Carlington Community Health Centre
No Community Left Behind Steering Committee Meeting
4th meeting
MINUTES
Attendance: Janet Bowes, Chair & Helen Strathopoulos & Greg Killough (Carlington Community Health Centre), Lisa Petch (City of Ottawa), Anita Maclean & Helen Mclaughlin (Kiwanis Club of Ottawa West), Anneka McVee (Lepage Tenants Assn), Michael Kostiuk (Carlington Community Assn), Murray Shoup (City of Ottawa – Recreation), Rachel Rowe (Rep, Councilor Maria McRae), Victor Verona (Leadership Ottawa), Abdi Abdulkadir & _____ (Ottawa Police), Jim Devoe (Caldwell Family Centre), Rick Longpre (Bellevue Manor Tenants Assn), Steve Clay (Ottawa Housing?), _____ (Pinecrest Queensway), Sue Jeakins, recorder (Carlington)
Regrets: Clara Freire (City of Ottawa)
Leadership Ottawa made a presentation on the role and importance of “Connectors” in the community development process.
Welcome and introductions facilitated by Janet Bowes.
The Agenda was approved with additions.
The Minutes of June 24, 2009 were approved. Moved by Anneka McVee, seconded by Anita McLean.
Organization Logos:
Helen reminded everyone to forward their agency logos to her as soon as possible.
Newsletter Update:
Lisa reported that the newsletter will be out sometime in October and will include pictures, links, etc., as well as information re “Connector”. Anything else to be included should be send to her.
Community Table Report:
Abid advised that there are four other Community Development Framework Steering Committees like this one and they have met twice so far. They are planning a series of training opportunities in late October and November. There will be an opportunity for four to six community members to attend training through COWI.
Yuk Yuk Comedy Night:
Anita, from Kiwanis, provided an update on the Major Merriment and Mirth fundraising event taking place at the Ron Kolbus Lakeside Centre on October 23. Flyers with ticket information and request for sponsors are available and Anita will e-mail to members to distribute. Lisa will include information in the newsletter. NCLB will have a display table there. It was suggested that Kiwanis consider trying to hold the next event in this area.
HINI:
Janet reported that Community Health Centres will be designated as flu assessment centres if there is a substantial pandemic, and open seven days a week. It would not be “business as usual”. Services would be cancelled/closed and the focus of CHCs will be on providing primary health care. Plans to outreach to vulnerable clients are in place. Lisa advised that, if there is a pandemic, she will be called back to Public Health.
Raw Data Results from Surveys:
Helen distributed an overview of the results of the surveys. There was a response rate of 17%, with a return of 121 out of 700 surveys. There was discussion on specific responses in the survey, and next steps. Everyone agreed to the importance of engaging the community by presenting them with the statistical information, and having them confirm the issues and/or add other concerns that residents have. A small working subgroup will be formed to determine a plan to move forward with this. Volunteers for the subgroup were Greg, Rick, Jim, Abid and representatives from Leadership Ottawa and Ottawa Housing.
Helen was thanked for her work on the surveys and everyone wished her well as she heads off on parental leave.
Shepherds of Good Hope:
Janet advised that Shepherds of Good Hope is moving into the community and they have been invited to Carlington for a service providers meeting on September 22 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Everyone is welcome to attend. It was confirmed that Shepherds would be invited to participate on this Steering Committee.
St. Elizabeth School:
As W.E. Gowling School has representation here, Janet suggested that the new Principal at St. Elizabeth School also be invited. Everyone agreed with this.
United Way Day of Caring (now called Community Action Days)
This was explained as volunteers coming to neighborhoods to fix fences, paint, re-sod grass, etc. to improve the look of communities. United Way promotes this and acts as a posting location for requests, and volunteers choose projects to take on. This will take place from Sept 30. Steve advised that he has identified projects for Caldwell involving 70 volunteers, but this does not preclude others in the area from submitting requests as well, which could perhaps be done in concert with his Caldwell requests. He will e-mail contact information and a list of projects he has requested. Steve noted that there is the expectation that there be community involvement such as buying supplies and providing lunches for volunteers.
Let Them Be Kids:
Lisa reported on this volunteer organization, which works in 60/40 partnerships with communities, to help build playgrounds, etc. For example, an outdoor fitness Park is being constructed on Sept 26 attached to a shelter. The organization provides seed money, professionals to give advice on how to make it happen, and the community is responsible for acquiring the land, providing volunteers and fundraising. Lisa will send the website to members.
Promotional Material:
It was decided that cloth bags with the CDF logos, which have been produced by Lisa, would be a good promotional item to give to community members participating in the Focus Groups, and other events. The committee gave Janet permission to purchase these. As well, other communities could be approached to also purchase bags to lessen the cost of new orders. Lisa has also produced a one-page info sheet that could be distributed, and t-shirts made for volunteers is another option to promote our branding.
Ottawa Contractors Youth Initiative:
Steve advised that this initiative is doing work in our area on Sept 25. It involves volunteer contractors taking on projects and is separate from United Way work.
Green Bins:
Lisa reported that the City is starting to deliver green bins for wet garbage, but the collection will not take begin until January 2010.
Ottawa Police:
The Ottawa Police were commended for the increased police presence and lower/non-existent gangs and loitering on corners in the Caldwell area. The next step is to improve the public’s perception of this area.
NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, November 18, 2009.
1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
1390 Caldwell, Lepage Lounge
© 2008-09 City of Ottawa and Partner Agencies
Collaboration, Coordination, Community Participation and Leveraging of Resources
