The Bulletin

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President’s Message

Where did the year go, with all the worry about recession and cutbacks and this new flu, and oh my, how one has so much to think about. And whats this? It's Christmas and the year is over. Through the hustle and bustle of this festive season added to the many other things we have to think about, we do still need to remember our families, our property, our friends and neighbours and our communities. Whether you travel away or have others come to you, enjoy the company and merriment but do still keep a wary eye out for those that look to take advantage of others during this time of giving.

A new year is literally around the corner, and with that, changes are anticipated. There may be new Zone Directors, or new Provincial Board members coming out of the Annual General Meeting in Sherwood Park in February; fund raising is becoming a huge issue for the Provincial Board, and relationships with the RCMP or local police continues to be flexible. All in all, change is inevitable – embrace it, ‘cause we can’t stop it. I look forward to seeing many of you at the AGM; Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you.

The Annual General Meeting

One hotel chain has given RCW a room rate of $124.00 per night; rooms blocked until January 20, 2010. If there is a good response, more rooms will be given at the preferred rate, so book early!!

Super 8 Edmonton South
3610 Gateway Blvd., Edmonton
780-433-8688
780-433-8823 (f) and
Ramada, Ltd . Sherwood Park.
30 Broadway Blvd, Sherwood Park
780-467-6727
780-467-5685 (f) Cor joined his local association some 25 years ago, and then, with some encouragement, and then became a Board member just 6 years ago. When he initially joined the association he was attracted to the sense of community, to belonging to the neighbourhood. Signage on your gate meant you were part of the group. Over time, as with most organizations, it became apparent that the membership was aging, there are fewer young people who join, or even see a need for the association. As times have changed, that sense of belonging has also changed.

Given that the association is in close proximity to Edmonton, they have seen more fences, more gates, more strangers in the area. Some farms have been sold to become acreages; local family dynamics –with more people working second jobs and not being at home - kids off to school by 7:15 a.m. on the bus, Mom and Dad off to work to supplement farm income. Increasingly, there are more people living on acreages in the area who have moved to a rural setting, but with urban values and no true understanding of the importance of neighbours and local community until something goes wrong.

Since the remote fan-out system has been put into place in the area, Cor wishes that the RCMP vehicles were internet equipped so they could use the system as it was meant to be used – cutting down delays on actually getting the fan-outs issued - from their vehicles. Leduc RCW has 18 zones in the district; each RCMP officer would need to know those zones and know how to get a fan-out issued for an individual zone if that were necessary. The logistics are cumbersome. Knowing the members of the local Crime Watch, knowing the geographic area are all part of the overall picture. The Leduc Detachment is a training centre and there is a huge turnover of members being transferred in and out, so their chances of getting to know the district, and RCW members is limited. These are things that only time and a solid relationship with the local detachment can change.

Since being with the Crime Watch, Cor is proudest of the numbers of members who take the time to attend the local Annual General Meetings (which is open to the public as well). Senior members of the organization will always participate, but more locals attend depending on the topic being presented and the speaker that the local association brings in for their annual meetings. The association endeavors to present a topic related to current concerns. The ultimate objective is to have more people attend to be informed and educated – for example, when Sgt. Lorne Adamitz from RCMP Drug Awareness and

Prevention at “K” Division spoke in the spring of 2009, shortly after drug related deaths in a nearby community, he addressed a full house.

Everything has pretty well gone as planned, Cor says. No regrets. The association is more financially secure these days, and there have been a number of very committed liaison officers from the RCMP, which has helped the Board understand the political ramifications of local decisions and solidified the working relationship with the Members. It’s been an experience, and even with the ups and downs that any organization experiences, it’s been rewarding.

New response team provides additional support to victims of family violence

Calgary... Calgary families who have experienced family violence now have additional support available to them through a newly established Domestic Conflict Response Team.

Through the Alberta government’s Safe Communities Innovation Fund, the response team is receiving $1.5 million over three years to enhance intervention and ongoing support for families impacted by domestic conflict. The pilot project partners caseworkers from Calgary HomeFront and Children and Youth Services with Calgary police officers to provide follow-up support and a tailored response to families identified as high risk for repeated domestic violence.

“Family violence is a complex issue that has far-reaching and devastating impacts on individuals and families across our province, and successfully addressing it takes communities working together,” said Janis Tarchuk, Minister of Children and Youth Services. “This team builds on our existing partnership with Calgary Police Service by offering additional help to families to help them make positive changes in their lives and end the cycle of violence.”

“A strong partnership between police and caseworkers allows them to work more effectively with high-risk families,” said Fred Lindsay, Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security. “By tailoring their response to each situation, the team is better able to address the family’s unique issues.” The team will focus on providing services for families who have had repeated incidents of domestic violence reported to police, and who want to make changes before the courts become involved. Through coordinated case planning and joint response, the team aims to connect families with community supports within 72 hours of a reported incident.

“The intent of these teams is to make contact with families proactively rather than reactively. We want to provide support and resources before violence occurs and before they find themselves entering the justice system,” said Calgary Police Chief Rick Hanson. “We’re in the early stages of the trial phase, but the reception has been very positive.”

