Care Stratford News Archive

OTF/Planet in Focus Environmental Film Festival Hosted by Stratford Central

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:26:00 +0000

Stratford Central's Eco-Club is eager to announce that it will host an OTF/Planet in Focus Environmental Film Festival this spring.

Community members are invited to join in the following screenings:

Thursday April 8th 7 p.m.
Digital Cemeteries
The Man Who Planted Trees

Friday 9 a.m.
Two and Two
Garbage: The Revolution Starts at Home

Friday 12:30 p.m.
Digital Cemeteries
The Man Who Planted Trees

To register, please contact Kerry McManus at carestratford@gmail.com

Digital Cemeteries
Run time: 55 min. Greece
What happens to our computers or electronic devices when we’re done with them? They cannot simply be tossed in the garbage with the rest of our waste, seeing as computer parts contain toxic and highly carcinogenic components. This dangerous waste needs to be carefully recycled, following strict specifications. Developed countries, however, find it easier and cheaper to export their electronic waste to poorer countries instead of managing it themselves. Entire villages in China have turned into recycling plants, where the population has no choice but to work in this highly toxic environment in order to provide for their families. The health costs are incalculable. Digital Cemeteries illuminates the giant footprint our waste leaves behind.

Garbage: The Revolution Starts at Home

With his first son just born, filmmaker Andrew Nisker is very concernedwith the state of our planet. As the average household level of consumption rises, so does the astronomical amount of waste we collectively create. Are we turning the earth into one giant garbage can?Determined to understand the damage we are doing, Nisker enlists the average urban family, the McDonald's, to keep every scrap of garbage that they produce for three months in their increasingly smelly garage. From organic waste to dirty diapers, from plastic bottles to Christmas wrapping, the McDonald's discover that for every action there is a reaction that affects them and the entire planet. At turns hilarious, provocative, and alarming, Garbage! The Revolution Starts at Home will change the way you think about the garbage sitting out on your curb and will make you think twice before you eat on paper plates. Directed by Andrew Nisker, Canada, 76 min. Visit the web site: http://www.garbagerevolution.com/

The Man Who Planted Trees

Based on the allegorical tale The Man Who Planted Trees by French writer and pacifist Jean Giono (1953) and set against the background of two world wars, this simple animation by Frédéric Back reveals the efforts of a humble shepherd to transform his barren landscape into a living forest of green. His actions have far reaching consequences leaving a legacy for generations to come. Narrated by renowned actor Christopher Plummer, this beautiful Oscar winning short blends the poetics of cinema and literature into a classic environmental artistic work.

Two and Two

Two and Two measures our modern lifestyle in trees and garbage. Filmmaker Abraham Côté intercuts our world in black and white with its effect on nature, in colour. There’s no dialogue, just a guitar track and a great twist at the end. In this elegant film, the images say it all.

Turn on the Tap 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:01:00 +0000

Julia Wilkinson Encourages Citizens to Turn on the Tap

C.A.R.E. Stratford's fourth annual Turn on the Tap Campaign will be held on Friday, November 27th this year. Stratford Central's Swim Team and Eco Club join C.A.R.E. Stratford in encouraging everyone to register and to help spread the word about choosing tap water as the first choice for drinking water.

"Why wouldn't you want to drink Stratford's tap water? It isn't hard to fill up a reusable waterbottle before you leave your house in the morning. I have been all over the world and whenever I come home from school, I can't wait to drink Stratford's water. I don't think people realize how good our tap water is in Southwestern Ontario," commented Julia Wilkinson, Olympic Athlete.

The campaign asks participants to pledge to drink tap water only on November 27 th and to make tap water their regular choice for drinking water. The spirit of the campaign fosters an appreciation for our municipal water supply.

Locally, participants are encouraged to donate money saved by drinking tap water to Rotary’s Aquabox program. Participants from outside of Stratford are encouraged to donate to local water initiatives. Donations can be sent to Stratford Central Secondary School at 60 St. Andrew Street, Stratford, N5A 1A3.

Beyond the one day campaign, participants agree to make tap water their regular choice for drinking water. Stratford's tap water is our least expensive option for drinking water and is not a burden on our recycling operations or on our landfill. Our example in drinking tap water affirms the work of our city staff who diligently monitor our water supply to ensure its health and safety.
"I drank Stratford tap water out of my waterbottle every morning and night while I was training with SKYAC. Why would you want to miss out on the water that fuels Olympians?" asked Julia Wilkinson.

Please join Central's Eco Club and Swim Team, along with C.A.R.E. Stratford, as we turn on the tap to remind ourselves that we are fortunate to enjoy safe municipal water and to help provide safe drinking water to others. Donations to the Aquabox program, will help provide potable water to others around the world.

Participants are asked to register either by joining the Facebook event found on the C.A.R.E. Stratford group or by contacting Kerry McManus. For more information please contact Kerry McManus at (519) 271-4500 or by emailing carestratford@gmail.com.

Dare to DeClutter

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:10:00 +0000

Complete List of Items Being Collected:

The following items must be in good condition:

absorbent rags
aluminum pie/tart shells
books (no textbooks)
flat plastic foam trays (no containers)
glass jars with lids
margarine flats
magazines
metal juice disks (not sharp)
clothing patterns
plastic berry baskets
plastic film containers
pill bottles

musical instruments

sheet music
sports equipment

cds
costumes

If you bring in the following items they do not need to be in working order:
eyeglasses and cases, hearing aids
jewelry

sewing machines
small household appliances, radios
used bicycles, tricycles, parts and accessories
watches, watch parts

Items accepted for specified local, community groups and agencies:
pop can tabs

Campbell's soup labels

cancelled stamps

canned food and non-perishable items for local food banks
cell phones
clothing, bedding, towels, bathmats
coats
crayons and markers
egg cartons
foam chips
Heinz baby food labels
ink cartridges
kitchen items, cutlery, dishes, pots
ladies' dress shoes

medals and trophies
pencils and pens
pennies
plastic grocery shopping bags
plastic pails
sports cards
toys, games, puzzles
wigs
wine corks

Local elementary and secondary schools are partnering up to reduce waste, recycle useful items, and help others in need during Clean and Green Week. Dare to DeClutter is a free environmentally-friendly community event held to collect household items for reuse by individuals and local groups such as daycares, schools and churches, as well as city-wide agencies.

