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NFCS_AGM_2001

Feature Article October 24

Feature Article October 24, 2001

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North Frontenac Community Services Services 26th Annual General Meetingby David BrisonNFCS_AGM_2001Linda Rush, director of adult services, welcomed the members of North Frontenac Community Services (NFCS) to their annual general meeting held at St James Major hall on October 18. Linda commented that NFCS started in the early 70s because there was a need to work together to form the kind of community we wanted and to provide the services that were needed. She went on to say that although there have been a lot of changes in the community in the intervening years, NFCS has the same mandate now, and there is still a very strong need to work together to make this community better; to provide services locally, and to make sure the services are appropriate.

Linda and Susan Leslie, director of childrens services, went on to describe some of the changes in services that have taken place in the last year. Childrens Aid Services has appointed a full time worker, Angela Woodhouse, in the north, and has appointed Dickson Davidson as a social work assistant to help her. Kevin Raison, family counsellor, is now working five days a week up from four days. Adult services has started two new programs: a lifeline emergency response program, and a general client intervention and assistance program. The Child Centre has been given additional funds so that they can offer playgroups in South Frontenac. They are presently offering an after school/homework program at the Child Centre and are working to start one at Clarendon Central School in Plevna.

One major loss has been the closing of the Clothing Depot. There is recognition that the depot is still needed, but the problems in operating it seemed to be insurmountable.

NFCS_AGM_2001A honourary life membership was presented by acting president Brenda Piat to Carmen Emery. Carmen has been president of NFCS for the last five years she moved away from the area and has been unable to continue. Brenda praised Carmen for strong and sensitive leadership over the last five years. In an understated but obviously heartfelt response, Carmen said, This means a lot to me.

The program organizers opted to have users of their services describe the impact those services have had on their lives, rather than to have a speaker.

Ada MacDonald, a retired teacher from Arden, said she has taken advantage of the home care services (laundry, general cleaning) as well as the foot clinic, the dinner club, and Meals-on-Wheels. These services have made it possible for me to remain in my home where I can continue to enjoy writing, knitting, painting, and my UCW work, she said.

Melvin Lapointe thanked his adult protective services worker, Mike Proctor, for always being there when I needed him.

Kaitlin Rainey-Strathy, who is new to the area and lives in an isolated area near Arden, said, The Child Centre has been an oasis for me. Kaitlin has taken her daughter Gillian to the nursery school and playgroups, and also takes advantage of a parent respite program so that she has time to work on writing books for children. She described how a staff member, Jan MacPherson, showed her how her car child seat had not been properly installed. Jan, who specializes in car seat safety, then helped her install it correctly. The importance of Jans help hit home when the family was in an accident. Two- year-old Gillian was the only one not injured because she was properly strapped in.

NFCS_AGM_2001 Val Cox commended long time NFCS receptionist and office manager Joyce Lewis for the personalized care she offers NFCS clients. Joyce always recognizes my voice and says, How are you doing Val. She really means it too. She knows her stuff and is able to help clients, she said.

In the final business of the evening, the membership decided to change the name of NFCS from North Frontenac Community Services, which newcomers confuse with the newly formed municipality of North Frontenac, to Northern Frontenac Community Services. The name change was approved by a 2/3 majority despite an impassioned plea for the status quo from Brad Flear.

However it is still known as Nuf-cus (NFCS) after all these years.

We will report next week on the board election.

With the participation of the Government of Canada