July 2014 Newsletter

Neighbours Newsletter
July 2014
On July 1st, 2014– For the first time in three year the citizens of
Rouyn-Noranda celebrated Canada Day. The day started off cloudy with
lots of rain but soon turned into a bright sunny day.
The day was filled with activities such as; inflatable games, magicians,
clowns, face painting, artisans, tree distribution, cake, firework and
shows!!
Neighbours Newsletter
NEIGHBOURS
REGIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ROUYN-NORANDA
On that day Neighbours office was opened from 9am to7pm to welcome
members and guests. We were also opened for people to come and cool
off during this hot day.
Neighbours staff and students also helped out that day with inflatable
games, tree & cake distribution and with the opening ceremony.
Here are a few pictures;
Article about Neighbours 10 Year Anniversary
Approximately 300 within the community of 1200 English citizens are Neighbours members.
10 years of partnership for the English neighbours
They’re about 1200, in private they express themselves in a different language than French.
They’ve been your neighbours for over 85 years. And yet they remain overlooked.
An organization dedicated to improving and maintaining the living conditions of Anglophone citizens
in the Copper Capital, the Neighbours Regional Association of Rouyn-Noranda received their Letter
Patent (granting to office) in June 2004. Its roots date back to the beginning of the 1980’s.
“At that time, we were a regional part of the Quebec Alliance,” says Sharleen Sullivan, the general
director of the organization. “However, over time, the Quebec Alliance radicalized, going from a
lobbying group to an angryphones group. It no longer fit our views of partnership. We also noted
that the needs of the Anglophones in Montreal, where the majority of the Quebec Alliance members
were situated, no longer really matched the reality experienced in Rouyn-Noranda. It was then that
we began taking the steps to become an independent association.”
As their name states, Neighbours works in the context of good neighbourliness. “We’ve established
various partnerships to help the organizations and businesses of Rouyn-Noranda offer better
adapted services to the English-speaking community,” states Mrs. Sullivan.
Its form varies depending on the problems that arise. For example it’s thanks to Neighbours that the
Centre de santé and other social services of Rouyn-Noranda can offer service in English. The
association also works closely with the City of Rouyn-Noranda to translate certain sections of its
website to English.
Source: English translated from the newspaper Bac
Page 2
N E I G HB O U R S N E W S L E T T E R
The purpose of Canada’s new anti-spam law is to block unwanted commercial messages and junk
email, often called "spam" email. The law targets messages sent by email, instant messaging, cell
phones and other similar ways.
Here is how the law will affect messages you get as of July 1, 2014.
The General Rule: No Messages Without Your Permission
The law says that you must clearly give permission before anyone can send you a commercial
message.
What is a commercial message? The definition is broad. For example, it can include an email
describing something for sale or directing you to a website.
Exceptions: Messages Sent Without Your Permission
People with whom you have done business in the past two years can continue to send you emails
even without your permission. For example, this could be the case if you bought something in a
store, or did volunteer work for an organization. In these cases, the law assumes that you gave
permission to receive messages.
However, within the next two years, the senders of these messages must make sure that you still
want to be on their lists. If you don’t, they must take you off.
There are other messages that the law does not affect:

messages sent because you made some kind of request; such as making complaint or asking
a question

messages from a registered charity about fundraising
If the Law Is Not Respected: Complaints
People who do not respect the anti-spam law can be fined up to $10 million dollars!
If a message is sent without your permission, or the content of an email is misleading or false, you
can file a complaint with the Spam Reporting Centre.
Source: http://www.educaloi.qc.ca
Fun Fact
The month of July was named after Julius Caesar; before that it
was called Quintiles. July's birthstone is the ruby, which
symbolizes contentment. Its birth flowers are the Larkspur or
the Water Lily. The zodiac signs for the month of July
are Cancer (until July 21) and Leo (July 22 onwards).
N E I G HB OU R S N E W S L E T T E R
Source: Wikipedia
Page 3
Are you organizing a garage sale?