Items that are currently cluttering up your home may be dropped off at Stratford Central Secondary School’s cafeteria on Wednesday, October 21 between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. This includes the following items in good condition: school supplies, coats, magazines, books, toys, games, towels and linens, costumes, reusable sports equipment, musical instruments, sheet music, craft supplies (beads, buttons, crayons, markers, shells, spools, yarn, fabric, etc), and tricycles, bicycles, parts or accessories. Items collected to support specific groups include pop cans, pop can tabs, eyeglasses and cases, ink cartridges, used cell phones, grocery receipts, corks, Campbell’s Soup labels, Heinz baby food labels and cancelled stamps. Donations of non-perishable food items will also be collected for local food banks.

The community is encouraged to attend this free trade party on Oct. 21st from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.at Stratford Central. Although no money will be changing hands, any monetary contributions will be donated to the Stephen Lewis Foundation which provides aid and care to those suffering from AIDS in Africa.

Emelie Taylor, Grade 5/6 teacher at Avon Public School, encourages people to come out to this free, worthwhile environmental event. "Rethink your garbage habits," she says. "If you are willing to help reduce the waste going to our city’s landfill, enjoy searching for unexpected treasures and have an interest in helping others, then this event is for you."
For a complete listing of requested items, visit www.carestratford.org or for more information or to get involved, contact Emelie Taylor at 271-2905 or Kerry McManus at 271-4500 or carestratford@cyg.net.

movingON

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 18:56:00 +0000

An exciting event is happening in Perth County! movingON ~ Creating Better Walkable & Bikeable Communities.

Healthy Living Perth has been fortunate to attract internationally renowned key note speaker, Gil Penalosa for a series of community forums with secondary schools, seniors, the general public and civic leaders in Stratford on October 19 and 20, 2009.

We are inviting you to attend a community event on October 19th. A flyer is available describing this event. If interested, email carestratford@live.ca and a copy will be forwarded to you. We ask you to circulate it to your friends, colleagues and the general public who are interested in walking and biking.

If you have already received this invitation, we offer you congratulations at being “connected” to walking and biking in Perth County.

Community Forum
movingON ~ Creating Better Walkable & Bikeable Communities with Gil Penalosa
Monday October 19th, 2009
6:30 ~ 8:30 pm
Stratford Rotary Complex, 353 McCarthy Road

Key note speaker Gil Penalosa, known around the world for his success at inspiring cities to become walking and biking friendly, will present a compelling case for walkable and bikeable communities. Visit his website http://www.walkandbikeforlife.org/. City of Stratford Mayor Dan Mathieson will bring a local perspective to this important issue.

We want to hear first hand from community members across Perth County what key issues and concerns exist related to walking and biking, and help us identify solutions and priorities that can be successfully implemented in Perth County.

There also will be forums for secondary school students and seniors. For more details about this community event or other events, visit http://www.pdhu.on.ca/

RSVP by calling Healthy Living Perth at 519-271-4250 ext 704 or email pdhu@pdhu.on.ca

We also invite you to post photos and comments on our Facebook group called movingON
http://www.facebook.com/groups.php?ref=sb#/group.php?gid=135815162499

Please join us at this important event brought to you by our local planning committee in partnership with the Ontario Communities walkON project.

movingON Planning Committee

Healthy Living Perth ~ Kerry Price
CARE Stratford ~ Kerry McManus
City of Stratford ~ Brad Hernden
Civic Beautification & Environmental Awareness Committee ~ Ted Blowes
Perth District Health Unit ~ Katherine Horst and Velma Hansford

CLEAN and GREEN Week in Stratford

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:48:00 +0000

A few weeks from now, the City of Stratford will realize the benefits of a grassroots environmental effort called CLEAN AND GREEN. The focus is two-fold. For the CLEAN component, participating groups and individuals will clean up litter and other refuse where they live, work and play. For the GREEN component, these same groups will undertake a project of their choosing that will benefit the environment. Planned projects include tree planting, installing energy saving devices, and installing composters, to name a few. CLEAN AND GREEN will run from October 17 through the 24th. The event will be held over an entire week to allow groups to participate at their convenience.

"Knowing Stratford residents' keen concern for a quality local and global environment,I am confident that this new venture will be an overwhelming success. I urge everyone to participate," commented Ted Blowes, planning team member.

The project was presented to Stratford City Council in September and received unanimous support.

"The citizens of Stratford have always displayed exceptional leadership on environmental issues - this is just another example of acting locally to the betterment of the global environment," noted Dan Mathieson, Mayor, City of Stratford.

The core planning team for CLEAN AND GREEN week is made up of Mimi Price(YMCA), Kerry McManus(C.A.R.E. Stratford), Ted Blowes(Communities in Bloom), Art DuBoyce (Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee) and Paul Simpson (Chair).

"Stratford has an earned reputation of being able to make things happen at the citizen level and that's what this project is all about," said Paul Simpson, CLEAN and GREEN Week chair.
The list of participating organizations is growing with schools, service clubs, businesses, and community organizations represented. Interested groups are asked to contact Paul Simpson for more information or to register. The deadline for registrations is October 9th. Details on participating organizations and green projects will be posted on the C.A.R.E. Stratford website and Facebook page.

Paul Simpson can be reached at 519-273-8067 or simpson.paul@wightman.ca.

Count Me In! Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:38:00 +0000

Check out www.countmeinontario.ca to sign up for the Count Me In challenge and for ideas on how to conserve energy.

You can also register by phone at 1 877 261 1133.

Stratford is competing with municpalities across Ontario. Everyone wins if we all conserve energy so let's build a more efficient Stratford, Ontario and Canada today.

Here's more information from the site:Conservation is only a concept without action. So take action in your everyday life that benefits you, your family and your community by way of energy conservation.

The Count Me In! Community Challenge, taking place between now and August 14, the anniversary of the North American blackout in 2003, is now underway.The Count Me In! Community Challenge is comprised of two challenges:

The highest percentage drop in electricity consumption on August 14, and

The highest per capita participation in the Count Me In! pledge drive between now and August 14.

