The PARO Link
Vol. # 03 - Issue # 31 - Friday, August 11th, 2006

In this Issue:

NEW Fueling Connections
NEW Women Helping Women    NEW PARO Leads & Links Links NEW Connecting to a Fit & Healthy Lifestyle                                     PARO Programs                           PARO Presents -
Biz & Bagels
Health Minute
PARO Events Calendar            Weekly Inspiration

Photo Credit: Suzanne Gilmore

We are looking for pictures for the PARO Link Send to info@paro.ca

To

Fueling Connections

Northern Opportunities for Women: "NOW" A Regional Outreach and Awareness Development Initiative

PARO on Wheels has just returned from successful workshops held on our Westerly route through Atikokan, Fort Frances , Kenora and Dryden. We are in various communities each time we travel. Information presented has ranged from business plan development for those who are thinking of starting their own business, software and accounting issues, credit and debt counseling, human resources counseling, and the basics of marketing for small to medium businesses. Support for Women in business or thinking of starting a business is what PARO on Wheels is all about. We encourage you to come out to our next sessions to hear and see more of what PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise through our Northern Opportunities for Women or “NOW” project can do for you. We can also provide information on social supports available to help you cover all the basis, including your personal well-being. To find out more about our business experts, go to our website at www.paro.ca where you will find each counselors’ comprehensive bio.

We have been on the road now for several months, partnering with Economic Development offices, job search and training facilities and other organizations that make this project a total one stop shop geared to Women’s needs. Our experience has also shown that the networking opportunities are very valuable. Women in business or thinking about getting into business, don’t have a chance to talk in a relaxed, non-competitive environment, about their specific marketplace and current trends and opportunities in surrounding towns and communities. We have also found that some alliances are in the works, to expand marketplaces to the Northshore through businesses working together to sell each other’s products, or by creating a “brand” to further enhance their market share. Networking can lead to many benefits.

So, as you can see, we are more than just an information provider. We are also available to help you with your individual needs through a presentation we may be giving, or through one on one counseling. All this at your doorstep on a regular basis at no cost to you, courtesy of our funders. To help you plan to attend our sessions, PARO on Wheels travels our Westerly route near the first week of each month and our Easterly route the third week of each month.

Mark your calendars for our next road trip scheduled for Schreiber and Terrace Bay on August 22^nd, Marathon , August 23^rd and Longlac and Geraldton on August 24^th. We invite you to contact us now and let us know what types of services, information or assistance you require so that we may develop materials and schedule counseling sessions. We are always fine tuning our travel schedule and material. Once we’ve heard from you, we will have specific information on what will be presented closer to travel dates.

Watch for posters, listen to the radio, watch the newspapers and community bulletins, as we firm up the details or ask someone who has come to one of our sessions. Women from surrounding communities are always welcome and we invite you to bring a friend!

For those of you who may be experiencing some personal obstacles due to economic changes or family issues you are facing, and are in need of some social support, consider attending The Panic and Anxiety Support Group who meet the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7p.m. at the Health Sciences North Bldg. L.U. All are welcome. Call 344-1114 for more information.

For more information on the upcoming workshops, to schedule a counseling session or if you have input to help us meet your needs, please contact Bobby Jo Chenier , bobbyjo@paro.ca, specializing in Business Development from the idea stage, business plans, and financing; Debbie Squier-Bernst , debbiesb@paro.ca, specializing in credit and debt counseling and other money management issues; lthomson@paro.ca, specializing in Human Resources and general business procedures and Deborah Poole-Hofmann specializing in marketing, who can be contacted at the PARO office. Peer Lending Circles are also an important aspect of PARO. It’s a unique way for women to attain small business loans, in stages, to help get them started and to network and support each other. For more information on Peer Lending Circles or travel information, contact Sandra Wiggins, Northern Opportunities for Women Project Coordinator at sandraw@paro.ca ; Laura Diamond, ldiamond@paro.ca, Regional Development Assistant or Frances Talarico, francest@paro.ca, Program Administrator.

