The first competitive meet on the new track and several of the country's top athletes, including Olympic champions Shelly-Ann Fraser and Melaine Walker from the powerful MVP Track Club, will be making their seasonal debut this Saturday, january 29, 2011.
A lot of attention will be focused on the Usain Bolt Track - at the University of West Indies (UWI) - where the Grace Jackson/Queen's Invitational track and field meet will take place.
The heats of the high school girls' Class Four 200 metres will get the meet under way at 8:30 a.m.
After having her season cut short last year due to a six-month suspension for using a non-performance-enhancing drug, Oxycodone, it will be a welcome return to competition for Olympic and World Championships 100 metres gold medallist Fraser, who will lead a strong cadre of athletes from the Stephen Francis-coached MVP Club.
Fraser will face the starter in the women's 400 metres, competing against Olympic joint 100 metres silver medallist Sherone Simpson.
Other female members from the club, led by Walker, will compete in the 800 metres, where she will be joined by 400 metres World Championships silver medallist Shericka Williams, along with Kaliese Spencer and Jonique Day.
Female athletes from the prominent Racers Track Club will also be well represented, as Schillone Calvert will take the fight to the MVP athletes in the 400 metres with her teammates Sonita Sutherland and Davita Prendegast.
The newest member of their club, Shereefa Lloyd, is down to compete in the 800 metres.
Both clubs will also be well represented in the men's category, with former 100 metres world record holder Asafa Powell, from MVP, being the highest-profile athlete.
Over the years, Powell has used this meet to open his campaign and once again he will line up in the 400 metres where his teammate Michael Frater, will also compete.
Fireworks
Antiguan Daniel Bailey will line up for Racers in the 400 metres, while former MVP member Markino Buckley, who now competes for Racers, is scheduled to run in the 800 metres.
While the senior athletes are expected to steal the spotlight, a lot of fireworks are expected from high school athletes, where the top male teams in Wolmer's Boys, Kingston College, Calabar, Jamaica College and St Jago High are down to compete.
Although they will be competing in different events, a lot of eyes will be on Wolmer's Boys' Odean Skeen and Bridgeport High's Jahzeel Murphy.
Touted as the country's most talented junior male athletes, Skeen, the World Youth Olympic 100 metres champion, will run in the 400 metres, while the talented Murphy is expected to set the place on fire in the 200 metres.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Sharon Anderson Calls Ministry to “Arise and Travail….”
Sharon Anderson Calls Ministry to “Arise and Travail….”
New Director Select’s winning theme for 2011
Kingston, Jamaica, January 28, 2011
By Trevesa DaSilva-Ashman and Michael Schurton
“Arise and Travail for Triumphant Change” is the call international intercessor Sharon Anderson has given to the international non-profit Ministry Word Time Ministries of Jamaica.
Anderson made this call in her winning submission for the Ministry’s theme for 2011. Anderson the Ministry’s newest Director said that Word Time Ministries was founded on prayer and faith and believed that a ministry committed to travailing in prayer, can make an even greater difference in effecting positive changes in the nation.
Anderson further stated that "given the challenges the ministry was faced with during 2010. Anderson further stated that “it’s high time for members to wake up from the past, arise from their slumber, arise from despair, arise to a new call of the Lord and walk in the season of triumphant change."
“ I am truly humbled and thankful to obeying the spirit of the Lord in proposing the theme." Anderson stated. She stated that the theme was not just selected for the Ministry but for the nation of Jamaica which needs to arise from its decades of decline - spiritually, morally, socially and financially.
Sharon Anderson joined the Ministry in 2011 and was firstly appointed as a special intercessors for the 10th Annual Sports Champs held in June 2010. Anderson was appointed special advisor to the Chairman on October 25, 2011. Anderson will be formally appointed as the Director for the portfolios of Sports and Community Relations at the 17th Annual General Meeting and Excellence Awards which is scheduled for Saturday, January 29, 2011 in Kingston, Jamaica starting at 11:00 AM.
