The Sault Ste. Marie Local Immigration Partnership is hosting a 'Welcoming Diversity' Immigration Forum on Thursday, February 9th, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Comfort Suites and Conference Centre at 229 Great Northern Road. 

Funded by the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the forum will provide information about cultural diversity initiatives undertaken locally, provincially and nationally as well as immigration trends occuring in Ontario.  Guest speakers include: 

-- Ontario Fairness Commissioner, Jean Augustine

-- Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (Statistical Analyst), Nelson Palacio

Initiatives and programs in place to assist immigrants to Sault Ste. Marie and Ontario will be highlighted.  Participants will be introduced to various agency projects including cultural competency workshops led by Sault College.  Learn how to attract and support international students through culturally diverse programming.  Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with local service providers and cultural clubs to receive information about what they offer and how to get involved. 

For more information, visit www.discoverthesault.ca or call Danny at 705-759-5896.  Register online by Friday, February 3rd at www.discoverthesault.ca, by e-mail at m.ceglie@city.ssm.on.ca or by phone at 705-759-5752.

EZ Rock and The Soo Curler’s Association present The 2012 Northern Ontario Men’s Provincial Curling Championship, February 5th-12th.  This event will determine who represents Northern Ontario at the 2012 Brier, the Canadian men’s Curling Championship in March in Saskatoon.  For tickets and information call the Soo Curlers Association, 124 Anita Blvd, 705-254-6174.  

Snowarama for Easter Seals is Saturday, February 11th!  Enjoy a full day of snowmobiling with FREE breakfast, lunch and gas top-up.  Ride to support Easter Seals and you may win some great prizes including a new sled.  Visit snowarama.org for details.

Proudly sponsored by Today's Best Music, 100.5 EZ Rock!

The O'Schraves -- the O'Gorman-Schryer-Lefebvre Family Band -- A Great Canadian Musical Experience! 

This unique music group will be performing on Saturday, February 11th at 8:00 p.m. at the Bruce Station Community Hall.  Admission is 10 dollars for adults, 5 dollars for children age 6 and 13.  Refreshments will be available -- proceeds to the Legion Building Fund and Community Programs.  Sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary Branch 211, Bruce Mines. 

For more info, contact Carol at 705-782-6764.

Dr. Ted Luck is offering a stretching workshop in the Program Room of the Main Library on Monday, February 13th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Participants can register for this session. 

There is no charge for this event, but space is limited.  Register in person at the Reference Desk of the Main Library at 50 East Street or by calling 705-759-5236.

The Sault Ste. Marie Chamber of Commerce will host its 2012 Annual Women In Business Breakfast on Friday, February 17th at Algoma's Water Tower Inn, starting with registration at 7:45 a.m.  Breakfast to follow at 8:15 a.m.

Guest speaker for this event will be Dawna Kinnunen, 2011 ATHENA Award recipient and owner of two successful businesses -- Yes You Can Employment and Accessbility North. 

This event is proudly sponsored by RBC Financial Planning at Today's Best Music, 100.5 EZ Rock.

Ticket prices are:  22 dollars + HST (Chamber members), 30 dollars + HST (non-members).

Advance registration is required.  Contact the Chamber office at 705-949-7152.

Family Life Theatre presents 'Night Must Fall' from Wednesday, February 15th to Saturday, February 18th at the Comfort Suites Inn on Great Northern Road. 

Cocktails are at 6:00 p.m. each night, with dinner at 6:30 p.m. and the show starting at 8:00 p.m. 

'Night Must Fall' is a psychologist thriller written by Emlyn Williams.  When a rich but cantankerous dowager on an isolated estate hires an engaging handyman, her niece/companion becomes suspicious of his motives. 

For tickets or information contact:  michael@familylifetheatre.com or call 705-253-9851. 

White Pines Onstage presents 'Into The Woods' from Wednesday, February 15th to Saturday, February 18th at 7:00 p.m. each night!

This production follows some of your favourite traditional fairy tales like 'Jack And The Beanstalk', 'Little Red Riding Hood', 'Cinderella', 'The Wicked Witch' and 'Rapunzel' and puts a whole new fun and kind of twisted spin on them.  The first act presents their stories pretty much as you know them although intertwined with a story of a Baker and his wife.  The second act forces the characters to face the harsh light of reality where tough decisions are made and not every tale has a happy ending.  The performance will feature the incredibly talented and hard working members of White Pines OnStage under the direction of Sue Barber. 

Tickets are available at the Community Theatre Box Office in Station Mall or from any member of the cast.