Did you know that there are certain rules to follow
The city of Rouyn-Noranda has asked citizens to respect the following
points:

The garage sale is to be held only for the citizens of a residential
area to permit them to get rid of things that are no longer needed,
therefore things that belong to you and are used.
Note: It is forbidden to buy items to resell them in a garage sale.

The garage sale is to last for only a short period of time or during a weekend.
Note: It is forbidden to have a garage sale every weekend or during the whole summer.

The items for sale must be set up in the yard of the person having the garage sale.
Note: It is forbidden to use the sidewalk, the street or alley way, the city’s public property or
another person’s private property to set up your items.

The display of signs announcing the garage sale is not permitted
on the property of the city of Rouyn-Noranda unless it’s on the
private property where the garage sale is being held. You can
advertise in local newspapers.
Note: The city of Rouyn-Noranda will quickly intervene to remove
signs and notify the citizen of the offenses in points 1 to 4.
Note: A garage sale increases circulation and the parking of
vehicles in your neighbourhood, therefore out of respect for
others, do not abuse it.
With your cooperation, you’ve helped us maintain a peaceful environment and harmony between
the citizens of your neighbourhood.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Source: Ville de Rouyn-Noranda
A blonde woman decides that she is sick and tired of all the blonde jokes and how all blondes are
perceived as stupid, so she decides to show her husband that blondes really are smart. While her
husband is off at work, she decides that she is going to paint a couple of rooms in the house. The
next day, right after her husband leaves for work, she gets down to the task at hand. Her husband
arrives home at 5:30 and smells the distinctive smell of paint. He walks into the living room and finds
his wife lying on the floor in a pool of sweat. He notices that she is wearing a ski jacket and a fur
coat at the same time. He goes over and asks her if she is OK. She replies yes. He asks what she is
doing. She replies that she wanted to prove to him that not all blonde women are dumb and she
wanted to do it by painting the house. He then asks her why she has a ski jacket over her fur coat.
She replies that she was reading the directions on the paint can and they said, "For best results, put
on two coats."
Source: jokefactory.com
Since June, Neighbours has recruited two new summer students;
Serena Shushack and Ryan Caprio. Each student has different tasks to
help provide services to the English-Speaking community.
Ryan Caprio: Ryan, who is pictured to the right, is our
post-secondary student who is currently enrolled at Heritage College
studying Liberal Arts. His job consists of creating a Guide to
Abitbi-Témiscamingue booklet including information about what to do in
Rouyn-Noranda and surrounding regions which is now available. Ryan
also greets members and helps direct them to
services they may need.
Serena Shushack: Serena, who is pictured
to the left is our high school summer student.
She will be completing her last year of high
school in September. Her job consist of developing administrative tasks,
including; greeting members, answering the phone, computer skills, etc…
She is
also hard at work fixing up our library, since we have received
even more books. Come, stop by and say hi to our summer students!!!
Source: Written by Jessica Nesteruk
CLEAN YOU’RE CITY: Big cleanup of Millenbach
The City has conducted a cleanup operation in collaboration with the Government of Québec
(Natural Resources and Environment), Sûreté du Québec, Glencore Xstrata-Horne Smelter, Norbec,
Hydrosphere Construction, Multitech Environment, Regional Council of environment
Abitbi-Témiscamingue, 9e Escadron, Legault Metal, Radio NRJ, CHUN FM and RNC Media.
To achieve this project over a dozen corporate teams and over 100 volunteers will be hard at work
to make this a success. The week before, preparatory work will be done to remove large objects
using heavy machinery. On the day of the cleanup volunteer will clear any garbage found and over
200 trees will be planted.
One of Neighbours staff was able to go to the press conference and was amazed by the trash that
was there. There was the usual pop cans and coffee cups but the worst was rusted washers and
dryers, mattresses, propane tanks and other large items.