Sharon Anderson joined the Ministry on April 7, 2010 with a wealth of experience in Ministry and work in the corporate field. She has held several positions senior positions with the US EMBASSY / USAID. These include: Senior Secretary, Director - Regional Housing and Urban Development (RHUDO), Administrative Secretary – Financial Controller and Financial Officer, Mission Coordinator – Religious Activities/Hospitality/Public Relations. Other positions include: Public Relations Officer, COURTLEIGH HOTEL & SUITES, Senior Secretary to the Executive Secretary and Administrative Assistant – Economic Analyst at the JAMAICA MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, Administrative Assistant – Expo Manager, JMA/JEA EXPO
Anderson is an avid sports fan and also lends her expertise to several sporting association. She serves as Public Relations Facilitator, AMATEUR SWIMMING ASSOCIATION OF JAMAICA (ASAJ), Coordinator/Facilitator - Company Sponsored High School Swim Meets
Her work also extends to several governmental agencies, including Secretary, Claims Department, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL SECURITY, Executive Secretary,
National Council for the Aged, Executive Secretary, JAMAL
Anderson’s work in Ministry is extensive. She is Coordinator, Community Outreach Programme in St. Thomas/St. Mary/St. Elizabeth/Trelawny, Chaplain, Hospitality Manager, Immaculate Conception High Swim Team and Track & Field Team
She is the Founder of several organizations. These include Coordinators Plus – coordinators of seminars, conferences, weddings, Teleconference International Prayer Network, USA, Women Arise Ministries for Married Women and founder of SPA Ministries
She established Five Fold Ministry with emphasis on Evangelism where she has worked with both governmental and non-governmental agencies. Among these are:
- Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), - United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
- Development Bank of Jamaica, Ministry of Health, Destiny Barbers and Nail Technicians
- Bureau of Women’s Affairs, Government Archives & Records Units
Andersons has also held several positions in Ministry - Past President Whole Life Ministries Bible School, Past President, Whole Life Ministry Alumini Association, Past Teacher - Whole Life Ministries Bible School and Past Chaplain, Maverley Junior High School
Sharon Anderson is a Mentor, Counsellor, Motivational Speaker. She is a past student of St Andrew Technical High School. She has completed studies at Duffs Business College, College of Arts, Science, &Tech, UTECH, Institute Of Mgmt. & Production, University of the West Indies
Other VOLUNTARY SERVICE includes, Past President - Holy Childhood Prep School Parent Teachers Association (PTA), Past President – Hydel Prep School PTA and Hydel Sports Committee, Past President – St. Richards Primary School, Past President – Sunrise Kindergarten and Nursery Schools, Board Member – Sunrise Kindergarten School
‘Y’ Speedos Swim Club, Jamaica Amateur Swimming Association, Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association, Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Immaculate Conception High School PTA/Track & Field Team/Swimming and National Intercessory Prayer Network
Anderson has received several awards and recognitions including:
Florida Intercessory Prayer Ministry: Quality support in counselling and ministerial services
National Intercessory Prayer Network (NIPNOJ): Dedicated & Exemplary Service
Prophetic Group: Distinguished Kingdom Ambassador Award for outstanding service
Hospitality and intercession, Aglow Ministries, Jamaica (Kingston Chapter): Appreciation and quality service in ministry, Office of the Prime Minister (OPM): Appreciation dedicated and unbroken service, USEMBASSY/USAID: Ambassador’s Incentive Award in Leadership skills
Controller’s Trainer of Trainees Re-engineering Award, Controllers Recognition of Exemplary Service in the field of Hospitality, Controller’s Regional Incentive Award
Cash Incentive Awards, Long and dedicated Service to US EMBASSY/USAID Mission to Jamaica, Excellence in Service - Accounting Technician/Voucher Examiner.
Sharon Anderson is an avid reader, likes cooking, swimming, and sewing/needlecraft.
New Director Select’s winning theme for 2011
Kingston, Jamaica, January 28, 2011
By Trevesa DaSilva-Ashman and Michael Schurton
“Arise and Travail for Triumphant Change” is the call international intercessor Sharon Anderson has given to the international non-profit Ministry Word Time Ministries of Jamaica.
Anderson made this call in her winning submission for the Ministry’s theme for 2011. Anderson the Ministry’s newest Director said that Word Time Ministries was founded on prayer and faith and believed that a ministry committed to travailing in prayer, can make an even greater difference in effecting positive changes in the nation.
Anderson further stated that "given the challenges the ministry was faced with during 2010. Anderson further stated that “it’s high time for members to wake up from the past, arise from their slumber, arise from despair, arise to a new call of the Lord and walk in the season of triumphant change."
“ I am truly humbled and thankful to obeying the spirit of the Lord in proposing the theme." Anderson stated. She stated that the theme was not just selected for the Ministry but for the nation of Jamaica which needs to arise from its decades of decline - spiritually, morally, socially and financially.
Sharon Anderson joined the Ministry in 2011 and was firstly appointed as a special intercessors for the 10th Annual Sports Champs held in June 2010. Anderson was appointed special advisor to the Chairman on October 25, 2011. Anderson will be formally appointed as the Director for the portfolios of Sports and Community Relations at the 17th Annual General Meeting and Excellence Awards which is scheduled for Saturday, January 29, 2011 in Kingston, Jamaica starting at 11:00 AM.