The Kiwanis Club of Superior North will have their 15th Annual Family Ice Fishing Perch Derby on Saturday, February 18th from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Cash prizes up to 250 dollars for largest perch (13 years and older) and largest fish (13 years and older).  Cash prize of 250 dollars largest perch (children 12 and under) and trophy + 50 dollars for largest fish (children 12 and under)!  There will also be a snowman contest for children 12 and under for a trophy and 25 dollars!

There will be door prizes, awards and draws will take place at Lori's Breakfast & Burgers at 4:00 p.m. on the 18th!

Registration cost is 15 dollars.  Fish sizes are determined by total length and must be at Lori's Breakfast & Burgers by 3:00 p.m.  Fish Derby boundaries are Haviland Bay to Chippewa River.  All participants must register prior to fishing.  Children 12 and under fish for FREE!  (when accompanied by a registered adult)

Proceeds towards Superior North Kiwanis Public Service Projects and Administration.  For more information, call Arlene at 705-649-4581 or Bob at 705-649-1322.

Tahquamenon Falls State Park Hosts Snowshoe Race on February 18th

Tahquamenon Falls State Park will host the second annual Tahquamenon Snowshoe Race on Saturday, February 18th with a variety of distances and courses offered for adults and children.  The event, organized by Great Lakes Endurance, LLC, will start at 11:00 a.m. at the park's Upper Falls.  Adult participants will choose from 5K, 10K or 20K courses; children can register for an 800-meter kids race. 

Registration fees range from 10 dollars to 40 dollars.  Same-day registration will be available on-site, but those who pre-register online at www.greatlakesendurance.com will receive a discounted price.  Proceeds from the race support environmental education programs at Whitefish Township School in Paradise.

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Hiawatha Highlands -- bringing Cross Country skiing and snowshoeing to you! 

People of all skill levels can enjoy the scenery and natural beauty of the Hiawatha Highlands.  If you want to experience a true cross country skiing adventure all winter long, get your Season Pass NOW.  Don't forget to mark your calendars for the following event:

Family Day Outing is on Monday, February 20th

For more info, visit hiawathahighlands.com.

Would you like a chance to win a trip for two to 4 NHL games?

All you have to do is purchase a ticket for 5 dollars available at your local OPP Detachment.  The NHL Alumni Hockey Dream Draw 2012 tickets are on sale.  The tickets are sold in support of Ontario Minor Hockey programs and DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education -- taught in local schools).  The trip takes place from March 31st to April 7th, 2012.  The trip includes: 

2 tickets to 4 NHL games in Toronto (Private Luxury Suite Seating and Hockey Hall of Fame passes), Buffalo, Ottawa and Pittsburgh

Includes passes for the team's morning practices

8 Nights Luxury Hotel

Air and Ground Transportation

PLUS $1500 spending money! 

Second Prize -- 2 tickets for 3 NHL Games in Toronto, Buffalo and Ottawa from March 31st to April 5th, 2012 and also includes luxury hotel, transportation and $1500 spending money. 

The Draw will take place on Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 at 4:00 p.m. -- resulted will be posted at www.hockeydreamdraw.ca. 

February is Heart Month.

Help The Heart and Stroke Foundation -- Make Death Wait.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario is asking local businesses, during February, to help keep us all Heart Healthy.  Heart disease and Stroke take 1 and 3 Canadians before their time.  More women are dying from heart disease and stroke every year than all forms of cancer.  Young people are facing obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes-putting them at risk. 

Make the choice to 'Dress Down Or Dress Red' for Heart and Stroke.  You may choose to participate once a week on Friday or any time during February.  Send or bring your donations to the Heart and Stroke office at 59 Great Northern Road (P6B 4Y7), across from the Cambrian Mall. 

For more information, call 705-253-3775.  Thank you for supporting the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Give the Breath Of Spring on Wednesday, March 7th! 

Workplace Tulip Champion:  A Workplace Tulip Champions is someone in an organization who collects tulip orders and payments from colleagues in support of the Ontario Lung Association.  The Lung Association provides a Workplace Champion Tool Kit online which includes posters and order forms.

Community Cares Program:  The Community Cares Program is designed with Corporate Social Responsibility in mind.  Your organization can purchase tulips for seniors living in local nursing homes, retirement homes or long-term care facilities.  The Ontario Lung Association will deliver the tulips with a card highlighting your organization's generous donation. 

In Canada, someone dies of lung disease every 15 minutes -- please help change that.  For more information, please visit www.tulipday.ca or call 705-256-2335.

