2012 ST JOHNSTON AND CARRIGANS COMMUNITY NOTES

The Resource Centre started off as St Johnston and Carrigans Resource Centre and a few years later it became St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre. The centre had been in use prior to its official opening. One evening in May 2000, the doors were opened and members of the community went to see the new centre for the first time. An evening of speeches and refreshments was held in the Main Hall. At that time, the Playgroup and the Health Centre was up and running too. I recall a talk about how the centre was the fruit of the work of the St Johnston and Carrigans Resource Group which was founded in 1995. The function of the centre was discussed and what stood out to me was the implementing of the Community Employment Scheme. This sounded like an impressive development for an area greatly disadvantaged by unemployment.

President Mary McAleese officially opened the Resource Centre on 9 May 2001. I remember the buzz and excitement leading up to the big day. It was a great honour to the St Johnston and Carrigans area to have such a distinguished visitor. Though I was unable to be there on the day, the people were able to fill me in on what happened. There was a guard of honour formed by the pupils of St Johnston, Castletown, Coxtown and Monreagh Schools. It was a day when local artists, community groups and Bridie Lynch, special Olympic gold medallist were given the honour of participating in the occasion.

Decorate your house for Christmas: This event will take place on Friday 30th November at 7.30pm with Ann from La Maison, Letterkenny with new and creative ideas, techniques, seasonal colour schemes to brighten up you home at Christmas. Entrance €5 including refreshments, mulled wine and mince pies.

St Vincent de Paul: The Annual Christmas Church Gate collection for St Vincent de Paul will take place at St Baithin’s Church before Mass on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th December. Please give generously, your help is greatly appreciated.
In previous years , St Baithin’s conference were in a position to give out cash to clients at Christmas, due to reduction in funds this practice will regretfully be discontinued this Christmas. In the case of exceptional circumstances clients are advised to approach any conference member, we apologise for any inconvenience this decision may cause.

History Links: This unique programme takes place every Wednesday in the computer room, St. Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre, St. Johnston from 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Phone 074 91 48551 for more details. New members are very welcome. Participation in the History Links Project is free. The purpose of the project is to allow participants to investigate their own local history and culture and then to share it with others. Through sharing each others histories and gaining an understanding of other viewpoints we hope to foster an online community united in the pursuit of local historical research that may well turn into real friendships in time.

Christmas Parties/Story-telling: Monday 17 Dec, Story-telling, 3.30 pm to 4 30 pm, Pre-School and Junior and Senior. 4.45pm – 5.45 pm First and Second Class.

Wednesday 19 Dec Party.
3.15 pm to 4.15 pm. Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Class.

Will be held in St Johnston and Carrigans FRC. Please call 91 48551 for further information.

Pantomime Trip: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Millennium Forum on Saturday 8th December 2012. A coach will leave St. Johnston & Carrigans Family Resource Centre at 1:30 pm for the 2:30 pm show. Cost €10 per person (includes admission + transport). Places are limited! Book at the Resource Centre or phone 074 91 48551. A deposit of €5 will secure a place.

Christmas Flower Arranging: This is a fundraising event that will be held in the St. Johnston & Carrigans Family Resource on Monday 10th December at 8.00 pm. €7 per person which includes a light supper. Please contact 074 91 48551 for further information.

Christmas Cards: St Johnston and Carrigans FRC is selling Christmas Cards at €1 each. The cards show wonderful scenes from the St Johnston and Carrigans area. You can view the cards at reception in the centre. Proceeds will go in aid of the Resource Centre.
Regional Employment Outreach Service; The Regional Employment Service can help long term unemployed to get back into full time employment, identify training opportunities, prepare CV and fill out application forms and much more. So if you wish to avail of our service. The RES Outreach Worker will be in attendance in St Johnston & Carrigans FRC on Tuesday 4th December 11am - 1pm. No appointment necessary. Further enquiries to Helen or Mary 074 9128010.This Service is supported by DLDC and ICTU and is free and totally confidential.

Counselling: Do you experience feelings of anxiety, depression or loneliness due to bereavement, relationships or isolation? Would you simply like someone to talk to about any problem in your life that distresses you? St. Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre offer a free and professional and confidential and safe counselling service for men and women. For more information call Niki Cross in complete confidence at 087 0569124.