Results will be announced at the AMO Annual Conference in Ottawa in August.The Community Challenge takes its name from the Count Me In! theme of Energy Conservation Week (May 17-23). It’s the final element of the Energy Conservation Week campaign in 2009, which began with the Leadership Summit on April 23rd.The Community Challenge is a joint initiative of the OPA, the City of Woodstock – which has led a municipal Blackout Day Challenge for the past several years – the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA).

Virtual BlackOut

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 12:33:00 +0000

Stratford's Energy & Environment Committee invites to this year's Virtual BlackOut.

On August 14th, turn down your power at home and then join in the fun on Veterans Drive.

Nathan McKay has put together a line-up of musicians that includes something for everyone. This year food will be provided by the Agricultural Society and Slow Food Stratford Convivium. Come enjoy a free concert; partipate in activities and peruse displays from businesses and organizations promoting a sustainable lifestyle.

Come out and enjoy the great line-up of music:
Pete Oldridge
Super Nintendo Heineken
Stratford Concert Band
Sweet Adelines
among others

Organizations wishing to set up a display are asked to contact Kerry McManus at carestratford@cyg.net

Count Me In!

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:13:00 +0000

July 17th, 2009

CARE Stratford is promoting the Count Me In Challenge

Check out www.countmeinontario.ca to sign up for the Count Me In challenge and for ideas on how to conserve energy. You can also register by phone at 1 877 261 1133

Stratford is competing with municpalities across Ontario. Everyone wins if we all conserve energy so let's build a more efficient Stratford, Ontario and Canada today.

Here's more information from the site:
Conservation is only a concept without action. So take action in your everyday life that benefits you, your family and your community by way of energy conservation.The Count Me In! Community Challenge, taking place between now and August 14, the anniversary of the North American blackout in 2003, is now underway.

The Count Me In! Community Challenge is comprised of two challenges:The highest percentage drop in electricity consumption on August 14, and The highest per capita participation in the Count Me In! pledge drive between now and August 14. Results will be announced at the AMO Annual Conference in Ottawa in August.

The Community Challenge takes its name from the Count Me In! theme of Energy Conservation Week (May 17-23). It’s the final element of the Energy Conservation Week campaign in 2009, which began with the Leadership Summit on April 23rd.The Community Challenge is a joint initiative of the OPA, the City of Woodstock – which has led a municipal Blackout Day Challenge for the past several years – the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and the Electricity Distributors Association (EDA).

Upcoming Events

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:40:00 +0000

April 16th: Toxic Trespass Film Screening & Panel Discussion with Ronald Wright, Eric Eberhardt and Dr Sergio Lappano

Join C.A.R.E. Stratford at the Snowstar Institute of Religion for Stratford's first screening of Toxic Trespass at St. John's Church April 16th at 7:30p.m.

The discovery that she and her daughter are carrying DDT, benzene and other toxins in their blood, hair and skin leads Barri Cohen on an investigative journey through Canada’s toxic hot spots of Sarnia and Windsor, Ontario. The result is a documentary film that inspires community action.

Toxic Trespass was recently awarded the 2008 Canadian Screenwriting Award for documentary by the Writers’ Guild of Canada, and has appeared at festivals across the country and internationally, including the International Environmental Film Festival in Paris last year. Distributed by Toronto based Women’s Healthy Environments Network (WHEN) and the National Film Board of Canada, Toxic Trespass is being used as an educational tool in communities across the country. Ellen Reynolds is the Director of Communications at Canadian Women’s Health Network.
Admission is $10.

April 18th: L.I.N.C. Parent Fair - C.A.R.E. Stratford & Green Renewal Initiative Perth Displays on Waste & Packaging SwanFood

Join C.A.R.E. Stratford and G.R.I.P. at the LINC Parent Fair with an interactive display on waste. Information will be available on composting, recycling, and hazardous waste while children will be able to participate in mini-activities and games. In addition, emphasis will be placed on products created out of recycled materials. If you have young children, stop by and help package SwanFood, a great way to help out.

The LINC Parent Fair is on Saturday, April 18th from 10:00am-3:00pm at the Rotary Recreational Complex. Please let Elizabeth Walkom know if you are able to help: gripproject@hotmail.com or (519) 276-0365.

April 22nd: Earth Day - Celebrate Local

Celebrate Local - Local Talent, Local Food, Local Heroes

This year for Earth Day, C.A.R.E. Stratford is hosting the launch of the Footprints CD. There will be exhibits showcasing local environmental and social justice initiatives and dinner celebrating local fare. A range of activities will be there so everyone can help make a difference this Earth Day. County Food Co. will be providing a light dinner. Bring your own dishes and cutlery. The event will be held at Stratford Central Secondary School in the cafeteria and gymnasium from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Dinner will be served between 5 and 6:30 with the formal program beginning at 7 p.m.

For those wishing to set up a display, all exhibitor applications being considered for space at the Social Justice Fair must be able to display how the purpose and program of their organization directly addresses issues of injustice, inequity, and marginalization within the community or beyond. All exhibitors are urged to create exhibit displays, publicity resources, and giveaways that are environmentally responsible.

For more information or to help with the event, please contact Elizabeth Walkom at gripproject@hotmail.com or Kerry McManus at carestratford@cyg.net

April 24th: Earth Day Every Day Concert with Pam Gerrand

Stratford-based singer/songwriter/environmental advocate Pam Gerrand is coming ‘home’ to perform a one-night only 'Earth Day Every Day' concert, celebrating Earth Day and Community. The concert, featuring Gerrand and The Earth Day Every Day Band will be held Friday,†April 24th at the Stratford City Hall Auditorium at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 for students, $25 for adults, and will be available at the door, and in advance at Anything Grows, P’Lovers, and The Gentle Rain.†

Gerrand has spent the fall and winter touring southern Ontario with Dennis Gaumond and The Bhadra Collective, a 7-piece world beat/exotic groove band performing upbeat, fusion chant music from around the world. Since January, the Bhadra Collective has had a monthly gig at The Trane Studio in Toronto, and this group of diverse musicians/singers has been attracting a large following.

