Election Office Reaching Out to Increase Voter Awareness
The City Clerk’s office for the City of Windsor has been committed this year to making it easy for every single eligible voter to vote in the municipal election, and that starts with spreading the word. Efforts are already paying off, as 8,059 people came out to vote in last week’s advance polls—a 70% increase over advance polls in 2006. While Windsor’s total voter turnout of approximately 38% in 2006 was respectable in comparison to other municipalities, the goal is to increase that number in 2010. This means reaching out by as many means as possible, some of them for the first time ever.
While all voting stations are accessible this year, voters at advance polls had the unique opportunity to take advantage of the AutoMark ballot marking device. This assistive device provided a number of helpful options including touch screen tactile buttons with Braille, sip/puff tube, rocker paddle, and a high contrast touch screen with zoom feature. To spread the word about this new service, the City sent informative flyers to a number of community service organizations detailing the AutoMark device, advance poll times and locations, and free Transit services to voting stations. All information was also posted on the official election website.
To reach seniors in the community, informative pamphlets have been supplied to 16 long-term care facilities and Centres for Seniors Windsor; and numerous polling stations have been located within senior centres. A Senior Voters page has been included at www.windsorelections.ca, and linked from the Windsor-Essex Seniors Portal and the Seniors Advisory Committee.
Homeless residents without a permanent address likely did not receive a voter notification card, but they are still eligible to vote. To ensure that homeless voters are on the Voters’ List and are given the opportunity to vote, City staff visited area shelters earlier this month to give unlisted residents the opportunity to be added to the list.
To encourage potential young voters to participate, Vote Out Loud Windsor (VOL) was created. VOL uses social media sites, videos and other promotions to get the word out about who can vote and how. Check out www.voteoutloudwindsor.com.
Residents can learn more about the election by calling 311 or visiting us online at www.windsorelections.ca and www.facebook.com/ElectionsWindsor2010. In addition to these resources, a brochure entitled “It’s Your Time to Vote” was mailed to every household in the city in September. Additional copies are available at City Hall while supplies last.
by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
vote early in windsor municipal election
WANT TO VOTE EARLY? NOW'S YOUR CHANCE FROM OCT. 9 TO OCT. 16TH!
On October 9, from 9 to 6 p.m. at Devonshire Mall, voters in Windsor will have their first chance to vote early in the 2010 Municipal Election. Shop ‘n’ Vote in the Bay Centre Court will be the first of six advance voting days being held ahead of the October 25 Election.
There are no special requirements to vote at an advance poll. Any eligible voter can vote at any one of the six stations across the city. Residents should bring their voter notification cards to the voting station, and they must bring identification showing name, signature and qualifying address under this year’s new rule.
Here is a complete list of advance voting opportunities:
-October 9, 2010: Devonshire Mall
(3100 Howard Ave – 9:00am to 6:00pm)
-October 12, 2010: South Windsor Recreation Complex
(2555 Pulford – 10:00am to 8:00pm)
-October 13, 2010: College Avenue Community Centre
(3325 College Ave – 10:00am to 8:00pm)
-October 14, 2010: St. Angela Merici Church Hall
(750 Erie Street East – 10:00am to 8:00pm)
-October 15, 2010: Most Precious Blood Church
(1947 Meldrum Ave – 10:00am to 8:00pm)
-October 16, 2010: WFCU Centre
(8787 McHugh – 10:00am to 8:00pm)
Residents are reminded that they can find out which ward they are in under the new 10-ward system by checking their Voter Notification Card, calling 311, or visiting the Ward Locator at www.windsorelections.ca.
To learn more about the election, visit www.windsorelections.ca OR www.facebook.com/ElectionsWindsor2010.
by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine
On October 9, from 9 to 6 p.m. at Devonshire Mall, voters in Windsor will have their first chance to vote early in the 2010 Municipal Election. Shop ‘n’ Vote in the Bay Centre Court will be the first of six advance voting days being held ahead of the October 25 Election.
