Neighbourhoods Several community events being held, thanks to development grant

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SAINT JOHN - The west side's a beehive of activity this summer, thanks to two industrious university students who have been hired to work with Lisa Murphy, the West Side PACT's new community co-ordinator.

PACT is an acronym for Police and Community Together.

The group has secured Murphy through a $25,000 neighbourhood development grant awarded by the city, part of a $150,000 funding envelope contained in this year's operating budget that is available for neighbourhoods. Her job is to develop programs, work with residents and forge relationships with government and local business.

UNBSJ students Mike Peters and Lacey O'Toole haven't taken long to get into the swing of things. They have already thrown a successful Canada Day party when 30 children showed up for free face painting, games, cake and prizes.

The students are now getting set to launch their Summer Reading Club beginning July 15, which will be held every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the PACT office, 200 Ludlow Street, for children from kindergarten to Grade 5. Registration is required by calling 693-8735.

Then, on July 31, the duo is planning a Bike Rodeo, where both bicycle safety and fire safety will be taught, with the help of the fire department's "smoke house." The rodeo will be held at the Carleton Community Centre, Market Place, at a time to be announced.

On Aug. 4, a New Brunswick Day barbecue and yard sale will be held at Queen Square Park West, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The barbecue is free, but there will be a charge for anyone who would like to rent a table for the yard sale. Call 693-8735 to reserve one, says Peters.

Also, beginning July 22, a domestic violence outreach worker from Hestia House will be available every Tuesday for women who would like to drop in to talk about the issue, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the PACT office, 200 Ludlow St. During that time, O'Toole and Peters will be available to babysit for mothers who need that service.

Long-term plans for the West Side PACT include establishing a food bank in an area that is easily accessible for lower west side residents, offering after-school programs, and establishing a youth council. Already, the group has held a couple of health and wellness information sessions and a community cleanup.

Next Wednesday, PACT is holding a free medication information and health-screening session from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Carleton Community Centre, when pharmacist Kevin Duplisea will be on hand to check cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar and teach participants about medication safety. Healthy snacks will be provided. The session is being co-sponsored by the St. Joseph's Community Health Centre. Although walk-ins are welcome, registration is preferred by calling 693-8735.

West Side PACT isn't the only group benefiting from the community funds; Crescent Valley Renew Our Community (CV ROC) also received $25,000 through the neighbourhood development purse.

The money has been set aside by the city for neighbourhood programs that focus on building leadership capacity, neighbourhood planning and new program development.

Neighbourhoods are required to match 50 per cent of the funding because, said city manager Terry Totten in his presentation to common council, city staff believes that it supports a more sustainable "hand-up" approach, rather than a short-term "handout" and will better ensure neighbourhood support and commitment for the initiatives being put forward for funding.

Approved applicants must submit a mid-term progress report and a final report within 45 days of the program's completion. The effectiveness of the funding program will be reviewed at the end of the year.