Feburary 2001 - Online Newsletter

1111 Elgin Street West, Cobourg, Ontario, Canada, K9A 5H7
Phone: (905) 372-8913 or 1-800-396-6626 Fax: (905) 372-2711 Email: northumberland@fourinfo.com

1. Income Tax Program:
The Help Centre will be receiving documents for free processing of low
income and basic income tax returns. Returns are completed for mail by
volunteers on a first come first serve basis. This program is sponsored by
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency through its Community Volunteer Income Tax
Program, and funded by the Northumberland United Way. For more information,
see our website at www.eagle.ca/~helpctr.

2. Survivors of Head Injury:
The Help Centre, through a Northumberland United Way Community Ventures Grant, is
sponsoring ongoing peer support and recreation meetings for survivors of
head injury. Regular recreation meetings are held for members. For more
information, contact the SOHI page on The Help Centre's website at
www.eagle.ca/~helpctr or call 372-2646, 1 888 698 3382.

3. Ontario Council of Alternative Businesses:
The Help Centre is sponsoring regular meetings, for OCAB, which is a
non-profit organization facilitating economic development for psychiatric
survivors, creating real businesses in which survivors can participate
without affecting CPP or ODSP entitlement. For more information, contact
the SOHI page on The Help Centre's website at www.eagle.ca/~helpctr or call
372-2646, 1 888 698 3382.

4. Affordable Housing Initiative:
Community agencies and Northumberland residents are reminded The Help Centre
offers room/board and housing share matching programs to assist in securing
affordable housing. Housing and match information is maintained for all
clients, resources are provided, and support to bring interested people
together. Anyone interested should contact Money Management Counsellor Mary
Anne Rowlands at 372-2646, 1 888 698-3382, or helpctr@eagle.ca

5. Transition House Coalition of Northumberland:
Transition House is pleased to announce Faye Carleton as its new Program
Coordinator, and Sharon Dixie as overnight staff. Faye will be in contact
with many community agencies, and will be preparing for new volunteer
training. She can be reached at (905) 377-0378.

The Help Centre administers Share the Warmth Program. Demand Exceeds Available Funds in One Month

The Help Centre, a Northumberland United Way Member Agency, provides three programs: Employment Counselling, Resource and Support, and Money Management. Under Money Management, The Help Centre acts as the approved service delivery agent for Share the Warmth Foundation, which has just started in Northumberland County. All funds raised in Northumberland County stay in the county to help local families. STW has been operating for several years in the Greater Toronto Area. STW receives funding from corporations and individuals to help families, seniors, people on disabilities and those facing life threatening illnesses with their energy costs.

"We are pleased to be able to implement this service to assist those who are in danger of losing their heat. However, after just one month, the program is reaching it s maximum monthly funding for Northumberland County," says Elisabeth Simmons, Managing Director of The Help Centre.

In its first month of operation, the program has already approved 6 applications, with a waiting list of 6 more. With half the month left to go, families in need are facing energy service disconnection at the time of year when staying warm in Canada is a necessity. The March time frame will have another peak demand as projected by the Share The Warmth organization.

To be eligible for this program, applicants are required to demonstrate their need for energy assistance i.e. facing disconnection, be out of fuel or facing eviction. Applicants are further required to provide proof of their income and expenses and have exhausted every other means of paying their energy bill. Low income families are particularly overwhelmed by widespread increased utility costs.

1-900-565-WARM(9276); to donate an amount of $30 which will be added to the caller's Bell telephone bill

www.sharethewarmth.org.
Funds raised in Northumberland County are kept here to assist local families in need.

For more information, contact Share The Warmth or The Help Centre's website at www.eagle.ca/~helpctr, or call The Help Centre at 905-372-2646 or 1-888-698-3382.

March 4, 2001	DAVID SMITH MARIONETTES Re-live the classic story of "Jack and the Beanstalk" with this troupe of marionettes.
April 22, 2001	GREAT CANADIAN FIDDLE Wrap-up the season with lively toe-tapping fiddlers Ann Lederman and Tom Leighton.