There are no special requirements to vote at an advance poll. Any eligible voter can vote at any one of the six stations across the city. Residents should bring their voter notification cards to the voting station, and they must bring identification showing name, signature and qualifying address under this year’s new rule.
Here is a complete list of advance voting opportunities:
-October 9, 2010: Devonshire Mall
(3100 Howard Ave – 9:00am to 6:00pm)
-October 12, 2010: South Windsor Recreation Complex
(2555 Pulford – 10:00am to 8:00pm)
-October 13, 2010: College Avenue Community Centre
(3325 College Ave – 10:00am to 8:00pm)
-October 14, 2010: St. Angela Merici Church Hall
(750 Erie Street East – 10:00am to 8:00pm)
-October 15, 2010: Most Precious Blood Church
(1947 Meldrum Ave – 10:00am to 8:00pm)
-October 16, 2010: WFCU Centre
(8787 McHugh – 10:00am to 8:00pm)
Residents are reminded that they can find out which ward they are in under the new 10-ward system by checking their Voter Notification Card, calling 311, or visiting the Ward Locator at www.windsorelections.ca.
To learn more about the election, visit www.windsorelections.ca OR www.facebook.com/ElectionsWindsor2010.
by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
St. Clair Centre for the Arts Open House oct 2010
Have you always wanted to check out St.Clair Centre for the Arts, 201 Riverside Drive West in Windsor?
Well now is your chance! Monday Oct 4th to Wednesday Oct. 6th from 4 to 9 p.m. the venue is hosting an OPEN HOUSE to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Canadian Club room.
Be sure to check it out...and you can get a sneek peek of where the 2010 Biz X annual awards gala will take place! For more details visit, http://www.stclair.centre.ca/
by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine
Well now is your chance! Monday Oct 4th to Wednesday Oct. 6th from 4 to 9 p.m. the venue is hosting an OPEN HOUSE to celebrate the grand re-opening of the Canadian Club room.
Be sure to check it out...and you can get a sneek peek of where the 2010 Biz X annual awards gala will take place! For more details visit, http://www.stclair.centre.ca/
by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Take A Coffee Break!
-Host a coffee break for The Alzheimer Society of Windsor and Essex County anytime until October 31st, 2010!
The 15th annual “Coffee Break” is sponsored in part by Tim Hortons and Biz X magazine in the Windsor-Essex area. Participants make a donation in exchange for a cup of coffee or purchase a coffee cup cut-out at participating retailers or local organizations.
Your office can host a “Coffee Break” too - - all you need is a coffee maker! Many people also host a virtual “Coffee Break” online at www.alzheimercoffeebreak.ca.
All money raised supports critical local programs and services offered by the Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County, helping individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.
Last year over $29,000 was raised and the fundraising goal of $30,000 has been set for 2010. To host a coffee break and receive a Tim Hortons Coffee Break Kit, call Maurizio Tiberia, 974-2220 ext 225.
by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Distress Centre Needs Your Help!
The Distress Centre of Windsor-Essex County is looking for volunteers to provide emotional support and emergency crisis interventions to over 3,000 people who seek help every year.
Distress Centre executive director Rukshini Ponniah said she's noticed a drastic increase in the number of callers over the past year, partially due to the increase of economic uncertainty and strife so many in the Windsor-Essex Community are still faced with.
“We need people who are good listeners and are non-judgmental," she said. "We don't give advice. We listen to people, try to support them through whatever they’re going through, and provide them with community resources if they need further help."
Volunteers must participate in an extensive training program, which begins September 20th, and must be willing to work a minimum of 16 hours per month over a period of 12 months.
The Distress Centre is currently looking for candidates over the age of 19 who are capable of working in a stressful environment. Ponniah said experience is not necessary, but the ability to demonstrate empathy and skills taught during training is imperative. She said a large number of volunteers are University and College students from Social Services, Psychology, and Policing programs, but people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to apply.