We would like to encourage everyone to properly dispose your items to keep our environment as
healthy and safe as possible, here are various ways you can dispose your items;
Items (still usable) can be given to Ressourcerie Bernard Hamel or Call 819-797-2245
Pick-up of large items (upon request): Call 819-763-5717
Operation spring cleanup: Check local newspaper, city website or call 819-797-7114 to find out
when trucks with come near you
Ecocentre located on rang Lusko: 819-762-6282
Source: Press Release from Ville de Rouyn-Noranda
Page 5
Did you know you could turn a recycled plastic bottle into a
vehicle? Well that’s what students from Rouyn-Noranda, Val-d’Or and Amos did at Noranda
School on May 9th. Due to the project called Défi Apprenti Génie 2014 students recycled plastic
bottles and other materials to make vehicles. As part of the engineering apprentice challenge 67
students of the second and third cycles built vehicles with plastic bottles. The vehicles had to roll a
distance of at least five meters using air pressure that was stored in the bottle. Noranda School
students worked hard & won prizes for their accomplishments and participation;
 Catherine
Héroux & Austin Lévesque won Silver in the Second Cycle with their vehicle called the
“Ice Cream Truck’
 David
St-Amand & Romy Lacroix won Bronze in the Second Cycle with their vehicle called “Bob”
 Elizabeth
 Olivier
Grenier won the CRÉO prize
Del Mei Cyr won the Camp Chicobi Participation prize
 Maxime
Gariépy & Catherine Héroux & Olivier Del Mei Cyr won the Student Participation prize
Source: Written by Jessica Nesteruk
Page 6
N E I G HB O U R S N E W S L E T T E R
Did you know that within Rouyn-Noranda resides two social groups
dedicated to the organization of Manga and Anime Conventions?
MangAbitibi is a convention itself, which has taken place recently, here
in Rouyn-Noranda. The 8th and 9th of June of this year MangAbitibi set
itself up in the basement of the Petit Theatres, hosting video game and
card game tournaments, Cosplay competitions and more. Even if this
was their first convention, over 200 people showed up to participate.
L’Organisme de Réparation et de Divertissement Informatique
(L’O.R.D.I) is an organization dedicated to the gathering of people who share an interest in anime
and manga, as well as organizing its own conventions and spreading information related to the
organization. In the past they have held many gatherings and hosted varied events. They plan to
host their 2nd convention in June 2015 but many gatherings will be planned between now and
then.
Both organizations have Facebook pages which can be found by simply searching their names.
Their Facebook pages included; contact information, upcoming events and best of all videos and
pictures of past events.
Source: Written by Serena Shushack
Movies at Neighbours
Recently Neighbours has introduced a new addition to their services. Not only will you be able to
borrow donated books but you will also have the option to borrow movies as well. As of the
beginning of June Neighbours received a donation of various dvd’s that they now have in their
library. Just like the books, you can come in and pick whichever movie you wish to take home with
you. Neighbours will take down your name and number for the movies you have borrowed; just
remember to return them.
Featured Movies:
Percy Jackson
The Last Air bender
Bridge to Terabithia
Puss in Boots
Avatar
Dirty Dancing
Despicable Me
Looper
Wall-E
Indian Jones (Collection)
Scorpion King (Collection)
And many more….
N E I G HB OU R S N E W S L E T T E R
Page 7
Weather Hazards in Quebec
Quebec is situated in an area very much at risk of
experiencing natural disasters. We must
therefore prepare for any we might encounter.
Here in Rouyn-Noranda we have a very high risk
of wildfires and floods. The best way to
experience a natural disaster is to be prepared
for it, so here are some preparations and tips to
help stay safe.
Flooding preparations: Put weather protection
sealant around basement windows and the base
of ground-level doors. Do not store your
important documents in the basement; keep them
at a higher level, protected from flood damage.
If a flood is forecast: Turn off basement furnaces and the outside gas valve. Take special
precautions to safeguard electrical, natural gas or propane heating equipment.
If flooding is imminent: Move furniture, electrical appliances and other belongings to floors above
ground level. In some cases, homes may be protected with sandbags or polyethylene barriers. This
approach requires specific instructions from your local emergency officials.