Have a great weekend!

Sandra Wiggins

Project Coordinator

NOW on the Road

Women Helping women

Hi Ladies,

Continuing with the answers to last week’s quiz in the PARO Link, how did you do in measuring yourself on the Listening Quiz? The big clue is that the last choice for each question is worth the most points – so give yourself 4 points if you chose the last answer for each question. Some people might disagree, such as, “I didn’t know that it was dinnertime for the question with the young boy asking the time”, but for the most part, feeding back to people what you hear them saying or what you feel is the point they are making, then allows them to either agree or disagree with you as to whether you are right or not.

Getting back to the “Dissatisfied Customer,” here are a few little ideas for being assertive

Techniques for being Assertive

Fogging-

calmly acknowledging to your critic the possibility that there may be some truth in what s/he says, allows you to remain your own judge of what you do

Agree with the Truth-

“You are wearing that shirt today”

“That’s right; I am wearing this shirt.”

NOT “What’s wrong with this shirt?”

Agree with the Possibility - however slight

“You’re not very organized.”

“Maybe I’m not very organized.””

NOT Whaddaya mean, not organized! You should talk!”

Agree with the Logic -

“If we bought a new car now, instead of keeping the old clunker, we’d be a lot safer out on the road and we wouldn’t have high repair bills.”

Allow for Improvement – Nobody’s Perfect

“Your dresses don’t fit you”

“I’m sure they could fit better.”

Empathy-

“You’re being very unfair.”

"I can see how you feel that I’m unfair.”

Broken Record

Be persistent and stick to your point in a conflict situation

Start your sentences with the word “no” if refusing or with “I would like…” if making a request

Avoid giving reasons, excuses or explanations of “why”

Keep your sentences short

Repeat over and over, in a calm, firm voice, what you want until the person agrees to your request or compromises

Keep your voice firm.
Do not get sidetracked, stick to your point

Feel comfortable ignoring manipulative sidetracks and irrelevant logic

Some people try to obtain what they would like by manipulating others by means of criticism:

“Joe you shouldn’t spend so much time working on that car, every weekend.”

Joe responds, “But I like to work on the car. What makes you think I spend too much time on it?”

His wife continues, “Well, you are always tired by the time you finish!”

Joe replies, “What is it about my getting tired that bothers you?”

Finally, the wife reveals her whole rational for her initial comment: “You are too tired to go out Sat. night and I like going out Sat. night!”

Repeat without anger, irritation or change in tone of voice

Keep up the good work trying to keep your customers happy, and next week we will talk about Negative Assertion, Negative Inquiry and Handling Criticism. Have a good weekend!

Cheers,
Loretta McGregor

Keep the ideas coming in and if you have any questions or situations that you feel would help others in business, please feel free to contact Loretta McGregor, Team Leader, PARO Presents, at info@paro.ca or clearmediation@yahoo.ca .

PARO Leads & Links

Upcoming Events

August 23rd
at the
Prince Arthur Hotel

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Using Your Advertising Investment Effectively

presented by
Wendy Piccinin, TV/Radio Account Executive
and Lisa DeProphetis, Sales Promotion Supervisor of Dougall Media

How to get the best returns out of your advertising and sales promotion dollars using smart planning techniques.
Learn the ins and outs of topics such as:
- using the right communications tools for your business
- match the media(s) to your type of business and/or service

To book your display booth, please contact Deborah Poole-Hofmann at graphx@tbaytel.net

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September 27th
at the
Prince Arthur Hotel

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Wellness - Homeopathic Remedies

presented by
Kim Irwin & Kristina LeBar
of Activate Healing

The women will speak about natural remedies and specifically, homeopathic, tissue salts, and medicinal herbs. Keep in mind that neither woman is a certified practitioner nor can give advice about remedies. They provide a reference area and library, where people can do research or get their own natural practitioner to call in prescriptions or
phone for consultations about products.