Sharon Anderson joined the Ministry on April 7, 2010 with a wealth of experience in Ministry and work in the corporate field. She has held several positions senior positions with the US EMBASSY / USAID. These include: Senior Secretary, Director - Regional Housing and Urban Development (RHUDO), Administrative Secretary – Financial Controller and Financial Officer, Mission Coordinator – Religious Activities/Hospitality/Public Relations. Other positions include: Public Relations Officer, COURTLEIGH HOTEL & SUITES, Senior Secretary to the Executive Secretary and Administrative Assistant – Economic Analyst at the JAMAICA MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, Administrative Assistant – Expo Manager, JMA/JEA EXPO
Anderson is an avid sports fan and also lends her expertise to several sporting association. She serves as Public Relations Facilitator, AMATEUR SWIMMING ASSOCIATION OF JAMAICA (ASAJ), Coordinator/Facilitator - Company Sponsored High School Swim Meets
Her work also extends to several governmental agencies, including Secretary, Claims Department, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL SECURITY, Executive Secretary,
National Council for the Aged, Executive Secretary, JAMAL
Anderson’s work in Ministry is extensive. She is Coordinator, Community Outreach Programme in St. Thomas/St. Mary/St. Elizabeth/Trelawny, Chaplain, Hospitality Manager, Immaculate Conception High Swim Team and Track & Field Team
She is the Founder of several organizations. These include Coordinators Plus – coordinators of seminars, conferences, weddings, Teleconference International Prayer Network, USA, Women Arise Ministries for Married Women and founder of SPA Ministries
She established Five Fold Ministry with emphasis on Evangelism where she has worked with both governmental and non-governmental agencies. Among these are:
- Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), - United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
- Development Bank of Jamaica, Ministry of Health, Destiny Barbers and Nail Technicians
- Bureau of Women’s Affairs, Government Archives & Records Units
Andersons has also held several positions in Ministry - Past President Whole Life Ministries Bible School, Past President, Whole Life Ministry Alumini Association, Past Teacher - Whole Life Ministries Bible School and Past Chaplain, Maverley Junior High School
Sharon Anderson is a Mentor, Counsellor, Motivational Speaker. She is a past student of St Andrew Technical High School. She has completed studies at Duffs Business College, College of Arts, Science, &Tech, UTECH, Institute Of Mgmt. & Production, University of the West Indies
Other VOLUNTARY SERVICE includes, Past President - Holy Childhood Prep School Parent Teachers Association (PTA), Past President – Hydel Prep School PTA and Hydel Sports Committee, Past President – St. Richards Primary School, Past President – Sunrise Kindergarten and Nursery Schools, Board Member – Sunrise Kindergarten School
‘Y’ Speedos Swim Club, Jamaica Amateur Swimming Association, Jamaica Amateur Athletics Association, Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Immaculate Conception High School PTA/Track & Field Team/Swimming and National Intercessory Prayer Network
Anderson has received several awards and recognitions including:
Florida Intercessory Prayer Ministry: Quality support in counselling and ministerial services
National Intercessory Prayer Network (NIPNOJ): Dedicated & Exemplary Service
Prophetic Group: Distinguished Kingdom Ambassador Award for outstanding service
Hospitality and intercession, Aglow Ministries, Jamaica (Kingston Chapter): Appreciation and quality service in ministry, Office of the Prime Minister (OPM): Appreciation dedicated and unbroken service, USEMBASSY/USAID: Ambassador’s Incentive Award in Leadership skills
Controller’s Trainer of Trainees Re-engineering Award, Controllers Recognition of Exemplary Service in the field of Hospitality, Controller’s Regional Incentive Award
Cash Incentive Awards, Long and dedicated Service to US EMBASSY/USAID Mission to Jamaica, Excellence in Service - Accounting Technician/Voucher Examiner.
Sharon Anderson is an avid reader, likes cooking, swimming, and sewing/needlecraft.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Time to Arise
Time to Arise
by Matisse Lindo and Michael Schurton
The testing times of life
Unfold in dilemma of a new era-
Children are crying, and people are dying
Lost without hope
Not knowing how to cope.
Now is the time to arise
And make the difference with the living word
It is our shield. It is our sword.
We have made the decision
And this is our mission.
The Word gives us hope. It is our light.
It makes our future secure and bright
The Word has power to
Consume the devil’s plan
It’s time to arise, and take a stand.
The Bible is the greatest book
Why won’t men into its pages look?
Through it’s power it changes hearts,
It gives lives a brand new start.
Word Time Ministries, offers it to you
Accept it, it will make your life anew.
We come in the name of Jesus
To spread the Gospel to the nation
To save it’s people and make them a new creation
There is victory. The Lord is on our side.