Employment Opportunity: St. Johnston & Carrigans Community Employment Project has a vacancy for one IT Worker & Office Support worker.
Further details available from the Resource Centre, 074 91 48551 (St. Johnston).
Applicants must be over 25 years, at least 1 year on benefit and eligible according to CE criteria.

Essential Computing: Basic Computer skills training including keyboard skills, Microsoft Word, letter/report writing skills, internet and email skills. The course will be accredited at FETAC Level 2. To book a place, or for more information, please contact the Resource Centre Office on 074 91 48551.
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Community Bus Services: This vehicle is wheelchair accessible. Seats must be booked in advance on 074 97 41644. Limited seats available.
St. Johnston – Derry €3 single, €6 return: Dep. Fisherman’s Inn, St. Johnston 8.20 am – Dep. Carrigans PO 8.25am - Arr. Derry Tech 8.55am.
Dep. Derry Tech 5.00pm – Arr. Carrigans 5.20pm - Arr St. Johnston 5.25pm
St. Johnston – Letterkenny Mon – Fri €3 single, €6 return:
Dep. St. Johnston 8.40am - Arr. Letterkenny 9.30am.
Dep. Letterkenny Mon – Thur 3.50pm, Fri 1pm.

Youth Activities Start Dates: Sept. – Dec. 2012 in St. Johnston & Carrigans Family Resource Centre. (Places are still available)
Youth Club - Tuesday 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm 5th & 6th Class.
Homework Club - Monday 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (3rd & 4th Class); Monday 4:15 pm – 5:15 pm (5th & 6th Class).
Boys Club - Thursday 6.15 pm - 8.00pm (9 to 12 year olds - contact Deborah for further information)
Fundraising Rickety Wheel and Cake Sale: Killea Parish Hall Carrigans are holding a Fundraising Rickety Wheel and Cake Sale on Thursday 6th December 7.30 pm in the Old School Hall in Carrigans.

Walk & Talk Group: Put on your walking shoes, pace to suit all abilities and speed. We meet at St Johnston & Carrigans Family Resource Centre at 7:15 pm every Tuesday and one Saturday every month. The next Saturday outing will be to Ramelton, Saturday 15th December 2012. The bus will leave at 9am from the Family Resource Centre. If you wish to join us contact the Resource Centre on 074 91 48551 to book a place.

Women’s Group: Christmas night out will be on Monday 3rd December to The Yellow Pepper, Letterkenny. €20.00 per person, which includes meal and transport, a bus will leave the resource centre at 7.15pm. Open to all past, present and future members, limited places so to avoid disappointment contact the resource centre.

Craft Group: Every Wednesday night 8-10 pm in the St. Johnston & Carrigans Family Resource Centre. Come along to learn something new or just do your own thing. And there’s always a cup of tea and a bit of craic!

Pilates Classes: Everyone welcome! Wednesday nights 7.00pm. at St. Johnston & Carrigans Resource Centre. Phone 074 91 48551 for details.

Breastfeeding Support Group: Every Thursday morning in the Old Playgroup, Church Lane (situated behind St Baithin’s National School, St. Johnston), from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Phone 074 91 48551 St. Johnston, or 074 91 56328 The group are visiting Oakfield Park on Thursday 6th December 10 am places are limited. For more information call PHN Teresa Daly St Johnston at 0749148275 Suzanne Harkin or Deirdre Lynch, Newtowncunningham at Newtoncunningham 0749156328 or the Resource Centre office at 0749148551 for details.

Ann’s Boxercise and Fitness Classes: Tuesdays 5.45pm - 6.45pm and Thursdays 8pm - 9pm followed by a half hour Tone and Shape Class (9pm - 9.30pm) in the St. Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre. Fully Qualified Instructor, Fantastic class for weight loss, toning, building fitness levels and stress release. Suitable for all age groups (16+) and fitness levels. Very popular workout, great fun and great results. For more information please contact Ann on 0863238437.

Irish Dancing Classes: (age 3 upwards): Every Tuesday 3.45– 4.45pm. at St Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre, St. Johnston. For more info please contact the centre on 074 9148551.

Bowling: St. Johnston and Carrigans Bowling Club, Monday and Friday, 7.00 pm to 10.30 pm in the St. Johnston and Carrigans Family Resource Centre, St. Johnston. New members welcome.