Do NOT attempt to shut off electricity if any water is present. Water and live electrical wires can be
lethal. Leave your home immediately and do not return until authorities indicate it is safe to do so.
If you need to evacuate: Follow the routes specified by officials. Don't take shortcuts. They could
lead you to a blocked or dangerous area. Never cross a flooded area. If you are in a car, do not
drive through flood waters or underpasses. The water may be deeper than it looks and your car
could get stuck or swept away by fast water. Avoid crossing bridges if the water is high and flowing
quickly. If you are caught in fast-rising waters and your car stalls, leave it and save yourself and your
passengers
Wildfire Preparations: Check for and remove, fire hazards in and around your home, such as dried
out branches, leaves and debris. Learn fire safety techniques and teach them to members of your
family. Have fire drills with your family on a regular basis. Maintain first-aid supplies to treat the
injured until help arrives. Have an escape plan so that all members of the family know how to get out
of the house quickly and safely. Have an emergency plan so family members can contact each
other in case they are separated during an evacuation. Make sure all family members are familiar
with the technique of "STOP, DROP, AND ROLL" in case of clothes catching on fire. Make sure
every floor and all sleeping areas have smoke detectors.
If you see a wildfire approaching your home: Report it immediately by dialing 9-1-1 or your local
emergency number. If it is safe, and there is time before the fire arrives, you should take the
following action:
Close all windows and doors in the house. Cover vents, windows, and other openings of the house
with duct tape and/or precut pieces of plywood. Park your car, positioned forward out of the
driveway.
Continued on next page...
Page 8
N E I G HB O U R S N E W S L E T T E R
Weather Hazards in Quebec Continued….
Keep car windows closed and have your valuables already packed in your car. Turn off propane or
natural gas. Move any propane barbeques into the open, away from structures. Remove flammable
drapes, curtains, awnings or other window coverings. Keep lights on to aid visibility in case smoke
fills the house. If sufficient water is available, turn sprinklers on to wet the roof and any water-proof
valuables.
Remember: In both cases keep your radio on to find out what areas are affected, what roads are
safe, where to go and what to do if the local emergency team asks you to leave your home. Vacate
your home when/if you are advised to do so by local emergency authorities. Ignoring such a
warning could jeopardize the safety of your family or those who might eventually have to come to
your rescue.
Source: http://www.securitepublique.gouv.qc.ca/en/securitecivile/sepreparerauxsinistres/sinistres/tremblementterre.html
http://www.getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/hzd/wldfrs-eng.aspx
Sear Catalogue
Did you used to receive your Sear catalogue in English, but now you only
receive it in French?
That’s because if you want to receive your catalogue in English you must
present yourself to the store directly or you can call Sears to put your
name on the Distribution List. By calling this number and giving your name
you will be able to receive your catalogue in English. The number
1-888-473-2772 or the complaint departement which is 1-800-511-5111.
Source: Elsie Sullivan
The public outdoor market project was developed in the
summer of 2006 by citizens in collaboration with the City of
Rouyn-Noranda and the Vieux-Noranda merchants.
First located in the Vieux-Noranda, the establishment of a
public market was to offer people an ideal place to buy fresh
produce but also allow producers to promote and sell their
products.
Located on the Place of Citizenship (Place de la Citoyenneté) in front of City Hall, the market offers
the public a chance to buy fresh local produce.
Saturday from 9:30am to 2h20 pm from June 21 to September 27, 2014 (except on Saturday
August 16th due to the Foire Gourmande)
Source: Ville de Rouyn-Noranda
N E I G HB OU R S N E W S L E T T E R
Page 9
Free Parking for Tourists
Many things are offered to the tourists of
Rouyn-Noranda. One of these services is
a free parking pass that allows tourists to
park wherever they want for a maximum
of three days.