If you like to read and have lively discussions with others about books, consider joining one of the book clubs being offered for adults at both the Main Library and Churchill Library this winter.  Book Clubs are held once a month between February and May and may be a great opportunity to try out a new author! 

Club A--Churchill Branch  10:00 a.m. -- 11:30 a.m.

February 21st -- Sense and Sensibility -- Jane Austen

March 20th -- The Letter Opener -- Kyo Maclear

April 17th -- Hearts On A String -- Kris Radish

May 15th -- Half-Blood Blues -- Esi Edugyan

Club B--Churchill Branch  10:00 a.m.  -- 11:30 a.m.

February 21st -- The Help -- Kathryn Stockett

March 20th -- A Complicated Kindness -- Miriam Toews

April 17th -- The Pursuit Of Happyness -- Chris Gardner

May 15th -- Cannery Row -- John Steinbeck

Registration cost is $22.60.  Please sign up in person at the Churchill Branch Library! 

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The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library Community Access Program is offering free Ancestry.com workshops to member of the community.  One hour workshops will be available until March 29th, 2012.  Morning, afternoon and weekend workshops are offered.  Class sizes are limited to six participants and spots are filling up quickly.  This workshop will help you discover your genealogy and build your ancestral family tree.  Using the library's account on ancestry.com you can have access to millions of historical records to research your family tree.  This workshop will guide you through using the ancestry.com database.  To sign up for a workshop, or for more information please visit the main branch of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library or contact the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library Reference and Information Desk at 705-759-5236.

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The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library Community Access Program is offering FREE Internet and computer training workshops to members of the community.  One hour workshops will be available until March 29, 2012.  Morning, afternoon and weekend workshops are offered.  Class sizes are limited to six participants and spots are filling up quickly.  Workshops currently available include:  Introduction to Computers; Introduction to the Internet; Introduction to E-Mail; Introduction to Facebook and Twitter; Introduction to YouTube; and more!  Introduction to YouTube workshops are new this year.  These beginner workshops will introduce you to searching for streaming video.  There are videos for fun, education, tutorials and so much more.  You will learn how to set up an account, and how to use the various features included with your account such as subscribing and uploading videos.  To sign up for a workshop, or for more information please visit the main branch of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library or contact the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library Reference and Information Desk at 705-759-5236.

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The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library Community Access Program is offering FREE Intro to E-Books for iPads, Intro to E-Books for Kobo and Sony E-Readers, and Intro to Audio Books for iPods and mp3 players workshops to members of the community.  One hour workshops will be available until March 29, 2012.  Morning, afternoon and weekend workshops are offered.  Class sizes are limited to six participants and spots are filling up quickly.  These beginner workshops for iPads, E-Readers and iPods will introduce you to the steps necessary to download free books from Overdrive, as well as the basic operations of the devices.  To sign up for a workshop, or for more information, please visit the main branch of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library or contact the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library Reference and Information Desk at 705-759-5236.

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Children of all ages and their grown ups are invited to join us near the food court at the Station Mall every Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for an evening of story telling.  Enjoy stories, rhymes, crafts and the occasional song.  This is a FREE program made possible through the library's partnership with Station Mall.  For more information, call 705-759-5275.

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The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library kicked off its 'Your New Library Help Us Raise $150,000' campaign.

The Library needs your help to raise $150,000 towards furnishings, equipment and library materials for your new library. The new library is scheduled to open Spring/Summer 2012 and will replace the Korah Branch library. Your new library will be located on Goulais Avenue in the West End Community Centre (WECC), a multi-use, city-wide facility.  The Library will be 6000 square feet in size, situated in the northwest corner of the Centre, all on one floor and fully accessible.  The space will include Children’s, Young Adult/Teen and Adult services areas.   An open concept Community Common’s Service area will provide general public seating and access to information technologies.  A 1,000 square foot community meeting/program room will seat 75 people and will be available for rent to the public when not in use for Library programs.  This meeting room will be equipped with the latest technology including large screen projection and smart board technologies.  The Library will house 8 public use internet workstations and an in-library laptop lending program will provide additional connectivity opportunities.  The Library space will also be fully equipped with Wi-Fi.

The new library will house a collection of over 26,000 items made up of books, magazines, newspapers, music, movies, recorded books and much more.  Approximately 2,400 linear feet of shelving will be required to house the collections.  The total estimated cost to furnish, equip and stock the new library as well as install the appropriate finishings has been calculated at $250,000.  The WECC construction budget includes $100,000 towards the Library’s finishings, furniture and equipment.  As such an additional $150,000 is required.