To book your display booth, please contact Deborah Poole-Hofmann at graphx@tbaytel.net

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October 25th
at the
Prince Arthur Hotel

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Handmade in Thunder Bay

A showcase of local products and services created by women entrepreneurs in and around the Thunder Bay area.

To book your display booth, please contact Deborah Poole-Hofmann at graphx@tbaytel.net

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November 22nd
at the
Prince Arthur Hotel

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Financial Success

To book your display booth, please contact Deborah Poole-Hofmann at graphx@tbaytel.net

Business Development Programs

Are you a Woman with a Disability?

Dissatisfied With Your Work?

Want to Become Self-Employed?

Are you a woman contemplating going into business but do not know where to start?

For more info, please call Lori 625.0328 or 1.800.584.0252

Start Your Business Today!!! Let us help you!

Join the Making A Difference: A Business Development Program

Funded by:

The support of Government of Ontario through the Ontario Women's Directorate, the Ministry of

Citizenship and Immigration is acknowledged

PARO Self-Employment Benefit Program

PARO's GATEWAY: A Path to Self-Employment

On EI now or in the last 3 years, or had Maternity benefits in the last 5 years?

Register Today!!

Click here for more information

This program is funded by the Government of Canada

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Do you have a computer? Can you surf the internet easily? Why not try our new Pilot project...PARO On-line.

Connecting You to a Fit and healthy Lifestyle...

Let’s thank our lucky stars and the beautiful, almost full, moon for beautiful long weekends!!

I’m toooo….. tired!!

Studies show that being active makes people feel energetic. There are probably many reasons. For one thing, moving around helps get the blood flowing so you feel alert. Many people say they feel better about themselves when they are regularly active than when they are sedentary – more in control, more capable, more motivated. Plus, moderate exercise increases heart rate and breathing, which can improve overall fitness. The more fit you are, the more stamina you have for physical activity.

Why? As you become fit, your body improves its ability to use oxygen. Your heart improves its ability to supply blood to all parts of the body. In fact, one thing you will likely notice as you become fit is that your heart rate slows down. That’s because it takes less effort to pump the same amount of blood to your brain and muscles than when you were unfit. A strong heart and cardiovascular system mean greater stamina and a decreased chance of heart attack!

I challenge you this week to be aware of your “tiredness” – are you physically tired or mentally tired?

If you are mentally tired – make it an excellent week! Get up and get going – you’ll feel a whole lot better!

Deb

Deb Coulis - Lifestyle Coach

Coulis Connection

Cell: 807 628 2408 Ph: 807 935 2484 Fax: 807 935 2484 www.coulisconnection.com

"Connecting You to a Fit and Healthy Lifestyle"

PARO Presents

PARO Presents is NOW OPEN MONDAYS -

If you are available to work in the store, and would like to receive training on a Monday or an alternate day during regular store hours, please contact Maria Talarico at 625-0328 or email mariat@paro.ca for more info.

Check Out Our Yard Sale!

New Items Arriving Weekly

Browse at PARO Presents anytime between 10am and 5pm Monday through Saturday

Other Services

Drop off your dry cleaning today at PARO Presents

Supreme Cleaners Dry Cleaning and Alterations Depot

PARO Presents 111 N. May St. 623-2200

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JOB OPPORTUNITY

TEAM LEADER (paid) - PARO Presents Store - 111 North May St.

Part-time Team Leader

PARO Presents store provides unique heart & home products from Northern women entrepreneurs and artisans. The front line position requires a team member committed to positive volunteer involvement and excellence in customer service. Responsibilities will include team management and general retail operations, such as scheduling to ensure that the store is staffed at all times; planning to make the store interesting and fun place to work, visit and shop; volunteer training and positive team building; selling products and customer service; merchandising; marketing and promotion; general store and window maintenance, and such duties required by the Executive Director to make this innovative community store sustainable.