Concerts are at 2:00 p.m. at the Port Hope Lions Recreation Centre (Gifford Street)

Subscriptions available through Capitol Theatre box office (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday), and by phone with a major credit card at (905) 885-1071 or toll free 1-800-434-5092. For more information, call Jane Brgleg at (905) 885-0923.

For parents who want to learn how to communicate better with their children, resources from various Christian agencies are available online. One recent addition is a free online course put together by Gary Screaton Page, an author, minister and parent based in Welland, Ontario.

Page's course, Being the Parent YOU Want to Be, is based on his book of the same name. The course is available on the Parenting Today's Teen Web site at http://www.parentingteens.com/ (Click on classes).

March 1, 2, 3	8:00 p.m.	Trinity College School, Winter Musical "CHESS"
March 10^th	7:30 p.m.	First Stages Theatre Co. Concert Style Play reading "A View From A Bridge" Admission $10. For more information visit www.firststages.on.ca
March 24th	8:00 p.m.	Traditional Acadian Music Barachois Admission $21
March 25^th	2:00 p.m.	Theatre Beyond Words Children's Production 7 Potato More Admission $6 - $12
March 30^th	8:00 p.m.	The Capitol Theatre Singers and Songwriters Admission $15
March 31^st	8:00 p.m.	A Capitol Theatre Fundraiser Variety Talent Show Admission $10

Box Office Information
Monday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and one hour prior to each Live Performance.
Telephone orders accepted with Visa, MasterCard or American Express only.
20 Queen St., Port Hope
905-885-1071
1-800-434-5092
www.capitoltheatre.com

The Concert Hall at Victoria Hall
The Northumberland Players celebrate their 25th anniversary with one of the funniest musicals ever written. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum takes comedy back to its roots, combining situations from time tested 2000 year old comedies of Roman playwright Plautus, with the infectious energy of Vaudeville. The result is a non-stop laugh fest in which a crafty slave struggles to win the hand of a beautiful courtesan for his young master, in exchange for his Freedom. The collaboration between M*A*S*H* writer Larry Gelbart, Burt Shevelove and Stephen Sondheim will be presented February 23, 24, 2, 28, March 1, 2, 3, 2001. Tickets for the evening performances are $20.00 with an $18 matinee price. (matinees February 24, 25, March 3,4). Call 377-2210 to reserve your tickets. Theatre style reserved seating.

Songs My Mother Taught Me with special guests Ann & Ken Clark.
Saturday March 10th, 2001 at 8:00 p.m. Victoria Concert Hall
Come hear folk songs, love songs, drawing room ballads, both secular and religious, with some old-time sing-along favourites. Included will be "Whiffenpoof Song", "I know where I'm going", "Waltzing Matilda", "Old Folks at Home", Li'l Liza Jane".
Tickets are $10. Seniors/Students $8 (Children under 12, free)
Available at Victoria Hall Box Office 905-372-2210.
Proceeds to: Northumberland Health Care Centre Foundation.

Check out their web page at: www.eagle.ca/vos
Membership is available by sending your name and address along with a cheque for $10.00 ($5.00 for Students) to:

If you would like to be involved in the Victorian Operetta Society contact any of the following:
Bill Hubbs, President 905-885-6086 hubbsbil@eagle.ca
Bob Clark., Past President 905-885-8023 bob@clarkcs.com
Debbie Racine, Ruth Harcourt, Ken Hurford, Claire Desormeaux, Judy Oxenham, June Ann Robertson, Fred Horne, Meaghan Landry.

Something for everyone. Enjoy the Ganaraska in one of this year's public programs. There are some old favourites, such as the Owl Prowl, along with a few new events including a bird banding demonstration.

Admission prices are noted for each program: families / adults / students & seniors. Members of the Ganaraska Forest will receive a $2 discount on family rates and a $1 per person discount on all other admission rates. Programs may be subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Pre-registration for all programs is required unless otherwise noted. Please call 905-797-2721 for information and to register.

