Miramichi Blog

Second edition of the Women’s Wellness Calendar now available

(Miramichi) The second edition of the women’s wellness calendar will make a great stocking stuffer this Christmas.

The calendar is produced by the Miramichi Regional Health Authority’s Women’s Wellness Program. The program committee is pleased to produce the second edition of this calendar, says Nurse Manager Karen Copp. “It is an awareness calendar with a preventative focus on specific health problems for women.

This year’s calendar has a new look, new price and new health topics. The full color, 8 ½ x 11 calendar is selling for $5 each. It features photographs that were taken locally, or donated by local photographers. “Each month identifies a proactive approach to specific diseases women encounter such as diabetes, bone health and addictions. Our goal is to encourage women to be responsible for their health and well being. The information should help them make informed decisions.”

The Women’s Wellness Program is a program of the Outpatient Clinics Department of the Miramichi Regional Hospital. The program provides educational sessions as well as a weekly Pap Clinic that is conducted in partnership with the Miramichi Medical Day Clinic nurse practitioners. This can include breast self-exam teaching, blood pressure screening and a health assessment which leads to providing pertinent health information.

All proceeds from the calendar will be used towards promoting women’s health and wellness in the community, including the yearly International Women’s Day conference each March.

Calendars are available by calling Stacey McFarlane at 623-6136 or at the Newcastle Farmer’s Market on Nov. 30th and Dec. 14th.

For more info., contact Sonya Green-Haché, communications coordinator at 506.623.3003.

Miramichi Community Chaplain presented the Community Star Award from Addiction Services

Every year Addictions Awareness Week is recognized nationally during the third week of November. During the week Miramichi Addiction Services presented their Community Star Award to Miramichi Community Chaplain Gordon Green.

Cynthia MacDonald, Manager of Miramichi Addiction Services says the Community Star Award is presented to a ‘star’ in our community, who goes above and beyond and is making a difference in the area of drug and alcohol awareness. She says Green was a natural choice as his interactive spiritual presentations and individual one on one sessions have made a real difference with addiction clients. “The people who know him use the words inspirational, dedicated, giving, kind, generous, respected, knowledgeable, leader, spiritual and friend to describe him.” Clients present for the award ceremony echoed MacDonald’s praise by giving him a standing ovation.

School District 16 Cute Awards ("Creative Use of Technology in Education" Awards)

The public is invited to to attend the first Creative Use of Technology in Education (CUTE) Awards at the James M. Hill High School theatre on Thursday, Nov. 29th, 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.. Representatives from SMART Technologies, Fat Kat Animation, And Tidby Productions will be attending. Other special guests have also been invited. No admission charge!

Come and celebrate the innovative ways our students and teachers are using technology. Learn why District 16 is recognized as a global leader in the use of technology. Experience the excitement and discover how our students and teachers are tranforming our classrooms.

Awards will be presented for the creative use of digital photography, digital video, podcasts, SMART Board teacher lesson, SMART Board student presentation, school web site, teacher/classroom web/ wiki/blog, video conferencing/collaborative projects, plus the Innovative Use of Technology (People's Choice Award).

In conjunction with the CUTE Awards, the District 16 Digital Media Studio will also be officially opened at 5:30 p.m.. This fully functional broadcast studio is located at James M. Hill High School. Each school in District 16 has been provided with the software, green screen and hardware required to make it a satellite studio. The studio is the home base for the first district wide broadcast journalism course being offered in NB.

To learn more about these cool awards and finalists, click here.

Don't miss the Magical Mighty Miramichi Multi-media experience!

Blood Donor Clinic to held at NBCC Miramichi on Monday, Nov. 26th, 2007, from 2-4 p.m. and 5:30-8:30 p.m..

Every blood donation can improve or save up to three lives - that's the beauty of giving blood! While walk-ins are welcome, we encourage you to book an appointment to donate blood by calling 1 888 2 DONATE (1.888.236.6283).

For more details, click here.

"Mankind must remember that peace is not God's gift to his creatures; peace is our gift to each other." - Elie Wiesel

Festival of Trees is now open!

Come and see over 35 amazing Christmas Trees...all decorated by
theme! The Festival is a great way to get the holiday spirit!