If you are a tourist in Rouyn-Noranda, you
are eligible for acquiring one. All you need
to do is visit the Information Bureau
(Bureau d’information touristique) situated
at 1675 avenue Larivière, Rouyn-Noranda
and prove that you are not from the
Abitibi-Témiscamingue region. As well as
the three day free parking pass, the
Information Bureau also offers free
wireless Internet, picnic areas, RV drainage stations and more.
Source: Written by Serena Shushack
The Dos and Don’ts of Summer
Dos
Don’ts
Do ask family and friends to utilise their pool.
(Visit a public pool maybe?)
Don’t break into your neighbours yard to use
their pool
Do use a fan to cool off if necessary.
Don’t use a pool and fan simultaneously
Do wear sunscreen and sun protection
Don’t overestimate your abilities to suntan
Do gently blow out any marshmallow you’ve
set on fire
Don’t wildly flail your marshmallow to put it
out.
Do pick wild flower bouquets
Don’t pick poison ivy bouquets
Do take a short walk on a long pier
Don’t take a long walk off a short pier
Page 10
N E I G HB O U R S N E W S L E T T E R
Every August, Osisko en lumière, lights up the sky above Rouyn-Noranda. For three days, three
fireworks shows are presented by professional fireworks teams as well as six outdoor concerts from
various
artists.
This
festival
attracts
spectators
from
Rouyn-Noranda
and
across
Abitibi-Témiscamingue, as well as tourists visiting from around Quebec and north-eastern Ontario.
This years Pyromusical festival will begin Friday, August 8th and its final day will be Sunday, August
10th. Each day will consist of two preforming artists. Saturday and Sunday will include workshops,
dance shows and various activities.
Fridays show begins at 8pm with Bodh'aktan, a hard rock/country band with a traditional
Irish, Celtic and Québécois touch, followed by fireworks at 10pm and a performance by Marco
Calliari at 10:30pm.
Saturday brings an afternoon of activities beginning with inflatable games, a carousel,
mini-putt and much more beginning at 12pm. At 1pm a workshop on The Secrets of Pyrotechnics will
begin, followed by Parents/kids Dancing by Studio Rythme et Danse at 2:15pm. Later in the evening
Steve Augeri, lead vocalist for the rock group Journey will perform at 8pm, with fireworks at 10pm
and followed by a performance by Lou Gramm, lead vocalist of Foreigner, at 10:30pm.
Sundays activities begin at 11am, with workshops, dance shows and more going on until
3pm. At 6:30pm Donnell Leahy and family will perform followed by Marc Dupré and friends at 8:30pm
and Fireworks to end the festival at 10:15pm.
Ticket sales
Passport (3 evenings): 70 $ + tx.
Single-Evening tickets: 40 $ + tx / evening
Children 10 and under are free
For more information you can visit their webpage:
http://www.osiskoenlumiere.com/
Page 11
N E I G HB O U R S N E W S L E T T E R
NEIGHBOURS
MISSION STATEMENT
R E G I O N A L A S S O C I A T I ON OF R OU Y N
-NORANDA
Mailing address: PO Box 2277
Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec
J9X 5A9
Location: 139 avenue Murdoch
Telephone: (819) 762-0882
Fax: (819) 762-0883
neighbours@cablevision.qc.ca
Neighbours Regional Association of Rouyn-Noranda is a volunteer-based organization who believe
in a vital future for our community.
We serve the English-speaking population of the Rouyn Noranda area through facilitating information sharing, defending the right of access to service in English and organizing social and cultural events.
We are committed to strengthening networks within the English and French speaking population
as well as encouraging community development initiatives .
Objectives:
To facilitate information sharing within the ESC of Rouyn Noranda area
To strengthen networks within English-speaking and French speaking community
In partnership with:
To defend the rights of our members to access services in English
To organize social and cultural events
To support community development initiatives
Up-Coming Events
Summer is here
and so are the Mosquitoes!!!
First-Aid Self-Help Course
& Lunch
Wednesday, July 23rd, 2014
10:00am
***Please call to reserve your spot!
Places are limited-Deadline is Friday,
July 18th, 2014***