Skills Desired for this Position: Strongly believes and demonstrates that the PARO premise of "Women Helping Women" is a high priority in everything we do, and has the ability to adapt to a team concept. Enjoys working with people; sensitive to artistic ownership of products; self-motivated; possesses good sales skills; computer skills or a willingness to learn our user-friendly software; plus experience or a flair for store design and product merchandizing. Retail experience and a willingness to work on the volunteer selection committee would be considered assets.

If you are interested in this position, please call Frances or Maria @ 625-0328. Please submit your application including a cover letter and resume in person, by email at rlockyer@paro.ca or fax at 625-0317.

Biz and Bagel

Biz and Bagel will return on Monday September 11th. See you then!!

If you have a Biz and Bagel topic you would like to be presented, like to be a guest speaker or know of someone who may be interested, please contact Lori @ loriw@paro.ca or 625-0328

This program is funded by the Government of Canada

Community Events

Sleeping Giant Writers Festival

Beginning and experienced writers are encouraged to attend to the third annual Sleeping Giant Writers Festival, August 25, 26 and 27^th at the Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel & Suites. This year’s line-up includes humourist Arthur Black , the director of the Humber School for Writing Antanas Sileika, storyteller Dolores Wawia, children’s author Richard Scrimger, freelance journalist Ron Chepesiuk, author Veronica Ross and songwriter Rodney Brown. Register by calling: 475-5755, 475-4515, 344-1906 or 768-9458 or go to: www.sleepinggiantwriters.com.

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Aboriginal Women on the Move –

Cross Canada Cycle Tour 2006 to Reach St. John’s, NFLD on August 11th

Aboriginal women on the move try to find locally based solutions to end violence against women

There is still time for you to join in this effort!

On July 17th, three extraordinary women rode into Ottawa after bicycling over 4000 kilometres since early June from Vancouver, British Columbia. Along the way, they have encountered blistering heat, violent winds and rain, highway traffic at breakneck speeds, and occasionally curious wildlife.

These three women, Sheila Swasson, Chi Metallic-Larocque and Donna Martin-Metallic, are Mi'gmaq First Nation and mothers. They are cycling across Canada to raise awareness and bring attention to family violence in Aboriginal communities and violence against Aboriginal women.

To find out if these fabulous women will stop in a community near you, please visit: http://www.aboriginalwomenonthemove.org/TourDates.html. If so, we encourage you to welcome them and learn from their journey. You can also demonstrate your support by sending emails and/or letters, visiting the Aboriginal Women on the Move website, sharing this information and/or by making a donation to your local women’s shelter.

The Hard Facts: Violence against Women in Canada

51% of women in Canada have experienced at least one violence incident as defined by the criminal code.
1 in 10 women are victims of violence
Women between the ages of 25-34 have the highest rate of spousal abuse.
1 in 4 women seeking care in the emergency room for any reason is a victim of violence (Source: Canadian Women's Foundation: www.cdnwomen.org)

E-Mail: (until August 15 )

AWOTM can be reached at mimigeus@hotmail.com Cellular Phone # : (Starting May 15) 506-789-3369

Sheila Swasson sheila_swasson@globetrotter.net Donna Metallic metallicdv@globetrotter.net Chi Metallic-Larocque chi_metallic-larocque@globetrotter.net

Or if you'd like to contact us by snail mail, send comments and question to:

Cycling to End Family Violence - Haven House - P.O. Box 99 - Listuguj, Quebec G0C 2R0 - Attention: Sheila Swasson

http://www.aboriginalwomenonthemove.org/ContactUs.html

How To Get Involved

There are various ways in which people can get involved:

Visit Aboriginal Women On the Move website at http://www.aboriginalwomenonthemove.org
Circulate this release within your networks
Participate in the tour’s welcoming activities in the community closest to your area
Look at the tour dates and communities and organize a welcoming or take-off activity in your community
Tell your friends and contacts about "Aboriginal Women on the Move"
Download and post our flyer in your community
Support "AWOTM" through a donation or Sponsor a Kilometer

Thank you for your interest in the Cycle Tour 2006.