Come walk with us!
Miramichi Emergency Centre for Women & Community Outreach Services

Walk for Awareness
Prevention of Family Violence

Walk: 12 (noon) Thursday, November 22nd
Where: Elm Park (corner of Henderson Street and Water Street, Miramichi East) to NBCC Campus 80 University Ave., Miramichi East
Presentation: Room 125 (NBCC) at 12:30 p.m.

Hot chocolate, tea and coffee to follow.

Protective Services Presents Coffee House on Wednesday, Nov. 21st, 2007, 6-9 p.m. at the NBCC Miramichi Gym, 80 University Ave., Miramichi East (Chatham). All proceeds go towards the Stephen Lewis Foundation. The Stephen Lewis Foundation (SLF) helps to ease the pain of HIV/AIDS in Africa at the grassroots level. It provides care to women who are ill and struggling to survive; assists orphans and other AIDS affected children; supports heroic grandmothers who almost single-handedly care for their orphan grandchildren; and supports associations of people living with HIV/AIDS. Donations accepted at the door.

For more information regarding the Stephen Lewis Foundation, click here.

Christmas in Downtown Miramichi
2007 Schedule of Events

Thursday, November 15th 6:00 p.m.
1st Downtown Shopping Party
Free Sleigh Rides around the Square 6-8 p.m.
Sponsored by: Co-operators Insurance

Thursday, November 22nd 6:00 p.m.
Downtown Miramichi Tree Lighting Ceremony
Town Square, Downtown Miramichi
Caroling by Miramichi Men of Harmony
2nd Downtown Shopping Party
Free Sleigh Rides around the Square 6-8 p.m.
Sponsored by: Fat Kat Animation Studios

Thursday, November 29th 6:00 p.m.
3rd Downtown Shopping Party
Free Sleigh Rides around the Square 6-8 p.m.
Sponsored by: Night Owl Convenience

Friday, November 30th 5:00 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Downtown Miramichi Christmas Craft Sale
Kinsmen Centre, Downtown Miramichi
Tea Room with Homemade Treats on site!

Saturday, December 1st 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Downtown Miramichi Christmas Craft Sale
Kinsmen Centre, Downtown Miramichi
Tea Room with Homemade Treats on site!

Thursday, December 6th 6:00 p.m.
4th Downtown Shopping Party
Free Sleigh Rides around the Square 6-8 p.m.
Sponsored by: Cando Shoes

Saturday, December 8th 1:00 p.m.
Annual Downtown Santa Claus Parade
Begins at Miramichi Mall - Ends at the Kin Centre
Storm date: Sunday, December 9th at 2 p.m.
To register call 622-2244
Meet Santa after the parade at the Kin Centre for Treats! Bring a camera!

Thursday, December 13th 6:00 p.m.
5th Downtown Shopping Party
Free Sleigh Rides around the Square 6-8 p.m.
Sponsored by: MacLaughlin's Cleaners
Special Children's Christmas Concert to Aid the Miramichi Community Food Bank
7:00 p.m. at the Kinsmen Centre
Hosted by Susan Butler
Admission: Non-perishable food item or donation
Sponsored by: Trinity Sounds

Thursday, December 20th 6:00 p.m.
6th Downtown Shopping Party
Free Sleigh Rides around the Square 6-8 p.m.
Sponsored by: Parks Radiator

For more information regarding these events, call 622-2244.

Have a Safe & Happy Holiday Season!

Remember to Shop Local for great ideas!

The Salvation Army
Needs your Help this Christmas!
Give the gift of
YOUR TIME this year for the
CHRISTMAS KETTLE CAMPAIGN
November 26th - December 22nd

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS
FOR 2½ HOUR SHIFTS
AT THE KETTLES
Monday to Saturday
1:00 - 3:30 p.m.
3:30 - 6:00 p.m.
6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
at FIVE City Locations

Call 622-7826
TO VOLUNTEER

The Salvation Army Community Resource Center
Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Enjoy the warm feeling of giving to those in need!!!

Penny Sale

St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church in Nelson, Miramichi, is hosting a Penny Sale
2 pm
Sunday November 18th in the church basement

Door prizes also

Labels: event

Eel Ground First Nation’s Community Awareness Week, Nov. 18th to 24th
Sun., Nov.18 - Opening Prayers at St. Joachim’s
Mon., Nov. 19, 3 p.m. - A community walk to create awareness against the fight against prescription drug misuse. The walk will begin at the garage in Eel Ground and end at the Rising Sun Treatment Program. A light lunch will be served and there will be prize draws. Join our fight!
Tues., Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m. - Academic Achievement Night at the Community Hall.
Wed. Nov. 21, 8 p.m. - A.A. Meeting at the Rising Sun 22nd Group Anniversary Gathering
Thurs., Nov. 22, 6 p.m. - Dinner Theatre Turkey Dinner Fundraiser at the Community Hall $10
Friday, Nov.23, 1 p.m. - Closing Circle at the Rising Sun. It takes a healthy community to raise a child.
For more information regarding the above activities, contact the Rising Sun at 627-4627.