The Earth Day Every Day†Band features Bhadra members Dennis Gaumond (guitar/harmonica/native flute), Domenic DiNino (drums), Jennifer Gillmore (bass/cello/vocals), Kathleen Gillis (percussion/vocals), and Pam Gerrand (vocals/piano/shruti). Proceeds†from the concert will benefit C.A.R.E. Stratford.

Partnering with C.A.R.E. Stratford was a natural choice says Gerrand, "I have watched C.A.R.E. grow over the years, expanding in vision but always maintaining the integrity of their environmental mission for this area and beyond. For this concert, I was looking to partner with an†organization†that has a clear, committed environmental focus with a practical approach and long-term vision.†C.A.R.E Stratford fits†all of these†criteria, and under the strong and caring leadership of Kerry McManus, makes a wonderful partner for this concert†celebrating Earth Day."

The concert will feature student performances from the recently released CD, ‘Footprints;Songs and Poems for a Sustainable Planet’, created in partnership between C.A.R.E. Stratford, The Foundation for Education and Hermione Presents. Local photographers Irene Miller and Erin Shipley will be featured in a display of their compelling nature and environmental images.
Gerrand has performed†and led workshops across Canada, and at festivals in the UK, Sweden and Costa Rica. Recently, she has shared her†original songs at keynote talks given by Deepak Chopra, Margaret Trudeau, and Stephen Lewis. For several years now, she has been working with C.A.R.E. Stratford locally, and with international organizations devoted to peace, social justice and environmental sustainability, including the Earth Charter, and The Alliance for a New Humanity. Her song 'Love Is All' is featured on the Videos page on the Alliance's website: www.anhglobal.org†

She is about to release her latest video of the song 'Enough Already', composed for C.A.R.E Stratford’s Earth Day Symposium last year. Look for it on youtube under the title 'Enough Already 2009'/Pam Gerrand.

Turn on the Tap Tour this Week

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:43:00 +0000

Join members of your community to discuss the social, environmental and economic implications of bottled water with Joe Cressy from the Polaris Research Institute.Raise your glass to the back-to-the-tap movement!G.R.I.P. (Green Renewal Initiative Perth) encourages everyone to stand up for our public water systems by making tap water your drink of choice. Please join members of C.A.R.E. Stratford and the G.R.I.P. Project as we turn on the tap to remind ourselves that we are fortunate to enjoy safe municipal water and to help provide safe drinking water to others. Through conservation, we help providewater to future generations and through programs like the Aquabox, we help provide potable water to those in need around the world.

Wednesday, March 25th

Listowel Distirct Secondary School - 12:00-2:00pm, 155 Maitland Ave. S
Session 1: 12:00-1:00;
Session 2: 1:00-2:00

Stratford Central Secondary School - 6:30-8:30pm,
60 St. Andrew St.

Thursday, March 26th
Mitchell District High School - 12:30-3:00pm,
95 Frances St.
Session 1: 12:30-1:30
Session 2: 2:00-3:00

St. Marys DCVI - 5:00-6:30pm, 338 Elizabeth St.
Doors open at 5:00pm;
Speaker from 5:30-6:30
Coincides with Parent-Teacher Night

A Message from the Climate Action Network Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:29:00 +0000

Dear Common Action for the Restoration of the Environment (Stratford),

With six days to go before Election Day, momentum appears to be shifting and there is still time to speak up and help move the country in the right direction. If you’re fed up with government inaction on climate change and think that it‘s time for a change, please take a few minutes to make your voice heard.

To keep the pressure on, we need letters in newspapers across the country from people who care about the planet and want real action. A letter to the editor only takes a few minutes to write but can reach thousands of people reading the paper with their morning coffee.

Sierra Club has created a list of recent environment-related articles and a direct link to the proper place to submit your letter. Check it out at: www.sierraclub.ca/climatecrisis/?page_id=216

Voters need to know that this government has refused to take serious action on climate change and is proposing more of the same, and this is an easy way for you to reach out in the final days of this election.

Please forward this idea to email lists, friends, family and co-workers and help us spread the word.

For more information on what environmental organizations across the country are doing and saying during the election, see Climate Action Network Canada’s election website: www.climatevote.ca

And if you want to stay in the loop on climate action in Canada, sign-up to our weekly newsletter at:
list.climateactionnetwork.ca/mailman/listinfo/climate-action/

Thank you,

Graham Saul
Climate Action Network Canada
Reseau action climat Canada

Making Music to Change the World!

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:24:00 +0000

CD Competition

Calling all Students!

We need your strength, energy and imagination.

Here’s your chance to have your voice heard. Share your concerns, ideas, solutions and dreams for a sustainable planet. Be part of the inspiration for change through the power of music and poetry.

Collaborate on a CD that will raise awareness and funds directed to improving the future in our world.

How do I enter?

Write a song or a poem that inspires energy efficiency, conservation and hope for a sustainable planet.

We encourage lyric writers and poets to team with musical folk. You may enter as a solo artist, a band, a class or a creative team.

Any style at all of song, examples include: reggae, pop, jazz, rap, folk, blues, art song, classical, musical theatre and more.

If you prefer poetry unto itself we have a category for you.

Any style of poem will be accepted.

1. You must submit your entry in recorded form. We accept CD or cassette format.

2. Send a copy of the written text in a legible format, preferably typed.

3. Written musical score for song entries: optional but not required

4. Entry length: maximum 3 minutes. (Shorter is fine.) We will only listen to 3 minutes of any entry exceeding that time limit.

5. Entry form including your
1) Name
2) Grade as of September 2008
3) School
4) Title of your piece
5) Category- Song or Poem

Judging
This competition is open to students of the Avon Maitland District School Board.
Entrants will compete by age groups. (Solos and groups will be competing against each other)
Kindergarten to Grade 4
Grades 5 to 8
Grades 9-12

1 poem and 3 songs per age group will be selected as winners.

Judges will include local environmentalist Eric Eberhardt, Berthold Carrière, Musical Director of the Stratford Festival, David Prosser, Director of Literary Services at the Stratford Festival.

