However, by the time Public Safety Officer, Leo Frappier was finished, they all left the Hanmer Valley Shopping Centre with much more respect for the devastating impact fire can have in residential and commercial settings.

The Fire Services section of the Greater Sudbury Emergency Services Department conducted many school and public demonstrations and displays during the week to try to bring a higher level of awareness among the public, and in particular the younger segment of the population, of the major issues with respect to fire safety.

"There are still some people who are unaware of our smoke detector policy which requires all residential establishments to have at least one smoke detector on each floor," explained Frappier. These public presentations give us an opportunity to drive home some of the responsibilities we all have to prevent fire from destroying our lives and the lives of others around us.

"Sparky", that lovable mascot that always draws the attention of the younger crowd, was on hand.

Besides the presentation to the students, representatives from the Fire Services Department were available all day long to talk to the general public and to hand out information brochures and children's colouring books.

Despite the fact that Phoebe may have to return to school during the fall 2007 semester to take a few other credits before qualifying for a university program, she stated that she is very glad that she took part in the cooperative education option. The experience has done her a world of good and she has definitely learned a lot by working with the staff of the Fire Services Department.

A steady flow of traffic was the order of the day on Sunday, October 15, 2006 at the St. Jacques Parish Hall in Hanmer as hundreds of family, friends and acquaintances showed their love and support for Monique Laderoute and her sons. The Laderoutes are hoping to get themselves back on their feet and start life all over again now that they are back home in Canada. 

Joanne Kinney, on the far left, Jean Somers, sitting beside Joanne, and Sabrina Kinney, standing with the red top, spent most of the afternoon greeting guests at the entrance. Joanne and Sabrina are cousins, while "Aunt Jean" has been referred to as Monique's "lifeline" as she was attempting to escape from the ravages of war-torn Lebanon just a couple of months ago.

For more photos from the afternoon, and more of the story about how Monique ended up in this state, click here>>>>

As Past Chair of the School Council Mary finds that it is important for schools to get out into the community. "I just love spending time letting the general public know what we are doing at the schools. I think it is important for everyone, not just the parents of children in the school, to be aware of what is going on with the activities at the school.

Besides her responsibilities at Redwood Acres, Mary is also a Full-time student in the Child & Youth Worker Program at Cambrian College and is currently on placement at Immaculate Conception School in Val Caron. She is also a Guide Leader with the 1st Valley Guides which meet at Immaculate Conception School every week. On top of that, Mary operates an "after-school" Day Care Program out of her home. When asked how she manages, Mary simply states, "Well you do what you have to do when you are a mother. I think it is important to be involved with my children and I just love helping out in any way I can." Mary also indicated that she still has a few hours open in case something else comes up.

Susan Johnston was elated on the evening of October 13 when about two dozen teens from the area dropped in to take part in a special social evening at the Valley East Youth Centre. 

For Susan, who has seen both the highs and the lows during the 25 years she has been involved with the Centre, it was music to her ears to listen to the young people filling the rooms with laughter and conversation.

Today, as Chairperson for the Board of Directors, Sue finds herself facing an uphill battle to keep the centre open. At the present time the facility is open to youth on Friday evenings only, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

She is hopeful that a new City Council may place a higher priority on youth and will perhaps provide sufficient funding so that she can once again hire two staff and keep the facility open five days a week. 

The Valley East Youth Centre needs the help of the community. If anyone is interested in stepping forward, call and leave a message for Sue Johnston. She is willing to listen to anyone who is in a position to help out. And right now, Sue could sure use a helping hand.