Saturday, Nov. 24, 1 p.m. - Suicide Prevention Walk Contact Natasha 622-8751
We will walk to remember those we have lost to suicide. We will walk to honour their lives, to support those around us, and to take a step towards healing. We will meet at Metepenagiag First Nation School and walk to Eel Ground Community Hall. Feast, Balloon Release, Drumming, Dancing, and Speakers to follow. Guest Speakers: Chasity Meusé of Indian Brook First Nation and Veronica Marshall of Chapel Island Nova Scotia. Singers: Brian Knockwood (Eastern Eagle) of Indian Brook First Nation and Naomi Poulette of Whycocomagh First Nation Mens Traditional Dancer: Danny Stephens of Millbrook FirstNation Special Preformance by Blake Francis (BNE) and Jeremy Francis (Big Werm).

I encourage you all to support this cause, to allow yourself this healing.
Donations for Nov. 24th feast are much appreciated.
For more information on the suicide prevention walk, call 622-8751 or 206-0749.

Have yourself a “healthy” little Christmas!

Miramichi Regional Hospital Foundation’s
CHRISTMAS TREE SILENT AUCTION
CLOSING DATE – 2:00 PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2007

Located in the Miramichi Hospital Lobby
Prelit Tree donated by Sears Newcastle
Decorations donated by:
Mir Tab Welding
Newcastle Home Hardware
Zellers
Jean Coutu Chatham
Rose Wood
Decorated by Belinda Thebeau

Successful bidder gets beautifully decorated tree for their home or place of business! Funds raised support the Miramichi regional hospital foundation’s campaign to purchase a local digital mammogram service.

Miramichi Regional Hospital Foundation Inc.'s website: click here.

REMEMBRANCE DAY

The Royal Canadian Legion, Miramichi Branch No. 10 (Miramichi West) will hold their annual Remembrance Day Memorial Service at the Miramichi Civic Centre, King George Hwy., on Sunday, November 11th, 2007.

The Parade Marshall will form up the parade behind the Civic Centre, on Delano Avenue, at 10:30 a.m. Order of march will be #315 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Band, Colour Party, Veterans (including Korean Veterans, Peacekeepers, Canadian Armed Forces personnel, etc), Ladies Auxiliary, Police, Fire Department, Scouts, and Girl Guides. Any other group wishing to participate is welcome and asked to be at the civic centre by 10:15 for placement.

The general public is asked to be in their seats by 10:45 a.m. The parade will proceed into the civic centre at 10:45 a.m. and take their positions. 2nd Battalion Royal New Brunswick Regiment (North Shore) will provide the cenotaph guard at the civic centre.

The parade marshall will turn the parade over to Master of Ceremonies, Peter Murphy. The parade will come to attention for the playing of O Canada and the opening prayer. The memorial address will be given by a dignitary to be named shortly.

At 11:00 a.m. the Last Post – Two Minute Silence – Reveille will be observed by all in attendance as we remember those who have gave their lives during wars and conflicts.

Following the closing prayer and God Save the Queen the sentries will march off the cenotaph in preparation for the wreath laying ceremony.

Official wreaths will be laid by The Silver Cross Women of Canada; federal government; provincial government; municipal government; various levels of the Royal Canadian Legion; Ladies Auxiliary; and Veterans Affairs. Escorts will be provided by #315 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.

Family and organization memorials will follow. Wreaths and crosses are sold by Miramichi Branch 10 until November 8th. Orders may be placed by calling 622-1809. Wreaths are $40, Green Crosses $35; Small Wreaths $25 and White Crosses $20. Between five and seven dollars is profited from each memorial and the runds remain in the Poppy Fund to help ex-service personnel and their dependents. The Poppy Fund is a public trust fund registered under Charities Canada.

Following the service, veterans and their guests are invited back to the legion for a light lunch and stand-to. At 2:00 p.m. the doors will be opened to the general public to attend the afternoon entertainment with Good Times.