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21st Annual Chamber Golf Classic

Thursday, August 17th

Fort William Country Club

Call the Chamber office for Registration Form, Sponsorship and Prize donation inquiries @ 624-2626

Health Minute

Fight Wrinkles and Cholesterol

Those furrows between your brows? They may mean your cholesterol's rising.

When the pressure is on at work, take time to unwind -- and not just for the sake of your face. According to research, there is a correlation between job stress and high cholesterol levels. But if even a 15-minute walk is out of the question, try this: Deeply inhale through your nose, then slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat three or four times; feel the calm flow through you.

Everyone has a certain tolerance level for stress, but you're probably a pretty good judge of what's manageable for you. When you're near your limit, deep-breathing micro breaks are useful, but it's important to take care of basic needs as well: eating healthfully, drinking plenty of water, getting enough sleep, and squeezing in some exercise -- exactly the things that get shoved aside when stress soars off the charts. They're also exactly the things that help you get through a tough stretch without etching furrows in your brow or raising your cholesterol. Enough said.

RealAge Benefit: Taking care of your emotional health and well-being can make your RealAge up to 16 years younger.
You've probably heard that intense job stress can undermine your health, but exactly how hasn't always been clear. One answer comes from a study that connected work strain to an increase in cholesterol levels -- a classic marker of heart disease risk.

Source: www.realage.com

PARO Events Calendar

The PARO events calendar will list all dates, times and places of events that will be held during the next few months. Unless otherwise specified, events will be held @ PARO Place. Please contact the office at 625-0328 for any information. All Biz and Bagels will take place from 12:15pm until 1:15pm.

August

23rd - PARO Leads & Links ~ Prince Arthur Hotel

September

11th - Biz and Bagel ~ TBA

27th - PARO Leads & Links ~ Prince Arthur Hotel

Weekly Inspiration

DAILY MOTIVATION :

TIME GETS BETTER WITH AGE

I have learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night". Age 5
I have learned that our dog does not want to eat my broccoli either.    Age 7

I have learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back. Age 9

I have learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again. Age 12

I have learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up.Age 14

I have learned that although it is hard to admit it, I am secretly glad my parents are strict with me. Age 15

I have learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice. Age 24

I have learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures.
Age 26

I have learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there. Age 29

I have learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it. Age 30

I have learned that there are people who love you dearly but just do not know how to show it. Age 42

I have learned that you can make some one's day by simply sending them a little note. Age 44

I have learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others.                                                                     Age 46

I have learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.                    Age 47

I have learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow. Age 48

I have learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone. Age 50

I have learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.        Age 51

I have learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills. Age 52

I have learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die. Age 53

I have learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life.       Age 58

I have learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage. Age 61

I have learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance. Age 62

I have learned that you should not go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back. Age 64

I have learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you. Age 65

I have learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision. Age 72

I have learned that even when I have pains, I do not have to be one. Age 82

I have learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch-holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back. Age 90

I have learned that I still have a lot to learn. Age 92

~ Author Unknown

Irby Stewart

Enjoy the weekend!

Maria

PS....if you have pictures of you at your business or with you family, your pet or a special picture and want to feature it on the PARO Link....send it to info@paro.ca

PARO Centre For Women's Enterprise - 110-105 May Street North, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 3N9
Tel: 807.625.0328 Fax: 807.625.0317 Website: http://www.paro.ca Email: info@paro.ca

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By popular demand, PARO is pleased to offer businesses an opportunity to advertise (within size limits) in the PARO Link.

Fees are set at $20 per ad for PARO Circle members, $25 per ad for PARO Networking Members, and $50 per ad for non-members. Non-members are encouraged to purchase an annual $25 Networking Membership to realize savings.

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We ask you to keep your special events and/or community announcements to a maximum of 100 words. We cannot guarantee any graphics. Learning type column submissions must be limited to a maximum of 200 words.