Judges will be evaluating song entries on the basis of
25 points for successfully addressing a theme that inspires energy efficiency, conservation and hope for a sustainable planet.
25 points for musical style
25 points for literary style
25 points for originality and use of music and literary styles to support your theme

Judges will be evaluating poem entries on the basis of
30 points for successfully addressing a theme that inspires energy efficiency, conservation and hope for a sustainable planet.
30 points for literary style
40 points for originality and use of literary style to support your theme

What do I win?
All winning entrants’ compositions will be professionally produced on a CD crediting their work. The finished CD will then be used to raise funds for the Foundation for Education Green Fund.
Winning songs will be arranged by a professional composer in collaboration with the creative artist/entrant or team of artists. These pieces will then be professionally recorded and produced.
Winning poems will be read by Sheila McCarthy or another actor with musical underscoring composed by Paul Shilton

Entry Deadline
Get your submission in on time.
We will accept submissions mailed to the address below postmarked by Canada Post or a courier company no later than the deadline date: Midnight November 14, 2008. You may also hand deliver your submission before 3:30 p.m. on November 14th to:

CD Competition
Foundation for Education
62 Chalk Street North
Seaforth, Ontario
N0K 1W0

Funding for this project was provided by the Ontario Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure’s Community Conservation Initiative.

Insects are not the Enemy Workshop this Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:59:00 +0000

Learn the importance of the insect community in your lawn and garden. Ninety percent of insects are beneficial and necessary in the environment. Come and meet your insect neighbours at this exciting workshop! Young gardeners are invited to come with their parents -suitable for ages 10 and up.

Dr. Jeremy McNeil, Entomologist, University of Western Ontario, will be presented.

The workshop will be held at the Kiwanis Community Centre on Sunday September 21st from 2p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Workshop sponsored by C.A.R.E. (Common Action for the Restoration of the Environment) and by Stratford, Naturally (Pesticide Free Education Committee)

Dragon Boat Festival Recycling

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:58:00 +0000

Thanks to all who helped despite the torrential rain to reduce the impact of the Dragon Boat Festival!

C.A.R.E. JR. Resumes September 22nd

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:55:00 +0000

C.A.R.E. JR Resumes September 22nd. Note that we now have a section on this website dedicated to CARE JR.

Reflections on Day Three of C.A.R.E. Jr. Summer Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 01:38:00 +0000

In my opinion before you can help the environment in huge quantity you need people to know that you don’t need to spend all there "green" to go green. Saving energy means lower electricity bills . That also means better insolation or less time in front of the tv. A lot of shoppers like a store that’s gone green and things like wind turbines solar panels and geo thermal heating can give a nice hefty pay off. That’s the kind of stuff we need.
A fuzzy peanut, age 12
P.S. Its my birthday !!!!!!!!!!

I was impressed with the video 10% because I learned how much people are throwing away. It is so bad for the environment. I hope people start reducing, reusing, and recycling because I want the environment to be healthy when I grow up.—Sparky

Today I (Cheese Ball) went to fly my kite but it went to high and crashed and broke again and again. But remember if you want to help the environment you must recycle. By: Me :) :] :} :()

When you cut down a tree, you do more than just cut down a tree. In fact... Most of the woodland animals depend on trees to survive. Without trees, birds will have no where to make nests and are forced to nest in waterspouts. Woodpeckers would have no insects to eat. There will be too much carbon dioxide, and squirrels would have no shelter in rain. Manny other animals must search for another tree, when hardly any are left. They search long distances for one. Hardly any of the animals would get shade and it would be hot because of the carbon dioxide. Wolfs would have no camouflage for hunting, and squirrels would have no food.. You are also taking away an animals opportunity of getting away from huntsmen. Not only does it affect animals, but humans too.

Today we built buildings made to hold heat. I tested mine 3 times, and twice the tempature went up to32 degrees Celsius. I flew my kite again, and it still doesn’t fly very well. Tomorrow we will be making solar burners.
Tiria

Today we made little houses with card board to see how munch heat it could hold. Me and tika and camper made one called reeces puff and we won with 35 .
Peanut age 10

Hi im Mr. Innocent pedestrian More yes I said more random words. Church acer fish kites outside ate. Woooow again hurt ankle computer. Duck pond random words me you cat. Fire alarm weird word awkward words. People another dog orange banana. Hot dogs are wieners haha.HA

Today was the third day of camp. Because of the weather, we stayed inside mostly. We made insulated ‘houses.’ We made them out of real house insulation, plastic, duct tape, and cardboard. Then we put a blow dryer a few inches away from an entrance, and heated the house for 1 minute. We then stuck a thermometer in for 1 minute, and the highest temperature won. Our temperature won with 35 degrees Celsius. When we stuck the blow dryer in all the way for 1 minute, the temperature was 45 degrees Celsius.

Today I liked flying the kite. It worked really well .I can’t wait until tomorrow when we make the solar cookers. I hope we cook hot dogs.–Joe

My favourite part of the day was all the games we played in the gym my favourite game was octopus
By popo

We watched a video about recycling and reducing. 8,000,000 trees are cut down and used to make mail order catalogues used in the US every year.
Thrill

Reflections on Day Two of C.A.R.E. Jr. Summer Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:16:00 +0000

We made kites. They are some awesome. Even though mine did not fly, I know why. I need to put plastic instead of fabric. I am very interested in building an eco-structure because I think I already know a lot about it as I did one similar to it. On our walk today, I took great pictures of the solar panels. I noticed there was one small panel which was used for heating the water. Tonight I am working on my eco-structure. - Thrill

Wind, a powerful and often destructive force. It causes joy and terror. And in modern days it makes electricity. I’ve got a new idea for this, though it has more to do with solar and 350. I won't explain it all but here it is. What if someone found a way to evolve or mutate a plant so that it could give off energy, I know it seems ridiculous but think about it, we already burn ethanol and oil ( both originally plants ) so isn’t it possible to get it without burning? That whout sure help with 350.That’s all from a fuzzy penut.