Close to $30,000 of the $150,000 campaign goal has been raised to date and the Fundraising Steering Committee has developed a variety of convenient ways for individuals, professionals, businesses, corporations, schools and service clubs to Help Us Raise $150,000, namely by:

1.  Making A Donation

2.  Asking A Friend To Make A Donation

3.  Participating in the Buy-A-Book School Campaign

4.  Making A Pledge For 5 Year Naming Rights

5.  Checking the Library website, newsletters etc. for other giving opportunities as they are announced.

To follow the progress on the project and campaign visit the Library’s website at www.ssmpl.ca or find the Library on Facebook. 

The Sault Ste. Marie Community Soup Kitchen is asking for your old cell phones!  If you have an old cell phone with the charger, all you have to do is clear your memory, and clients can use the phone for 911 service anywhere.  As long as they have access to plug it in this life saving number will be in their fingertips.  You can drop them off at the Community Soup Kitchen, 172 James Street.  For more information, call 705-942-2694.

The Soo Arena Association is embarking on a $1,000,000 Capital Fundraising Campaign to keep the Soo Pee Wee Arena the proud home that almost every family in Sault Ste. Marie has ties to.

Capital Projects include:

-- Energy Efficient Upgrades

-- Parking lot upgrade

-- Dressing room upgrades

-- Ice plant upgrades

-- Electrical system upgrades

Why Should You Contribute?

-- Enhance your experience and comfort while at the arena

-- Take advantage of the latest in technology to create energy efficiencies to lower the operating costs, thereby keeping hockey affordable

-- Give back to the Arena where many memories and life-building lessons were spawned

-- Help keep the Soo Pee Wee a safe and secure place to play for the youth who are the future of the community

-- The Soo Arena Association is registered non-profit charity and tax receipts are given

-- You may have employees whose children play at the Soo Pee Wee

How Can You Help?

You can help by making a donation to the Soo Pee Wee Arena Campaign...

Ongoing Commitment:  Individuals will have a choice to donate 10 dollars a month on an annual basis.  Automatic withdrawals will require banking credit card information, or post-dated cheques given to the Soo Pee Wee Arena office. 

One-Time Donation:  A one-time donation of any amount can be made at any time.

Donations can be made by cheque, debit or credit card or PayPal.  Contact the Pee Wee Arena Campaign:

Soo Pee Wee Campaign Office

285 Northern Avenue East

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario P6B 4H9

Phone:  705-253-8840

Email:  PeeWeeArenaCampaign@shawbiz.ca

It seems hard to believe, but on average, every minute of every day, someone needs blood or blood products in Canada.  This year, Canadian Blood Services will need 75 thousand new blood donors to continue to meet patient demand.

Did you know that many cancer patients can require 8 to 10 units of platelets a week during treatment?  Platelets are a blood component and have a very short five day shlelf life -- so the need for blood donors is always constant. 

Did you know an auto accident or trauma victim may need up to 50 blood transfusions to survive?  That's 50 blood donors for one patient! 

About 1 in 2 Canadians are eligible to give blood.  Last year, 1 in 60 actually did.  It only takes an hour of time and is a direct way to help someone in need. 

One donation can improve or save up to three lives, and every usable part of your destination goes to a patient in need.  That's because every time you roll up a sleeve, your blood donation is separated into three components:  red blood cells, platelets and plasma. 

Donating blood takes all types...be the type who gives.  Make a difference today by calling 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) to book an appointment at your nearest blood donor clinic.

Sault Theatre Workshop presents the QUONTA 2012 entry titled, 'The Sugar Bean Sisters', a play by Nathan Sanders, directed by Val Horsepool.  This play is an 'exuberantly wacky comedy...weird and wonderful.'  Performances are scheduled for February 22nd to 26th, 2012. 

In April, George Houston will direct 'Over the Tavern', a hilarious and warm comedy by Tom Dudzick.  This Ed Sullivan-approved play will be staged from April 25th to 29th, 2012. 

In June, Sault Theatre Workshop will again present 'Studio Gems, an Evening of One Act Plays' from June 6th to 10th, 2012.  Also, back by popular demand, the QUONTA One Act Festival Workshop with Richard Howard, adjudicator/workshop leader will be presented on June 15th, 16th and 17th, 2012. 

To receive a brochure, book a season ticket, or book individual tickets, please call 705-946-4081 or 705-946-4513.  Cheques, cash, Visa and MasterCard are accepted.  You may also send your ticket order request to Sault Theatre Workshop, P.O. Box 94, Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 5L2.  Or visit:  www.saulttheatre.com. 

All performances take place at the Sault Theatre Workshop Studio Theatre, 121 Pittsburg Avenue at 8:00 p.m., with weekend matinees starting at 2:00 p.m. 