Ponniah said the Distress Centre will be sending out packages to employers in the different sectors during the Fall, so that more people can be made aware of the free, confidential and anonymous service that Centre Volunteers provide, 365 days a year. "Unfortunately, not a lot of people are aware of our existence in the community, so we're hoping to raise our profile." Additional promotion done with Employers and Service Agencies in the region, as well as advertising funded by Grants, has proved to sometimes double Call Volume.
Anyone interested in volunteering at the Distress Centre should e-mail support@dcwindsor.com with their availability for a brief Phone Interview before Sept. 15th. Those needing emotional support, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, or community referrals, are encouraged to call 519-256-5000 between 12 noon and 12 midnight.
by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine
Distress Centre executive director Rukshini Ponniah said she's noticed a drastic increase in the number of callers over the past year, partially due to the increase of economic uncertainty and strife so many in the Windsor-Essex Community are still faced with.
“We need people who are good listeners and are non-judgmental," she said. "We don't give advice. We listen to people, try to support them through whatever they’re going through, and provide them with community resources if they need further help."
Volunteers must participate in an extensive training program, which begins September 20th, and must be willing to work a minimum of 16 hours per month over a period of 12 months.
The Distress Centre is currently looking for candidates over the age of 19 who are capable of working in a stressful environment. Ponniah said experience is not necessary, but the ability to demonstrate empathy and skills taught during training is imperative. She said a large number of volunteers are University and College students from Social Services, Psychology, and Policing programs, but people of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to apply.
Ponniah said the Distress Centre will be sending out packages to employers in the different sectors during the Fall, so that more people can be made aware of the free, confidential and anonymous service that Centre Volunteers provide, 365 days a year. "Unfortunately, not a lot of people are aware of our existence in the community, so we're hoping to raise our profile." Additional promotion done with Employers and Service Agencies in the region, as well as advertising funded by Grants, has proved to sometimes double Call Volume.
Anyone interested in volunteering at the Distress Centre should e-mail support@dcwindsor.com with their availability for a brief Phone Interview before Sept. 15th. Those needing emotional support, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, or community referrals, are encouraged to call 519-256-5000 between 12 noon and 12 midnight.
by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine
Monday, August 30, 2010
Food Drive Sept 4th At Devonshire Mall
THE COMMUNITY NEEDS OUR HELP!
In cooperation with Devonshire Mall and Real Canadian Wholesale Club, the Muslim Community of Windsor is hosting a Food Drive at Devonshire Mall on Saturday, September 4th from 12pm to 5pm.
The Muslim Community of Windsor is offering to purchase the items for people in need for $20 in order to donate (reusable) bags full of food and toiletries, or people can bring in the 12 items themselves to be packaged by volunteers at the mall that day.
For those who would like to donate physical items, the following 12 items are recommended: Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Flour, Sugar, Salt, Cooking Oil, One Can of Fruit, One Can of Vegetables, One Can of Soup, One Box of Rice, One Tube of Toothpaste, One bar of Soap
This year, the food bank recipients include Downtown Mission, Windsor Homes Coalition, Unemployed Help Centre, Drouillard Place, Well-Come Centre, and others of the like.
Muslim children will be sharing their happiness of the upcoming Eid ul-Fitr holiday, that commemorates the end of another successful month of fasting Ramadan. There will be treats, balloons, popcorn, clowns, face painting and flowers all in celebration of Eid. The weekend will be a busy shopping weekend for Muslims, preparing themselves for Eid by purchasing new clothes and gifts for loved ones.
by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine
In cooperation with Devonshire Mall and Real Canadian Wholesale Club, the Muslim Community of Windsor is hosting a Food Drive at Devonshire Mall on Saturday, September 4th from 12pm to 5pm.
The Muslim Community of Windsor is offering to purchase the items for people in need for $20 in order to donate (reusable) bags full of food and toiletries, or people can bring in the 12 items themselves to be packaged by volunteers at the mall that day.
