Project Red Ribbon launch, treaties recognition, bad art

Morning Coffee – By Aaron Hall

Weather forecast for Tuesday, November 7, 2017

Today – Cloudy. Becoming a mix of sun and cloud near noon. High 7.

Tonight – Partly cloudy. Low minus 2.

Project Red Ribbon set to launch in Chatham-Kent

Project Red Ribbon, MADD Canada’s campaign to promote sober driving during the holiday season, turns 30 this year.

For three decades, MADD Canada’s red ribbon has symbolized the importance of always driving sober and served as a powerful tribute to the innocent people who are killed and injured in impairment-related crashes.

The campaign has grown from a single event in its first year to a nation-wide effort that has thousands of volunteers distributing millions of red ribbons to the public to tie on vehicles, key chains, purses and backpacks as a commitment to safe and sober driving.

For this year’s 30th anniversary, car decals featuring the ‘drive sober’ message will also be available.

While great strides have been made over the years to reduce impaired driving, it continues to be a deadly problem on Canada’s roads.

Continued awareness efforts are crucial.

This year’s Project Red Ribbon campaign runs from November 1, 2017 to January 8, 2018.

MADD Canada Chapters and Community Leaders around the country will be out in force, handing out red ribbons and car decals, encouraging Canadians to plan ahead for a safe and sober ride home if they’re going to be drinking or consuming drugs during the holiday season.

The Red Ribbon Campaign launch on in Chatham-Kent will take place on Wednesday, November 8 at 1 p.m. at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Chatham.

MADD Chatham-Kent is pleased to unveil two benches located in front of the Capitol Theatre.

2nd annual ‘Treaties Recognition Week’

Ontario is marking the second annual Treaties Recognition Week by honouring the importance of treaties and helping people learn more about treaty rights and treaty relationships.

On Monday, David Zimmer, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, joined Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Wedaseh Madahbee in Whitefish River First Nation to attend a Living Library event and the launch of two children’s books on treaties.

“Everyone in Ontario shares the benefits and obligations of treaties,” Zimmer said in a press release.

“We also share a responsibility to understand the relationships these agreements created. That’s why we’re continuing to work with Indigenous partners through Ontario’s Treaty Strategy to raise awareness of these relationships during Treaties Recognition Week and year-round.”

More than 50 Indigenous speakers, including Elders, knowledge keepers and Indigenous leadership are participating in more than 200 Living Library events across the province this week to share their perspectives on the important role treaties played in the founding of Ontario and how they are still relevant today.

“It is important for all people in Canada to learn about the land and resources that First Nations people have shared by way of First Nations and the Crown signing treaties,” Madahbee said.

“Young people are learning more about the treaty relationship and understand their responsibility in it. Everyone is learning more about treaties through events like the Living Library series and from our teacher resources.”

Through the Living Library program, public schools, libraries and universities have invited Indigenous speakers to share their knowledge and perspectives on treaties in more than 60 communities across the province. Those who hear these perspectives will walk away with a better understanding of the whole history of Canada, and the importance of honouring treaty obligations.

“The peaceful settlement of Canada was made possible by the agreement of Indigenous peoples to share their territories and resources with newcomers,” stated Maurice Switzer, Mississaugas of Alderville First Nation and Living Library presenter.

“But those legal and sacred covenants have not always been honoured by government. That’s why I share my perspective and knowledge of treaties as a speaker at Living Library events across the province during Treaties Recognition Week. Hopefully the students who benefit from these learning experiences will become the prime ministers, judges, journalists, teachers, and CEOs of tomorrow who can restore the promises envisaged in the original treaty relationship.”

Promoting greater awareness of treaties is one of many steps on Ontario’s journey of healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It reflects the government’s commitment to work with Indigenous partners and rebuilding relationships based on trust and respect with First Nations, Métis and Inuit.

First Nations and Treaties Map of Ontario

More details:

– The Treaties Recognition Week Act, 2016 was introduced and passed with the support of all parties on May 30, 2016.

– Treaties Recognition Week is celebrated annually during the first full week in November, and runs from Nov. 5-11 this year.

– This year, Indigenous speakers are delivering presentations at more than 200 Living Library events – more than triple the number of last year.

– Treaties are legally binding agreements that set out the rights, responsibilities and relationships of First Nations and the federal and provincial governments.

– Ontario is covered by more than 40 treaties and other agreements, including land purchases signed between 1781 and 1930.

– Ontario provides financial support through honouraria to Indigenous speakers participating in the Living Library program.

Making bad art at the Wallaceburg Library

Leave your inner critic at home and have fun creating bad art Tuesday, November 7 at 6 p.m. at Wallaceburg Branch.

Don’t know how to paint? Not good at drawing?

Just want something to do with your friends?

This is the event for you!

The Library will provide the supplies, you provide the badness.

All you need to bring is a sense of humour and a willingness to try something new.

At the end of the night you can show off your creation in our Bad Art Gallery Show for your chance to win our Trophy of Terribleness!

This is the perfect opportunity for you to win an art competition even if you lack artistic talent.

This is an adult’s only event and registration is required.

To register for the program, visit search.ckpl.ca and search Bad Art or call your local branch.

To find out more about upcoming adult programs at Chatham-Kent Public Library, visit www.ckpl.ca.

Animal shelter concert a roaring success

The Lion Sings Tonight, a concert held November 3 to raise funds for the New Animal Shelter was a roaring success, raising $10,000.

Local artists in the community came together under the leadership of Devon Hansen to help the shelter move closer to its goal of $1.5 million. “We are so fortunate to have such great talent locally, sometimes we forget to look in our own backyard” said Lynn McGeachy Schultz, project coordinator for the new shelter. They all gave so freely of their time and talents for this great cause.”

To top off the evening, a significant donation was received from Karen DeKoning, a long-time supporter of the shelter. “It was my way to challenge community people like me to get behind this most important project” said DeKoning.

Accepting the cheque was Dr. Bruce Warwick, Friends of the New Animal Shelter executive member. “This was a perfect evening, a great master of ceremonies, fabulous talent, animals from the shelter and a donation that has made a significant difference to the campaign. It was a roaring success I would say!”

Property standards committee members sought

The municipality of Chatham-Kent is seeking five individuals to serve on its newly-revamped Property Standards Committee and has extended the deadline for applications to this Friday, November 10.

The committee meets on an as-needed basis to hear appeals made by citizens who received orders to comply with the property standards bylaw. The committee’s full terms of reference can be found, here.

In May of this year Chatham-Kent Council voted to alter the committee structure to reflect the trend across Ontario in which such committees are comprised of citizens rather than council members.

Committee members receive a $50 per meeting remuneration fee as well as mileage from their place of residence to the meetings which are held at the Civic Center in Chatham.

Residents are invited to submit an application by following this link and may also provide a bio/resume highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.