Today we made kites. I made one out of two dowels, some string and a garbage bag. It flew pretty well. I liked doing the 350 postcard because I got to draw whatever I wanted.–Joe

Today at camp we made kites. We took them outside to test-fly them, and they fly fairly well. Later on we went to the gentle rain and looked at the solar panels. I learned that it only takes 14 solar panels to power a house, although the gentle rain has 60. I think it is a good way of making electricity without harming the environment and more people should do it. Tiria

kites are awesome becauseThey fly!!! Cici

Today me and my friend Popo made kites and surprisingly they flew. It broke 5 times. We also saw a house with a lot of solar panels. THEY WERE COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

WOW. It’s only been 2 days and today was even better. We went down to the gentle rain and we learned all about solar panels and that 1 solar heater is a lot of money .It’s 4000$ and for 60 solar panels is 80000$.PEANUT AGE 10

My favourite part of today the kites because when we were done we got to fly them. me and cheese balls kite actually flew. By POPO

Today the best thing that we did was go to Gentle Rains and made kites me and peanut made a kite saying 350 and at the end it had a smiley face. I just loved looking at the solar panels and finding out things about the solar panels. I can’t wait to come back tomorrow we get to make house’s that keep in the heat.Tika age 9

Hi I’m Mr. Innocent pedestrian,The Random Words yet again. Fish butterfly flower dog. Happy man old man cool guy wimpy guy. God gimme a minute. Ow I cut myself again not !!!! hahaha o sorry why brilliant. Stratford Mitchell Bahamas your face my face another fish blue fish awkward fish.

We made kites. Mine flew good. Kites are awesome! I learned that there are all different kinds of kites. Kites use the power of the wind. We made 350 postcards to send into a global competition. I went to see something that had MILLIONS of solar panels! And tomorrow we will be starting a competition about making houses that will trap the most heat! I had an awesome day! Signed Sparky

Reflections on Day One of C.A.R.E. Jr. Summer Camp

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:41:00 +0000

thoughts from Lily:

When you cut down a tree, you do more than just cut down a tree. In fact... Most of the woodland animals depend on trees to survive. Without trees, birds will have no where to make nests and are forced to nest in waterspouts. Woodpeckers would have no insects to eat. There will be too much carbon dioxide.

thought from Tiria:

Today was my first day of camp. We went down to the old grove, and I learned how to identify a wild carrot. It looks exactly like Queen Anne's Lace, but it has one purple flower in the centre. We also saw a lot of plastic and garbage in the river. We learned that plastic takes a long time to break down, and if it is polluting, it will go on polluting, and will probably end up killing the fish. Today we saw many dead carp which probably died of pollution.

thoughts from Mark:

GARBAGE FREE!!! In different amounts of plastic can be a very a big problem.Try to reduce the amount of plastic you buy.Try to encourage people to help clean up the river. For example, pick out garbage from the river and try to not let people put garbage in the river. Be careful to not let any of your plastic blow away.

thoughts from Joe:

At camp today I liked the walk to the wall game. I was not surprised when I saw all the dead carp today because I saw them when I went canoeing last week. .I think they may have died because people have polluted the water. I loved walking through the forest because I love trees. I noticed it would be a good place to play army with my friends.

thoughts from a camper:

C.A.R.E Stratford is a good organization. The members take their ideas and use them to make Stratford a better and healthier place to live. Not onlythat, but they teach the other residents of their town their ideas through posters, camps, meetings, events and change.

I went to their camp today. We went for a walk at T.J Dolan with a naturalist, who taught us things about flowers, bird calls, and insects. We were able to take tape recorders to record sounds, and some of us had cameras, to take pictures of interesting things such as litter, (emptycigarette boxes, shopping carts) water animals (turtles) and other wildlife.The walk taught some of us a lot, and others learned more about what theyalready knew. It was a very interesting day.

thoughts from a fuzzy peanut, age 12:

One fish, Two fishDead fish, Flu fish. You might wonder why on earth I put the title that I did. Well I'll tell you why, water pollutants (otherwise known as stray plastics ) are reaching ridiculous levels 1 to10 with plankton. I fell like this needs help. I hope that I can do something to aid with this. In my next blog I will include 350 and my idea for a new enviro-friendly power source.

thoughts from Tika, age 9:

The best thing that I have done today was go to T.J. Dolan l just loved observing the animals and seeing all of the animals habitats. You never really relise that when you hear someone talking about how the animals habitats are getting polluted you never really relise that it actually is happening. But when all of us went to T.J Dolan we all relised that it actually is happening. For instance we saw a tire behind a beaver dam. That's the best thing about C.A.R.E.

thoughts from Peanut, age 10:

The care camp is a great camp I've only been here one day and we have already gone a walk to the old grove and we took lots of pictures on the way . We took pictures of things like fish turtles. And we took pictures of dead fish because care camp is about being enviroment . At the start of the day we filled bags with corn for the swans.

thoughts from Thrill:

I didn't know that there were chemicals that could eat plastic. Sparky and some other people found this weird thing in their microscope. It was almost like bark. It looked so cool. We played this one game and we had to closeour eyes and touch the wall. After lunch we were getting water out of theground into a cup. It was cool. We learned about bacteria. It was so cool.Some other people had a rainbow in their water.

thoughts from Mr Boat, age 12:

My favourite part of today was going to T.J. Dolan and taking pictures and sound recordings. I was disgusted by amount of dead fish and how nobody bothers to clean them up. It seems like hardly anybody cares. I know it's not a human but I realize that it is still a life and it should be treated equally. Their homes are being destroyed by our carelessness and we don't care.

thoughts from Cheese Ball:

Today in Care Camp we talked about how to save the environment from plastic. Me and my pal Popo thought of the chopper thingy which will cut plastic into little pieces which the bactiria will eat!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

thoughts from Mr. Innocent Pedestrian:

devil worm 350 today nothing I am smart. It’s a poetic experience potential of that look at that. Computer animals turtles ducks dead fish tarp garbage and such. New guy old guy tough guy weak guy hat guy. Blue fish fire alarm class windows vista. Fuzzy ball hard ball weird ball cool ball fat ball.

thought from Popo:

My favourite part of camp today was plastic pollution conversation and how we could prevent it me and cheese ball got an idea of a chopper thingy which would cut up the plastic into tini pieces!

C.A.R.E. JR Hosts First Summer Camp Program This August!