Owl Prowl
Saturday, February 25^th, 7-9 p.m.
Ganaraska Forest Centre
Come prowl for owls in our 4th Annual Owl Prowl. We'll start with a slide show and displays at the Forest Centre before venturing out into the forest for a guided walk to hear (and if we're lucky see) them in their natural habitat. Please dress warmly.
$12 / $6 / $4

Naturalization of Your Property
Tuesday, April 3,10,17,24 7-9 p.m.
GRCA Main Office, Port Hope
Back for the 3rd year, this series of 4 evening programs is designed to aid you in naturalizing your property. This year's series will provide instruction on the topics of: planning & design, gardening with ferns, herbal & medicinal gardening, trees & shrubs, butterfly gardening, and more. Field trip to be arranged at the end of the course.
$40 per person for the series.

In Celebration of International Women's Day
March 9, 2001
Northumberland Services for Women
presents it's 6th annual conference addressing:
The Effects of Violence On All Of Us.

Registration: On a first come first serve basis. Due to available seating and high demand, PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED for registered individuals by March 2nd, 2001 to secure spot.

To register fax "Name", "Agency", and "Telephone #" to (fax) 905-373-4800 by March 2nd, 2001 or forward to Northumberland Services for Women, 32 Swayne Street, P.O. Box 935, Cobourg, Ontario, K9A 4W4

8:30 - 9:15	Registration
9:30 - 11:30	"Jane Doe"
11:30 - 12:45	Lunch (Catered)
1:00 - 3:00	Faith Nolan
3:00 - 3:30	Closing and Evaluation

THE POLITICS OF RAPE
"JANE DOE"
Jane Doe is the woman who successfully sued the Metro Toronto Police Force for negligence and gender discrimination in the investigation of her rape which took place in 1986. Jane was sexually assaulted by the "Balcony Rapist". She will share her experience with the police and the legal system.
****Jane Doe's real name or photograph cannot be published due to a Media Ban.****

POLITICAL AND CULTURAL EXPRESSION THROUGH MUSIC
FAITH NOLAN
Faith is a composer and guitarist, as well as social activist whose style varies from blues and folk to jazz, with a taste of funk and reggae. Her songs come from a deep commitment to the struggles of people throughout the world. "Music is a powerful tool that can be used to political and cultural expression." Her music is her political work, a politics firmly rooted in her being working class, a woman, African Canadian and lesbian. Faith will be singing some songs about women and speaking on a range of topics including women's equality, anti-racism, poverty, and native people.

When I was in my younger days, I weighed a few pounds less;
I needn't hold my tummy in to wear a belted dress.

But now that I am older, I've set my body free;
There's comfort of elastic where once my waist would be.

Inventor of those high-heeled shoes my feet have not forgiven;
I have to wear a nine now, but used to wear a seven.

And how about those pantyhose-- They're sized by weight, you see,
So how come when I put them on, The crotch is at my knees?

I need to wear these glasses as the prints were getting smaller;
And it wasn't very long ago I know that I was taller.

Though my hair has turned to silver and my skin no longer fits,
On the inside, I'm the same old me, Just the outside's changed a bit.

On a positive note I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these    three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You
need to be able to throw something back.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your
family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can,
happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone.
People need that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

I've learned that you should pass this on to someone you care about.
I just did. Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did,
but people will never forget how you made them feel.

Gentle Hugs to You!

EATING WELL TOO EXPENSIVE: REPORT
It costs at least $531.42 a month to feed a family of four, including two teenagers. A report produced by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit shows area residents on a limited income do not have enough money left over each month to feed themselves or their families nutritious foods.
"The Price of Eating Well in Haliburton, Kawartha, Victoria and Northumberland Counties" notes the $531.42 monthly eating cost does not include laundry, clothing, telephone, transportation, or other non-food needs. The report also contains a series of scenarios that illustrate the financial struggles of people in on our communities.
The report was produced by the Health Unit using information available from social assistance programs branch of the provincial government, the Ontario Ministry of Labour and the Housing Authority of Northumberland, Haliburton and Victoria Counties. It is the third report produced to highlight how people with lower incomes often have very little money left for food once they finish paying for housing costs.
"This report highlights the challenges people in our communities face in purchasing healthy, nutritious foods," says Rachel Moon Kelly, a public health nutritionist with the HKPR District Health Unit. "We need to continue to work together as a community to address these food security issues to ensure people have the physical and economic access to the basic foods we need."
To help members of the community, the Health Unit offers a variety of resources such as information sheets on how to access food banks, how to store and prepare the food provided in food boxes and a cookbook which contains low-cost nutritious recipes.
For more information on these resources, or to obtain a copy of the report, contact your nearest health unit office. Northumberland County has three office locations:

Are you separating or divorcing? Do you need to resolve custody/access, child support, or property and financial issues? If so, please come out for an evening of information and discussion on the
IMPACT OF SEPARATION. DIVORCE AND PARENTAL CONFLICT ON FAMILIES.
If you have to attend court, you will sign a 'Case Conference Brief' which asks, 'Have you attended a "Family Law Information Meeting"?
This is that meeting!

A free event sponsored by: Four Counties Family Court Mediation Service
Wednesday, February 28, 2001.
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Port Hope Public Health Unit
200 Rose Glen Rd., Port Hope.

There will be video and comments by a mediator and a lawyer on the effects of separation on families, shared parenting, options for resolving disputes and the legal process.

For more information, please call Monica Walsh at: 372-3751 ext. 128 or 1-888-605-1393

If you're thinking of quitting smoking, the benefits of kicking the habit have just increased. Not only will smokers gain better health by quitting smoking, but they now have the opportunity to win a variety of prizes through the Quit Smoking 2001 contest being offered throughout the province.

The contest is open to all Ontario residents who are daily smokers and who are 19 years of age or older. (It is illegal to sell or give tobacco to anyone under the age of 19.)

Participants must submit their entry form by February 28, 2001, to qualify. Entry forms are available through the local health unit, by calling the toll-free number 1-866-226-2001 or online at http://www.simcoehealth.org/.

Entry forms must be complete and must include the names and addresses of one "support buddy" who is at least 19 years of age and who will be helping to support the participants efforts to quit. Buddies become eligible to win prizes if the participant's name is drawn and they qualify as a prize winner. Entries can be returned to your local health unit.

To be entered into the draw for prizes, a participant must be smoke free from March 1, 2001 to March 31, 2001. The draw will be made on March 31, 2001, and contest organizers will then verify the smoke-free status of all draw winners before awarding prizes.

Smokers can get help preparing to become smoke free by contacting their local health unit for information about supports available to help them quit smoking. Smokers are also encouraged to speak with their doctor or pharmacist for advice and aids that can help.

The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed the year 2001 as the International Year of the Volunteers (IYV 2001). This global recognition allows countries the unique opportunity to highlight the achievements of generous and caring citizens, as well as to expand volunteerism within their communities.

Locally, Northumberland County Community Care is celebrating this much anticipated year with a number of events including a school poster contest, a county wide media blitz, a volunteer celebration in June and many other local community events.

Brighton Area Community Care
Ongoing events:
Choral Group - Dining for Seniors - Shuffleboard - Chess
NEW! Fun and Fitness - meant for older adults to improve flexibility and strength

Campbellford & District Community Care
Hastings Diner's Club - ongoing; 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month
Warkworth Diner's Club - ongoing; last Tuesday of each month

Prostate Cancer Support Group:
Public meetings are held the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Market Building (across from LCBO). Family and friends are welcome. For more information, please call info Northumberland at 372-8913.

Brighton Area Community Care                                Cobourg District Community Care
(613) 475-4190                                                        (905) 372-7356
Campbellford & District Community Care                  Colborne & Area Community Care
(705) 653-1411                                                         (905) 355-2989
Hastings Community Care                                           Port Hope Township Community Care
(705) 696-3891                                                         (905) 885-9860
Northumberland County Community Care (705) 653-0955

It's 9 p.m., your baby has a slight temperature, she won't take her bottle and you can't get her to stop crying. What do you do? Your doctor's office is closed. Should you take her to emergency - just to check it out? With the new Telehealth Ontario phone line, a registered nurse who can help you decide what to do is close at hand.

Telehealth Ontario is a free telephone service you can call any time, day or night, to get health advice or information from a registered nurse. The nurse will assess the symptoms and help you decide your best first step - whether to look after the problem yourself or go to your doctor, a clinic, a hospital emergency room or a community service agency.

