Restorative justice — a community solution to crime

From the S/Sgt’s Desk –

This week is Restorative Justice week. This ia also known as Alternative Measures. This last summer I put out a plea in the media looking for volunteers in the community that wish to be involved in this program. The end result is a number of people have come forward and as of last September completed their training.

We in law enforcement realize that in the majority of cases we come across incidents where charges can be laid, we are not dealing with hard core criminals or those that make a habit of crossing paths with the police on criminal matters. Youths as well as adults will make bad decisions that have dire consequences. [Read more]

A beautiful African dinner

Africa has become a continent of orphans. As many as 11.6 million children have been orphaned by AIDS. Grandmothers (called Gogo’s in African) bury their own children and step into the breach, caring for the children left behind. They have no time to grieve, little or no financial resources, deteriorating health and limited support. But despite all the hardships, these courageous women have become the heart of the response to AIDS in Africa. [Read more]

Sunshine in the autumn years — East Kootenay Seniors Coalition

I had the ‘pleasure’ recently of spending the afternoon on stretcher #4 in our local emergency room. And before I go further, I want to say that the nurses and doctors on duty were wonderful. They were very busy, and yet they had the time and professionalism to be kind and gentle with me. The lab tech who took my blood was slow and patient, even taking the time to comment on the funny tan lines on my feet (Birkenstocks). I almost didn’t notice the needle going into my arm!

While what I had turned out not to be a serious condition, I did spend a fair bit of time wondering what was going to happen with me and, consequently, with my life. I thought of my kids, my dog, my friends, my house. I had a pretty good idea what my symptoms might be suggesting and that was a pretty scary thought. The outcome could be life altering and I wondered what other people (seniors in particular) must think if and when they find themselves in the same or a similar situation. I myself am one of the ‘baby boomer’ generation who is just beginning to join the ranks of the senior citizens. This is unknown territory. I am feeling my way as I go. I’m not sure what lies ahead. There is fear …. but there is also trust. In the meantime … I’m on stretcher #4… [Read more]