See you at the theatre!

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has received numerous complaints regarding motorists not stopping for school buses that have stopped while boarding and unloading children when the flashing stop arm and lights are activated.  Keeping children safe has always been a priority with the Sault Ste. Marie Police and officers in the Traffic Unit and Patrol Services will be stepping up their enforcement with regards to illegal passing of school buses and disobeying crossing guards and will lay the appropriate charges as to any infractions. 

Motorists Reminders for School Bus Laws:

Drivers are reminded that whether on a city street, highway or a country road, regardless of the speed limit in the area or number of lanes, all drivers of motor vehicles must stop when approaching a stopped school bus with its upper red lights are flashing.  A flashing stop arm will extend out while passengers are boarding or leaving the bus.  Once all passengers have boarded or are safely away from the bus the stop arm will fold away.  Do not start moving until the red lights have stopped flashing and the bus begins to move.

Penalties for Not Stopping:

Failing to stop for a school bus with its upper red lights flashing can result in fines from $400 to $2,000 and six demerit points for a first offence.  Each subsequent offence can result in fines from $1,000 to $4,000, six demerit points and possible jail time up to six months.  In addition to the driver being fined, a vehicle owner could face a fine from $400 to $2,000. 

Motorists Reminders for School Crossing Guard Laws:  Crossing guards are put in place to protect our children.  The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service would like to remind all motorists to watch for school crossing guards and to obey their hand signals and stop when directed to do so.  Drivers who fail to stop for a school crossing guard could be subject to a fine under the Provincial Offences Act. 

Motorists should keep the following tips in mind:

-- Wait until the crossing guard has cleared the crossing before entering that intersection.  Drivers may not turn into an intersection while the guard is still in that intersection, even if the kids have safely made it to the side walk, wait for children to complete their crossing before proceeding

-- Be patient.  School crossing guards try to make every attempt to minimize disruptions in traffic flow.  However, there are times when traffic must be brought to a stop to allow children to cross the street safely.

-- Be aware of school zone signage and reduce speeds in school zones.

-- Be ready to stop at all times.  Children do not always notice oncoming traffic.

-- Always try to make eye contact with children waiting to cross the road.

Everyday, 1 in 3 members of our community are helped by a United Way Program or Services.  For informatin on United Way programs in our community or to make a donation, visit www.ssmunitedway.ca. 

YOUR INPUT MATTERS...

Algoma Family Services is asking the community to assist in evaluating their services.  If you have or are currently receiving services at Algoma Family Services or if you were seeking services but didn't receive them, Algoma Family Services would like your feedback.  Please call 705-945-5050 or visit their website at www.algomafamilyservices.org to complete a brief questionnaire.  Your input is important! 

DISABLE THE LABEL

Historically, people of all ages with mental health issues have been discriminated against.  We have been trained as a society to shun those affected by mental illness.  This can cause those affected to become ashamed and try to hide their mental illness.  A youth driven volunteer group, 'The New Mentality Algoma', supported by Algoma Family Services is determined to increase awareness of mental health and mental illness.  Their aim is to reduce the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental health issues.  To increase the awareness of a positive healthy attitude toward mental health, The New Mentality Algoma is organizing a fun and interactive carnival for youth ages 13 to 25 and other members of the community who are interested in learning more about mental health and mental illness.  For more information, please call Hillary at 705-253-2092.

GENESIS DAY TREATMENT PROGRAM

Are you between the ages of 12 and 18? 

Is substance abuse causing problems at home and school? 

Are YOU looking to make some changes? 

Algoma Family Services' Genesis Day Treatment Program services adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 who are experiencing issues with substance abuse and mental health.  It provides individual, group and family counselling, healthy active living education, the opportunity to learn life skills and adventure-based learning.  The Genesis Day Treatment Program uses a Harm-Reduction approach to address substance use and clients work towards changes and a healthier lifestyle.  If you are concerned about someone or if you want to get your life back on track and earn high school credits, contact a Genesis Counsellor at 705-945-5050 for more information. 

The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library is offering basic Computer  workshops to members of the community. The workshops are held on Thursdays from 1-2pm and 2:30-3:30pm.  All sessions are one hour. They cost $10 each. Workshops available include: Introduction to Computers, Intoduction to Internet, Introduction to E-Mail,  To sign up for a workshop or for more information contact the Library's Reference and Information Desk at 759-5236.

If you would like to get your non- profit event on EZ Rock Heartbeats or on our website e-mail us at contests@ezrocksoo.com