    You'll be able to call Telehealth Ontario any time for free advice about your symptoms, illness or injury. You can also ask questions about medications or request general health information on topics like healthy eating, quitting smoking and common illnesses.
    The nurses at Telehealth Ontario will use computer databases of medical information to help them answer questions and provide advice. They can also connect callers quickly to more appropriate telephone services, like the Poison Information Centre.
    You don't need to provide your Health Card number when you phone Telehealth Ontario. Best of all, trained health professionals are providing the advice and information, so you know it's dependable.
    Of course, 911 is still the first number you should call in emergency situations.

Telehealth Ontario is just one part of the province's plan to improve the health system by increasing access to services from home. It's also another initiative, like free flu shots, designed to alleviate pressures on hospital emergency rooms.

It's easy and it's free....... and it's coming to your community soon
Starting in late February, if you live or work in the 416/905 (and the new 647/289) calling areas, you'll be able to call any time, day or night. By the end of 2001, everyone in the province will have access to Telehealth Ontario.

Introducing:
A new initiative from the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation
An International Year of the Volunteer Celebration

The United Nations has declared 2001 the International Year of Volunteers. To celebrate, MCZCR has offered info NORTHUMBERLAND, the opportunity to submit a proposal to become a community volunteer summit host (There will be 47 host sites in the province).

A letter of intent has been submitted. If the letter of intent is approved, we will need to form a community planning group to plan the actual summit - there are some mandatory elements (volunteer fair, presentation on Ontario's Promise - to be done by the government, invitation to local MPP). Planning committee will identify other methods to celebrate IYOV.

Our letter of intent includes three activities; a volunteer fair, a training day for voluntary organizations and a half day community planning session which will focus primarily on expanding the "Day of Caring".

A series of capacity-building resources will be released throughout International Year of Volunteers (IYV) 2001. These materials will be available online from the Canadian IYV 2001 Web site at http://www.iyvcanada.org/.
Printed copies will be available at cost. There are also promotional items such as: Lapel Pins, Lapel Button, T-shirts, Posters, Thank You Cards and more coming. You can order these items online at http://www.iyvcanada.org/ or call the IYV 2001 toll-free number at 1-800-670-0401 for an order form.

Would you or your organization be interested in participating in, or planning this event?
Please call, fax or email Lori at info NORTHUMBERLAND

"A reminder from info NORTHUMBERLAND: Our volunteer opportunities database is now online. If you haven't already submitted volunteer opportunities and are currently looking for volunteers, call our office to receive a questionnaire."

invites you to their

Annual Spring Information Night

St. Mary's High School
March 7th
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Find out more about the exciting sport of dragon boating - a sport for men and women of all ages.

There will be a video, followed by a question & answer session. Find out all you need to know about dragon boating.

For more information call Dave at 905-377-8026 or pick up their latest newsletter at Canyon Mountain Company on King Street.

Area Code Changes Affect You
New area codes and local 10-digit dialing are coming soon to the 416 and 905 areas
These changes affect:

Local 10-digit dialing is the way of the future. As of March 5, 2001, callers in the 416 area code and as of June 9, 2001, callers in the 905 area code will have to think of their area code as part of their telephone number and "add the code" when making local calls. This will allow two new area codes - 647 for Toronto's 416 area, and 289 for the surrounding 905 communities - to be added next year.

During the transition period that lasts for two months prior to the official introduction of the new area codes, local voice calls dialed using 7 digits may be preceded by a recorded announcement reminding the caller to dial 10 digits the next time. The call will then be connected..
These recorded announcements will disrupt local data calls (fax, modem, etc.) dialed on a voice line using only 7 digits - another reason why it's important to have made necessary changes to your equipment prior to January 8, 2001 in the 416 area and April 7, 2001.

Ontario's Drive Clean Program
Ontario's Drive Clean is a new vehicle emission testing program to reduce smog and its harmful effects on the air we breathe. Under the program, designated vehicles in areas with serious smog problems must pass a clean air test. Those vehicles failing the test must be repaired and retested. Cars, trucks, and buses, are the single, largest, local source of smog-causing pollutants in Ontario. They release nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microscopic dust particles that react together in he presence of sunlight to create smog.