For further information, please call 622-1809.

Late Christmas hamper registration for Miramichi families

In Chatham, registration for Christmas hampers is scheduled to take place at St. Mary's Anglican Church, 207 Wellington St. on Monday, Nov. 12th, 10 a.m. - 12 noon. Families eligible to register in Chatham are those who live in the area from Harper Road to Black River Bridge and St. Margarets. Social service and Medicare cards are required.

In Newcastle, registration for the Salvation Army Christmas Hampers is scheduled to take place upstairs in the Family Services Division at 231 Pleasant Street on Tuesday, Nov.13th, 10 a.m. - 12 noon. Families eligible to register in Newcastle are those living on the west side of the river, including those in Newcastle, Douglastown, Lower Newcastle, Derby, Millerton, Sunny Corner, Lyttleton, and Chaplin Island Road. For more information, please call 622-7826.

WHAT IS WINTER LIGHTS?
INFORMATION SESSION – WEDNESDAY, NOV. 14, 2007
SADDLERS CAFÉ
8:30AM – 9:00AM
From December 14-16, two national judges will arrive in Miramichi to evaluate our city on our winter festivities and visual presentation. This includes goodwill programs, winter festivals, Christmas events, sports events and winter tourism.
The evaluation is part of the Communities in Bloom program and Winter Lights is a national competition. The Miramichi Communities in Bloom committee, in conjunction with students at NBCC Miramichi are proud to host the judges in this competition.
We need your help! Without the help of the community, the judges are not able to get a true evaluation of our city.
Please come to this brief information session (10 minute presentation) to find out how you can get involved or to provide the committee with information about events that the judges should attend.
Miramichi will be evaluated in our population category (10,001 – 50,000). Other communities included in our category include: Williams Lake,BC; Gravenhurst,ON; Owen Sound,ON and Leduc,AB.
For more about Winter Lights 2007-08, click here.

Summary of MRHA Board of Directors October 29, 2007 Board Meeting

The Miramichi Regional Health Authority Board of Directors held its monthly meeting on October 29, 2007 at the Miramichi Regional Hospital. The following are highlights of the meeting:

1. Financial Summary

The Miramichi Regional Health Authority ended the month of August with a five month operating deficit of $1.2 million. Contributing factors of the deficit include costs associated with a high hospital occupancy rate, and medical staff resources such as locums, moving, and relocation grants.

2. Recruitment Update – Internist recruited

In his report to the board, President and CEO Gary Foley provided a recruitment update. He was pleased to inform them that an internist from South Africa has accepted an offer and is expected to arrive over the next few months. Recruitment is ongoing for family physicians, radiologists and internists.

It was also reported that a school career exploration day for all grade 10 students within the health region would be held in mid-November at the Miramichi Regional Hospital. Over the four days, approximately 750 students will be toured throughout the hospital. This recruitment initiative will inform youth in the region about the many career opportunities available within the health authority.

3. Proposal being developed to address the high number of alternate level of care patients in hospital

A proposal is being developed to address the ongoing issue of the large number of alternate level of care patients occupying acute medical care beds in the Miramichi Regional Hospital. Upon completion, it will be presented to the department of health for consideration.

For the last two years, an average of 25-30 alternate level of care patients have occupied acute care medical beds while waiting either for assessment or placement in an alternate setting such as a nursing home or special care home. This is the equivalent of one patient care unit in the hospital. Historically, these pressures were experienced during the flu season however there are no longer relief periods.

4. Additional initiatives taken to improve service in both official languages

The Francophone Liaison committee reported that several successful projects were initiated over the summer months to improve service in both official languages. The brochure developed by the Conseil communautaire Beausoleil in partnership with the Miramichi Regional Health Authority informing the community that bilingual health services are available in the region has been positively received by the community. An active offer kit was distributed to managers throughout the health authority reiterating the policy. It has received positive feedback within the organization as well as provincial recognition. Enrolment in French Language training has also been high with 123 employees taking courses and/or tutoring.

5. Update on Smoke Free Properties policy

The Professional Advisory Committee reported that the implementation of the smoke free properties policy is going well. The departments of psychiatry and addictions have experienced some challenges with implementation of the policy however are supporting their clients by providing them with education and offering nicotine replacement therapy. The number of clients leaving the building to smoke and incidents related to smoking are being monitored.

Labels: hospital