For those who would like to donate physical items, the following 12 items are recommended: Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Flour, Sugar, Salt, Cooking Oil, One Can of Fruit, One Can of Vegetables, One Can of Soup, One Box of Rice, One Tube of Toothpaste, One bar of Soap
This year, the food bank recipients include Downtown Mission, Windsor Homes Coalition, Unemployed Help Centre, Drouillard Place, Well-Come Centre, and others of the like.
Muslim children will be sharing their happiness of the upcoming Eid ul-Fitr holiday, that commemorates the end of another successful month of fasting Ramadan. There will be treats, balloons, popcorn, clowns, face painting and flowers all in celebration of Eid. The weekend will be a busy shopping weekend for Muslims, preparing themselves for Eid by purchasing new clothes and gifts for loved ones.
by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
SHOULD THE WINDSOR MARKET STAY OR MOVE?
CITY ASKS MARKET TO MOVE, MARKET DECLINES
City of Windsor Wants to Sell Old Bus Station and Relocate Farmers’ Market
I recently received this from the market promoters in an attempt to let everyone know their side of the story-what's the city's? CAN A COUNCILLOR PLEASE RESPOND...
Here's what the market reps have to say...
In late April of 2010 the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market requested a 5-year lease from the City of Windsor for the use of the former bus depot site at 44 University Avenue East. A longer term lease would have qualified the market to apply for numerous grants and would have signaled to vendors that the City is firmly behind the project. Unfortunately, Windsor's City Council rejected that request, but agreed to lease the former bus depot site until the end of October 2010.
The market is now almost halfway through a very successful second season, but its future is uncertain. The market's volunteer committee has been asked to consider several other potential sites for 2011, but none of them offer as many benefits as the former bus depot site. The current location is accessible, inclusive, provides covered areas for vendors, has parking, is historically significant and offers room to expand.
In addition:
“One of the important factors for a market’s success is maintaining the same location for at least five years after start-up,” states Tristan Fehrenbach, vendor coordinator for the market. “If we move the market to a new location or if we take the market indoors, that could be our downfall.”
The former Greyhound bus station at 44 University Avenue East sat vacant for several years until the Downtown Residents Association (DRA) decided that it was time to bring a market back to the downtown core. A sub-committee of volunteers formed in the Spring of 2009 and the outdoor Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market was born on July 4, 2009. Now in its second year, the volunteer-run market is blossoming: vendors and visitor attendance has doubled and the feedback from the customers is amazing.
“We see families, tourists and downtown residents all enjoying the market. It is inclusive and accessible and vibrant,” says JoAnn Sabourin, the entertainment coordinator. “We’d love to work with the city to make this a permanent fixture in the downtown core. The location we have now is perfect and we feel that we have a plan to make this successful for everyone.”
The market is now seeking feedback on a business case for a long-term lease on the bus depot site that would allow it to pursue funding to restore the bus station to its former glory.
“We need to build up support and show the City that this is an important part of the core that should be addressed promptly. We need time to plan for the future or there might not be a market next year,” says Natalie Bownes, market co-chair.
The volunteers and vendors have worked very hard to make the market succeed and add value to the downtown core. Along with spin off dollars that area businesses are receiving, the market currently contributes in a number of other ways. The market hires a site manager, pays workers to clean the site on a regular basis, and pays for their own park amenities like picnic tables, umbrellas, and garbage bags. With a long-term lease the market committee could also apply for funding to help improve the building and make the interior accessible for washrooms.
About the Issue
In April 2010, the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market was denied a 5-year lease for its current location at 44 University Avenue East by the City of Windsor. The market has since been asked to consider alternate sites that do not meet its requirements and could affect the market’s existence in the future. The market is seeking community support to convince the city that a cooperative plan should be implemented to make the former bus station a multi-use space with parking during the week and the market on Saturdays.
About the Market
The Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market is a non-profit organization that operates through an 8 member Board of Directors consisting of one farmer vendor, two DRA members and 5 community representatives. The market celebrates the best of Windsor and Essex County with fresh, local produce, area artisans and entrepreneurs, baked goods and prepared foods, and live entertainment. The market runs from 8am to 1pm every Saturday until October 30 and is located at 44 University Avenue East.