Which vehicles are required to pass the test?
If you own a passenger car or light-duty truck in the Drive Clean program area, it will have to pass a Drive Clean Test every two years prior to renewing the sticker on the licence plate. This applies to vehicles that are more than three years old and less than 20 years old. (based on the model year of the vehicle). You will be notified up to 90 before the deadline for renewing your vehicle licence plate.
As well, the test applies at change of ownership. If your vehicle is less than 20 years old, and if the ownership change must have a safety certificate to be effective (eg. at resale), it must also pass a Drive Clean test.
Vehicles 20 years or older, light-duty commercial farm vehicles and motorcycles are exempt.

Testing at registration will alternate between odd-year models and even-year models. For example, in 2001, even model-year vehicles will be tested. In 2002, odd model-year vehicles will be tested.

Who is affected and when?
The programs applies to owners of passenger and light-duty vehicles in the Greater Toronto Area and in the Hamilton-Wentworth Region. Effective 2001, the program will expand to 13 urban areas and commuter zones in southern Ontario between Peterborough and Windsor.
The cost to have the test should be no more than $30 and no more than $15 for a retest if your vehicle fails the initial testing and has repairs, providing it is done at the same facility.

The Employment Services Department assists clients who are Deaf, Deafened, or Hard of Hearing in the Durham, Peterborough, Victoria and Northumberland Regions. The department offers the following services:

Voice (705) 743-1573 TTY (705) 743-1621 Fax (705) 741-0708
Voice 1-800-213-3848 TTY 1-800-213-0514 Fax 1-800-360-6264

Health Care Health and Safety Association of Ontario
It's National Kidney Month. The Kidney Foundation of Canada has helped millions of Canadians suffering from Kidney failure and related disorders such as high blood pressure, kidney stones, diabetes, and urinary tract infections. To find out more: www.kidney.ca

Ontario Long Term Care Association (OLTCA) Ontario Residential Care Association (ORCA)/ Ontario Home Health Care Providers Association (OHHCPA) Conference "Working Together in Harmony" will be held from March 5,6,7 in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. For more information, call the ONHA at Tel. (905) 470-8995.

The Art Gallery of Northumberland is pleased to announce the opening of two exhibitions on Saturday January 27, 2001 at its location in Victoria Hall, 55 King St. The Opening is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Janet Read, a Port Hope artist, musician and poet, will be present at the opening. This is her first solo exhibition at the Art Gallery of Northumberland. Read, working in oil on canvas, is an abstract painter, who has said of her work, "Abstract painting offers a condensation of emotion and experience that is most intertwined, since it occupies the territory of the interior vision of an artist. My paintings are poetic fragments of my experience in the world; of colour, of light, of thought, of place, of memory and history. Colour attracts me for it expresses emotions with immediacy, appealing to the deepest fundamental level of our experience and memory. My work invites the viewer to feel deeply and imagine wisely."

The Robert Motherwell: Octavio Paz Suite, of twenty-seven lithographs by the late American artist are a significant part of the Gallery's permanent collection. Motherwell was one of the group that founded what came to be know as Abstract Expressionism. For them modern painters painted, not what they saw, but what they felt to be true. Octavio Paz was an internationally recognized Mexican Poet. The three poems by Paz in this collaboration with Motherwell are, "San Ildefonso Nocturne", "Return" and "Skin Sound of the World". Each image is accompanied by a few lines from the poem. Each poem also appears in its entirety in both Spanish and English.

The exhibition will be open until March 10, 2001. The Gallery is open Tuesday to Friday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Calling All Artists!
The Art Gallery of Northumberland's 24th Annual Regional Juried Exhibition is fast approaching. One of the most popular shows at the Gallery, the Annual Regional Juried Exhibit represents a wide variety of artworks, by many artists throughout Northumberland County and surrounding area. This year the exhibit's theme will be open.