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 13:37:00 +0000

C.A.R.E. Stratford Jr. Announces First Summer Camp Program

Calling all campers! C.A.R.E. Stratford is excited to announce a new summer camp program running this August 11th to 15th.

C.A.R.E. Stratford Jr. is hosting "Unplugged!", the summer day camp for eco-adventurers. Sign up now for a week filled with environmental activities integrating art, sports, music, drama games, and exploration. The camp will foster active participation and a joy of environmental learning while providing opportunities to interact with peers with similar interests and abilities. Games, problem solving, and teamwork will help campers better understand themselves and the environment around them; learn to capitalize on their strengths and recognize their potential for excellence.

"Every individual has a role in addressing the environmental issues we face. Education is key as is empowerment. I am thrilled to be a part of C.A.R.E. Jr's first summer camp program as I know that by bringing together students with energy and ideas, new environmental initiatives in our region will emerge," said Kerry McManus, C.A.R.E. Stratford chair.

Camp facilitators have a broad range of expertise in teaching, environmental education, and the arts. Performer Eileen Smith employs a cross-curricular approach to learning by educating through arts integration and exploration. Educators Barb Smithers, Kerry McManus, and Fergus Cook hope to inspire and empower the youth to reach their community.

"I'm excited to be working with such a dynamic and diverse group of educators. This is a summer camp not to be missed," said Barb Smithers, camp facilitator.

The camp is being supported by the Community Conservation Initiative Program of the Ministry of Energy. Unplugged will run daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and will be held at Stratford Central Secondary School. Registration forms are now available at P'Lovers and are due by Friday, July 11th. Campers, grades 3 to 8, are encouraged to sign up now as space is limited. The cost is $175 per camper for the week and includes all materials and activities. For more information, email carestratford@cyg.net or phone Barb Smithers at (519) 271-1125, Elizabeth Walkom at (519) 273-3090 or Eileen Smith at (519) 273-4954.

UNPLUGGED!

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Tue, 27 May 2008 01:29:00 +0000

UNPLUGGED! Energy Conservation Week 2008 ~ May 25th - 31st.

Do you have a clothespin? Want to help raise energy awareness and promote energy conservation? Then join C.A.R.E. Stratford's Unplugged Campaign by writing "UNPLUGGED!" on a clothespin and wearing it for the week. Use this as a reminder to look for ways to reduce energy and as a conversation starter to encourage others to do likewise. "Everyone needs reminders now and then to look for ways to reduce our impact on the planet and the clothespin seemed like the perfect symbol for our Unplugged Campaign."said organizer Kerry McManus.

Energy Conservation Week in Ontario began on Sunday, May 25th and runs until the 31st. The campaign was launched at St. Marys DCVI with John Wilkinson, MPP; Jamie Hahn, Mayor of St. Marys; Dan Mathieson, Mayor of Stratford; Janet Baird-Jackson, Superintendent for the AMDSB and Doug MacDougall, Festival Hydro Chair on Friday May 23rd.

C.A.R.E. Stratford encourages you to look for ways to unplug and conserve energy. Enjoy time with family and friends away from the computer and television screens.

Earth Day with Stephen Lewis Event - "Enough Already!"

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:19:00 +0000

Momentum is building around environmental issues and a watershed moment is on the horizon in Stratford. On Earth Day, Tuesday April 22, 2008, Stephen Lewis will deliver the keynote address, "Enough Already!" at C.A.R.E. Stratford's Earth Day event. "For too long, we've taken a fragmented approach to ecological and social justice issues, we need to act cognizant of the fact that everything is connected," said organizer Kerry McManus.
From his role as chair of the "International Conference of the Changing Atmosphere" held in 1988 in Toronto to his current position as Professor in Global Health, Faculty of Social Sciences at McMaster University, Stephen Lewis is keenly aware of the connections between environment, poverty and health. "We are at a pivotal time in history where it is vital that we understand the interplay of our actions on our world. When choosing a speaker to deliver this message, our committee quickly agreed that no one was better suited for this responsibility than Stephen Lewis," commented McManus.
Inspired by the theme for the event, Pam Gerrand has written a song that she will share that evening. "The conditions of the world are calling us all to take action, to step into the heart of compassion and harness the power of our individual efforts to make a change for global good. This razor's edge has brought us to a point of urgency and powerful awakening, to a point of 'Enough Already'. This theme spoke to my heart, and I am honoured to share the song that was born of this inspiration at the Stratford Earth Day event, featuring the keynote address by a uniquely inspiring and passionate advocate for conscious change, Stephen Lewis,"stated Gerrand.
As evidence of the building environmental movement, C.A.R.E. Stratford has received more nominations for Environmental leader awards than ever in its history. Celebrating local unsung heroes is important to C.A.R.E. Stratford. In a time when smog alerts are commonplace and frustration over inaction is typical, pausing to reflect on the positive is important to re-energize and re-focus our collective attention. Though barriers exist, inspiring examples of persistence and ingenuity are around us as well.
During the day a program for elementary students will include both action and awareness components. Stratford's Volunteer Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and C.A.R.E. Stratford have organized a full day where participants will plant trees, package Swan Food as well as learn about composting and proper disposal of batteries.
Doors and exhibits will open for the evening event at 5:30 with the formal program beginning at 7p.m. While the speech by Stephen Lewis is the centrepiece of the evening, the organizers are hoping all attendees will spend time visiting the exhibits. The exchange of ideas and current programming has long been an integral element in C.A.R.E. Stratford's events. A key objective for the organization from its onset was to provide an opportunity for cross-pollination of ideas and activities.
Tickets are $25. In Stratford, tickets are available at Anything Grows, Blowes Stationery, the Gentle Rain and P'Lovers. For those outside of Stratford, tickets are available by contacting Kerry McManus at (519) 273-9012 or by emailing carestratford@cyg.net.
C.A.R.E. Stratford, Common Action for the Restoration of the Environment Stratford, is a grassroots environmental group which seeks to restore the local environment by thinking globally and acting locally.
For additional information, please contact:
Kerry McManus
(519) 273-9012
kerrmcma@fc.amdsb.ca
www.carestratford.org

C.A.R.E. Stratford Seeks Nominations for Environmental Leader Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:23:00 +0000

Know an unsung hero in our community? Someone who has made a difference in the Environment? Nominations are now being accepted for C.A.R.E. Stratford’s Environmental Leader Awards. There will be an award given in each of four different categories: individual, group, business and organization.

