thick mucus in the lungs of CF patients, where the effects are most devastating. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. There are 4,000 Canadians living with cystic fibrosis.  The average median age of survival of Canadians living with cystic fibrosis is 50.9 years of age.

 

Cystic Fibrosis Canada

Cystic Fibrosis Canada is one of the world’s top three charitable organizations committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis and the only non-government organization in Canada investing in vital CF research and care. In 2013/2014, we will invest more than $7.5 million in innovative research and clinical care, including funding 51 research projects, six targeted programs and partnerships, and 47 fellows and students.

 

For more information, please visit:

Cystic Fibrosis Canada website www.cysticfibrosis.ca

Cystic Fibrosis Canada on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CysticFibrosisCanada 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1592735654297602/

 

Media Contact:                                                                

Kristin Douglas, Chapter Fund Development Manager

Cystic Fibrosis Canada   519-252-2850     kdouglas@cysticfibrosis.ca                        


by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com

3rd Annual Handmade Spring Extravaganza Craft Show March 21 & 22,2015

THIRD ANNUAL HANDMADE SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA CRAFT SHOW THIS WEEKEND INSIDE THE WFCU CENTRE
C.C.’s Events to Feature over 100 Artisans while Supporting Local Charity

 

Calling crafters of all ages! Bring your family and friends out to the WFCU Centre this Saturday and Sunday to experience a unique event hosted by C.C.’s Events. The Third Annual Handmade Spring Extravaganza will be held in Collavino Hall and Sports Gym from 10am-5pm on Saturday March 21 and 10am-4pm on Sunday March 22. The event features over 100 exhibitors with unique handmade products ranging from handcrafted jewellery to novelty homemade candies.

So what is here for you? Local exhibitors include Group Hug Apparel with their popular tees and hoodies, gourmet chocolate creations by Chocolate Novelties, Delicious sweet treats by Bella's Baked Goods , and Scentsoytional Candles. Other items available include wreaths & florals, wooden home decor, bird baths & other garden decor, baby & children's items, books by local author Linda Flay, and more! The Handmade Spring Extravaganza will be your destination to buy Easter gifts, Mother’s and Father’s day gifts, as well as many items to compliment your home and wardrobe!

The event is free to attend, but donations at the door to support the Windsor/Essex Ice Bullets Sledge Hockey Team are greatly appreciated. The donations will allow the team to purchase sleds, sticks and jerseys for the team and continue to grow and provide the sport of sledge hockey to all athletes in Windsor/Essex County.

Need a babysitter to watch the kids while you’re out? No need! This event is a fun filled weekend for the whole family with lots of activities available for all ages. The Easter Bunny will be present to take pictures with everyone as well as your child’s favourite Marvel & Frozen characters. Other activities include balloon making, raffle prizes and more!

Don’t miss your opportunity to see all the unique and creative crafts from the people of C.C.’s Events! For a full list of vendors that will be present at the Spring Craft Show, visit wfcu-centre.com or follow C.C.’s Events on Facebook.

by Alan Halberstadt www.alanhalberstadt.com