Each entrant may submit up to 4 original artworks produced within the last 2 years, in any media (painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, sculpture, carving, fabric, ceramic, wood, glass, metal, etc..). Anyone 18 years and over, who is a resident of Northumberland County or a member of the Gallery, is eligible to enter. Artworks must be brought to the Gallery on Monday March 12th, between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., accompanied by an entry form and a small fee (Members: $5 per work; Non-Members: $10 per work). This years jurors are Ron Bolt, David Blackwood, both renowned artists from the Northumberland County and David Aurandt, the Executive Director of the Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa. Accepted artworks will be exhibited at the Gallery from March 17th to April 15th, 2001. For more information and/or to receive an entry form, contact or drop-by the Art Gallery of Northumberland, located on the 3rd floor, West Wing of Victoria Hall, 55 King St. West, Cobourg Ontario, 905-372-0333.

In the story of Ruth and Naomi, we see hope emerge out of loss and tragedy. It is a story that can empower each of us, both in our own life struggles and in the way we "accompany" others. The Book of Ruth is a universal story from which we still have much to learn.
Presenter: Marlilyn Meraw, CSJ
Villa St. Joseph Retreat Centre, 445 Monk Street, Cobourg, ON
905-372-2741, email: villa@eagle.ca
9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. $16 (includes lunch)

VolNet is a federal government initiative administered by Industry Canada to improve the voluntary sector's access to information technology and to the related skills and tools available to help it play a stronger role in
Canadian society. VolNet's goal is to offer Internet connectivity, including computer equipment and Internet skills development and support, to 10,000 voluntary organizations by March 31, 2002.

Do you know of a non-profit or charitable organization that:

If so, contact the United Way of Peterborough & District. This agency has been selected as our local Delivery Agency for the VolNet program. For more information, please contact the United Way at:

United Way of Peterborough & District
277 Stewart Street,
Peterborough, ON
K9J 3M8
Telephone: (705) 742-8839
Fax: (705) 742-9186

Play Therapy with Children
Who Experience Separation and Divorce
This workshop will be held on February 26th at the Northumberland Child Development Centre, 37 Walton Street, 3rd Floor. Presenters will be Sandra Webb, B.A. Sc. Cert. CACPT, and Hannah Sun-Reid, M.A. Child Development, Cert, CACPT. The agenda for the day is as follows:

9:00 - 10:00	Overview of Separation and Divorce related to the child.
10:00 - 10:15	Break
10:15 - 11:45	Play Therapy techniques relating to issues of separation and divorce ("hands-on" opportunity)
11:45 - 1:00	Lunch (provided)
1:00 - 2:30	Sandtray Therapy Techniques relating to issues of separation and divorce ("hands-on" opportunity)
2:30 - 3:00	Questions and Answers

The cost for the workshop is $25, and registrations are being taken now. Lunch will be provided. Call the NCDC at 905-885-8137 for more information, or to register.

Big Brothers Bop & Shop" Dance & Silent Auction
This event will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2001 at the Port Hope Legion, Toronto Road. $15.00 per person. Dance to the Rockin' Tunes of "Cruisin" from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. There will also be a late lunch served. For more information, call Big Brothers at 905-885-8435.

Reboot North - Bringing Technology to the Community
reBOOT North is a non-for-profit organization providing computer hardware and technical support to charities and non-profits that have limited access to technology. They refurbish previously owned computers, and resell them at nominal cost to charitable organizations in the area from their location in Peterborough. reBOOT accepts donations of operating 486 DX and Pentium PC's, 14" or larger monitors, printers, and laptop computers. They will also pick up donated equipment (a minimum of 5 units), and issue you a tax receipt for the market value of the equipment. If you would like to contact reBOOT to donate, or purchase a computer, please contact them at:

Palliative Care Volunteers Needed!
The Northumberland Lakeshore Hospice Association currently requires Palliative Care Volunteers. There will be a weekly educational program included, and will be held at the Golden Plough Lodge from Thursday, March 29th to Thursday, May 31st from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. (30 hours).

The Northumberland Lakeshore Hospice Association is a non-profit, community based organization committed to provide support for terminally ill persons and their families. This service will be provided by specially trained volunteers, working in conjunction with professional and family care-givers.

If you have a service or community event that is relevant to Northumberland County that you would like to see posted in our newsletter, please email/fax us the information before the 20th of the preceding month.