"Recognizing environmental leaders has always been an important component of our Environmental Symposia. By pausing to celebrate, we do more than honor the recipient, we create an opportunity for education and inspiration," said Kerry McManus, event organizer.
Previous environmental leader winners have included Eric Eberhardt, Donald McTavish and Martin Penner for their dedication and action. Rachel & Ryan Hacking were recognized for their work developing and promoting Swanfood; Sheila Clarke, Nora Walden and Stacey Wilson of Canadian Federation of University Women for their work on cosmetic pesticides.

"The awards are a time to highlight the breadth of opportunity for environmental action. They serve as a chance to honour the contributions made. They also help educate the broader public thereby building momentum for projects at any stage of development. The Environmental Leader awards prove the fact that people can influence their environment and that every action can make a difference," Stacey Wilson, Environmental Leader award recipient.

The Environmental Leader Awards will be presented on Earth Day with Stephen Lewis to an individual for his/her outstanding contribution to making an environmental difference; a group who has actively fostered environmental awareness and activism; a business whose actions have positively impacted the health of our planet and local communities and an organization who has worked to embed environmental action in their facility and/or programming.

Nomination ballots can be picked up at the Stratford Public Library or by emailing carestratford@cyg.net. Deadline for submissions is April 7th, 2008. Nominations may be dropped off at the Stratford Public Library or submitted electronically to carestratford@cyg.net.
The Awards will be presented on Earth Day with Stephen Lewis, Tuesday April 22nd at 7 pm at the Rotary Recreational Complex.

Earth Day 2008 -- Enough Already!

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 21:54:00 +0000

C.A.R.E. Stratford is hosting Earth Day 2008 with Stephen Lewis delivering the keynote address. A shift from previous annual events, this year's event is being held on Tuesday April 22nd at the Rotary Recreational Complex. During the day, local students will participate in a program run by Stratford Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority and C.A.R.E. Stratford. The evening will draw on the success of previous Environmental Symposia with renowned speaker, Stephen Lewis, and an exhibit hall to showcase the work being done to address environmental and social justice issues.

"We are excited about our new venue as it will allow more individuals to hear Stephen Lewis' timely message. In terms of our exhibit hall, the space is more limited than in previous years so we encourage potential exhibitors to contact us soon." said organizer, Kerry McManus. For organizations wondering whether their work reflects the intent of the event, the organizers have created guidelines. Exhibitors must be able to display how the purpose of their organization promotes a) beneficial efforts toward preserving/healing the environment in sustainable, measurable, and locally-engaging ways, and/or b) directly addresses issues of injustice, inequity, marginalization within the community or beyond with sustainable long-term solutions. Preference for space will be given to those organizations able to meet both criteria.

Any organizations wishing to secure a space in the Exhibit Hall are asked to contact Kerry McManus at carestratford@cyg.net.

Turn on the Tap 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:57:00 +0000

Join in this year's Turn on the Tap Campaign!

C.A.R.E. Stratford's Turn on the Tap Campaign is back! On Friday November 23rd, Common Action for the Restoration of the Environment, C.A.R.E. Stratford, invites you to make tap water your beverage choice for the day and your regular choice for drinking water. "Last year's campaign is still being talked about as the impact of water takings is being felt in our region," commented Kerry McManus of C.A.R.E. Stratford.

Beyond drinking tap water on November 23rd, C.A.R.E. Stratford urges you to make tap water your regular choice for water. Bottled water cannot compete with the cost of drinking water and the decision to purchase bottled water requires a sacrifice of actual needs for some in our community. While PET plastic is recyclable, many plastic bottles end up in the landfill or as litter. Transporting bottled water adds to air pollution and use of fossil fuels, not to mention the impact drawing water for our use has on the source's supply.

Participants are encouraged to donate the money saved by drinking tap water only on Friday November 23rd to Rotary's Aquabox program or C.A.R.E. Stratford for water conservation projects. Participants from outside Stratford are encouraged to support water initiatives in their region. Rotary's Aquabox program is a great initiative that helps provide a means to purify water when a region's municipal supply becomes contaminated. For more information, visit http://rotarystratford.com/aquabox. Donations to C.A.R.E. Stratford will enable us to purchase materials to help individuals decrease their water consumption.

Please join members of C.A.R.E. Stratford as we turn on the tap to remind ourselves that we are fortunate to enjoy safe municipal water and to help provide safe drinking water to others. Through conservation, we help provide water to future generations and through the Aquabox program, we help provide potable water to others around the world.

To register as a participant in the Turn on the Tap event, contact Kerry McManus at 519-271-4500 ext. 24 or by email at CAREStratford@gmail.com

C.A.R.E. Stratford's All Candidates Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Kerry McManus) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:44:00 +0000

Thursday September 13th, 7pm-9pm
Kiwanis Community Centre
111 Lakeside Dr.
Stratford, ON

C.A.R.E. Stratford is proud to host a debate where all provincial political party candidates may give their party positions, and respond to questions on environmental issues. The debate will be held from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm on Thursday September 13th, at the Kiwanis Centre, 111 Lakeside Drive, Stratford and will be followed by information about the referendum on the Mixed Member Proportional voting system.

Solutions to Ontario's needs in the areas of energy, water, environmental education and sustainability are all-important, and it is critical that local citizens have an opportunity to understand the political parties' positions, and hear responses to their own questions.
"An all candidates meeting provides voters with the opportunity to interact with local candidates in much the same way as a job interview facilitates hiring the most suitable employee." said moderator Charlene Gordon. There will be an opportunity for audience members to submit questions to be directed at individual candidates.

C.A.R.E. Stratford, Common Action for the Restoration of the Environment Stratford, is a non-profit organization started at Stratford Central Secondary School that has been very active in raising awareness about environmental challenges.

For more information, please contact Carol Rees at 519-272-9617 or email carestratford @cyg.net