If you'd like more information about the market please contact:
Tristan Fehrenbach (tristan@downtownfarmersmarket.ca)
Natalie Bownes (natalie@downtownfarmersmarket.ca)
Phone: (519) 915-9498
http://www.downtownfarmersmarket.ca/
by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine
City of Windsor Wants to Sell Old Bus Station and Relocate Farmers’ Market
I recently received this from the market promoters in an attempt to let everyone know their side of the story-what's the city's? CAN A COUNCILLOR PLEASE RESPOND...
Here's what the market reps have to say...
In late April of 2010 the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market requested a 5-year lease from the City of Windsor for the use of the former bus depot site at 44 University Avenue East. A longer term lease would have qualified the market to apply for numerous grants and would have signaled to vendors that the City is firmly behind the project. Unfortunately, Windsor's City Council rejected that request, but agreed to lease the former bus depot site until the end of October 2010.
The market is now almost halfway through a very successful second season, but its future is uncertain. The market's volunteer committee has been asked to consider several other potential sites for 2011, but none of them offer as many benefits as the former bus depot site. The current location is accessible, inclusive, provides covered areas for vendors, has parking, is historically significant and offers room to expand.
In addition:
“One of the important factors for a market’s success is maintaining the same location for at least five years after start-up,” states Tristan Fehrenbach, vendor coordinator for the market. “If we move the market to a new location or if we take the market indoors, that could be our downfall.”
The former Greyhound bus station at 44 University Avenue East sat vacant for several years until the Downtown Residents Association (DRA) decided that it was time to bring a market back to the downtown core. A sub-committee of volunteers formed in the Spring of 2009 and the outdoor Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market was born on July 4, 2009. Now in its second year, the volunteer-run market is blossoming: vendors and visitor attendance has doubled and the feedback from the customers is amazing.
“We see families, tourists and downtown residents all enjoying the market. It is inclusive and accessible and vibrant,” says JoAnn Sabourin, the entertainment coordinator. “We’d love to work with the city to make this a permanent fixture in the downtown core. The location we have now is perfect and we feel that we have a plan to make this successful for everyone.”
The market is now seeking feedback on a business case for a long-term lease on the bus depot site that would allow it to pursue funding to restore the bus station to its former glory.
“We need to build up support and show the City that this is an important part of the core that should be addressed promptly. We need time to plan for the future or there might not be a market next year,” says Natalie Bownes, market co-chair.
The volunteers and vendors have worked very hard to make the market succeed and add value to the downtown core. Along with spin off dollars that area businesses are receiving, the market currently contributes in a number of other ways. The market hires a site manager, pays workers to clean the site on a regular basis, and pays for their own park amenities like picnic tables, umbrellas, and garbage bags. With a long-term lease the market committee could also apply for funding to help improve the building and make the interior accessible for washrooms.
About the Issue
In April 2010, the Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market was denied a 5-year lease for its current location at 44 University Avenue East by the City of Windsor. The market has since been asked to consider alternate sites that do not meet its requirements and could affect the market’s existence in the future. The market is seeking community support to convince the city that a cooperative plan should be implemented to make the former bus station a multi-use space with parking during the week and the market on Saturdays.
About the Market
The Downtown Windsor Farmers’ Market is a non-profit organization that operates through an 8 member Board of Directors consisting of one farmer vendor, two DRA members and 5 community representatives. The market celebrates the best of Windsor and Essex County with fresh, local produce, area artisans and entrepreneurs, baked goods and prepared foods, and live entertainment. The market runs from 8am to 1pm every Saturday until October 30 and is located at 44 University Avenue East.
If you'd like more information about the market please contact:
Tristan Fehrenbach (tristan@downtownfarmersmarket.ca)
Natalie Bownes (natalie@downtownfarmersmarket.ca)
Phone: (519) 915-9498
http://www.downtownfarmersmarket.ca/
by Deborah Jones Publisher Biz X Magazine
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