HomeFront works to implement programs that help prevent domestic violence, but that also intervene before the violence can escalate. “Support from the Safe Communities Innovation Fund allows us to provide assertive community intervention to our most serious high-risk and vulnerable families,” said Kevin McNichol, Executive Director of HomeFront. “Our highly trained Domestic Conflict Response team interrupts and supports these families through quick and compassionate action.”

The Safe Communities Initiative is a partnership of nine government ministries that are working closely with police, community groups, municipalities, businesses and social agencies to find meaningful and long-term solutions to address crime in communities. An important part of the Alberta government’s plan for a strong economic recovery, The Way Forward, is maintaining support for programs and services Albertans need most, such as health care, education and safe and vibrant communities. For more information on the plan visit Alberta.ca.

What Goes Around, Comes Around – OR– The Reason for the Season

"Leave me alone," he growled... To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows.

"Are you hungry?" she asked.

"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president.. Now go away." The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone. Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked..

"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?" The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"

"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."

"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up.

"Let me go, officer. I didn't d o anything.."

"This is a good deal for you, Jack," the officer answered. "Don't blow it." Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived. The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?"

"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.

"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business." Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place.." The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"

"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."

"And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"

"What business is that of yours?" ”I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."

"Oh.." The woman smiled again.. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a laugh. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"

"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."

"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"

"Yes, ma'am. That would be very nice." The cafeteria manager turned on his heel. "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer." The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.

"That was not my intent... Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this." She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.

"Jack, do you remember me?" Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."

"I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."

"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.

"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment.. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat." Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."

"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right."

"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.

"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered.." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons. He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet. If you ever need anything, my door is always open to you." There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he asked.

"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. He led me to you." Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways.. "Thank you for your help officer," she said.

"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget, And thank you for the coffee."

Submitted by Connie Newgard

Angels come in many forms, and we get messages about hope and peace all the time, although we frequently don’t see them, or more likely, don’t recognize them. Pay it forward – never a mistake.

bhf

This is a skinny newsletter this quarter; it’s not that a lot isn’t happening, but with the surprise cold snap and heavy snows, and of course, preparations for Christmas, most of the associations are on hiatus – as are most other organizations. Didn’t have a lot of input from my “usual sources”, however, I hope you enjoy this as it is. Please remember neighbours who may not have as much as you to share, older folks who are on their own, and your local food banks; the more we share, the more we get back. Blessing of the season to one and all.

Merry Christmas.

Bonnie

From the Board

John joined Strathcona County Crime Watch in October 1995 because he was curious to know what it was all about, having been a Range Patrol area that morphed into Rural Crime Watch. In February 1996 he joined the Provincial Board and has been a Director ever since as he says it is a worthwhile organization and valuable to the community. As a Board member, he has been responsible for the inventory for years. He proudly guesstimates that there are at least a couple of thousand signs identifying Rural Crime Watch areas throughout the province, and feels that could be a low figure.

In 2001, as a member of Strathcona County RCW, John got a grant from the Solicitor General’s department to start a local Wise Owl program, working with the local RCMP Detachment and “K” Division students. He was also instrumental in starting the local Citizens On Patrol in Sherwood Park. In 2002 he became a board member of Heads Up Fraud Prevention, and worked on the Wise Owl project for that organization. Following the death of the Executive Director of Heads Up Fraud Prevention in 2006, APRCWA took on the Wise Owl program as a pilot project in 2007, and then took over the program completely. As the Director responsible for that program, John trains students, facilitators and other presenters in the program, and is much in demand himself as he continues to make multiple presentations around the province every year.

The biggest change on the Board, since he’s been a member is that other Directors are becoming more active, and as a result associations are growing (such as Smoky Lake, Strathcona County, and South Eastern Alberta), and more RCW’s are joining the Provincial association. Relationships with other crime prevention organizations also continue to grow and evolve.

If he could make one change, he says he would have started at least 5 years ago insisting that the Provincial Board needed to apply for and get involved in a casino for fund raising.

Strathcona County is hosting the Provincial Annual General Meeting in February 2010, and John is hoping for a large turnout, as the meeting this year is in the centre of the province. His association has been working for months to ensure excellent speakers, food and entertainment are on the agenda to benefit everyone who attends Friday and Saturday February 19 and 20, 2010. He encourages every association to send someone, there is always something for people to take back to their local associations. It’s a valuable experience.

If he had to do it again, he definitely would. It’s been a very rewarding and educational experience.

And to one and all, Happy, Happy New Year and all the very best in 2010.

Editor’s note. Articles are always solicited for upcoming editions of The Bulletin, and to date we have been very fortunate to receive information from a variety of sources. Please note that articles in The Bulletin express the opinion of the contributor/writer, and are not the opinion of the Provincial Board. The Board does not condone or promote vigilantism or the taking of the law into the hands of common citizens. Please take the information you glean from articles in this newsletter with a grain of salt, and consider the current climate that the article may have been written in.

BHF

Contact the APRCWA Office

Disclaimer: Editorial opinions, reports and articles published herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Alberta Provincial Rural Crime Watch Association

Deadlines for Submission to the Bulletin: March 15, June 15, September 15 and November 15 Thank you to the United Farmer’s Association for their support of APRCWA - they print and help distribute this newsletter. We couldn’t do it without you!

Disclaimer: Editorial opinions, reports and articles published herein do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Alberta Provincial Rural Crime Watch Association.