Yes, the time has come, it’s time to arise.
by Matisse Lindo and Michael Schurton
The testing times of life
Unfold in dilemma of a new era-
Children are crying, and people are dying
Lost without hope
Not knowing how to cope.
Now is the time to arise
And make the difference with the living word
It is our shield. It is our sword.
We have made the decision
And this is our mission.
The Word gives us hope. It is our light.
It makes our future secure and bright
The Word has power to
Consume the devil’s plan
It’s time to arise, and take a stand.
The Bible is the greatest book
Why won’t men into its pages look?
Through it’s power it changes hearts,
It gives lives a brand new start.
Word Time Ministries, offers it to you
Accept it, it will make your life anew.
We come in the name of Jesus
To spread the Gospel to the nation
To save it’s people and make them a new creation
There is victory. The Lord is on our side.
Yes, the time has come, it’s time to arise.
How we change lives, By Roxanne Schurton
How we change lives
By Roxanne Schurton
When you receive a calling, an inspiration, a word
When its unlike anything you have ever heard
When purpose is implanted in a mind and heart
When a vision to change lives is the start
When your heart is steadfast and set on fire,
When nothing matters but your ever growing desire
When we recognize there’s no time to rest
And opposition and setbacks are only a test
When challenges come along the way
And the will to work by many seems to stray
When funds are low and the debts are high,
When your struggles are enough to make to cry
When its frustrating to many and a pleasure to a few
When there are just too many things for one person to do
Yet, you can rejoice and continue in ministry
In order to ensure you relieve someone else miser y
So few are willing to get on their knees and pray
And efforts have to be doubled and tripled every day
Even though some have lost their focus
While others cannot understand our God give purpose
It is only then you have a ministry called to save a nation
Destiny bound to proclaim the power of salvation
A ministry that will change lives and glorify the King
inspiring hope, making a difference and real change bring
Obeying the command to spread the word to the nation
Word Time ministries is helping many become a new creation
We are empowered and effect change by continuing what was started
Serving no matter how hard, making the effort wholehearted
Truly there is a cause, changing lives the way we can
By the spirit of the living God and His mighty hand
By Roxanne Schurton
When you receive a calling, an inspiration, a word
When its unlike anything you have ever heard
When purpose is implanted in a mind and heart
When a vision to change lives is the start
When your heart is steadfast and set on fire,
When nothing matters but your ever growing desire
When we recognize there’s no time to rest
And opposition and setbacks are only a test
When challenges come along the way
And the will to work by many seems to stray
When funds are low and the debts are high,
When your struggles are enough to make to cry
When its frustrating to many and a pleasure to a few
When there are just too many things for one person to do
Yet, you can rejoice and continue in ministry
In order to ensure you relieve someone else miser y
So few are willing to get on their knees and pray
And efforts have to be doubled and tripled every day
Even though some have lost their focus
While others cannot understand our God give purpose
It is only then you have a ministry called to save a nation
Destiny bound to proclaim the power of salvation
A ministry that will change lives and glorify the King
inspiring hope, making a difference and real change bring
Obeying the command to spread the word to the nation
Word Time ministries is helping many become a new creation
We are empowered and effect change by continuing what was started
Serving no matter how hard, making the effort wholehearted
Truly there is a cause, changing lives the way we can
By the spirit of the living God and His mighty hand
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Dennis Rushton to appear on BET Jazz
Dennis Rushton to appear on BET Jazz
January 20, 2011
A renowned Jamaican pianist, Dennis Rushton, has been featured among the world's top musicians, appearing on both the BET's Jazz channel and The Word Network , reaching an estimated audience of more than 200 million viewers in more than 150 countries.
He was included on the Best of Pegasus Jazz in the Gardens series, both in December 2008 and in December 2010. He is one of the judges for TVJ's All Together Sing and has performed for celebrities such as Wesley Snipes, Jasmine Guy, Dionne Warrick, and has opened concerts for Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Alvin Slaughter, Shirley Ceasar, Papa San, among others.
In July 1999, Dennis was voted Best Instrumentalist at the Annual Tri-State Music Awards held in Long Island, New York.
In September 2010, he formed the band, The Dennis Rushton Q, which includes experienced musicians such as the lead vocalist Toni-Ann Baker, bass player Paul Madden, drummer James Valentine and guitarist Dwayne Livingston.
Dennis started learning classical piano at nine years old via the Royal Schools of Music programme, but in later years was introduced to other genres by Jon Williams, and was given performance tips from Paulette Bellamy and Marjorie Whylie.
He has entertained audiences in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Grand Cayman, Bahamas, Guyana, Grenada, Trinidad and Dominica.
He is a member of the Pembroke Hall table tennis team and serves as one of the team's executives.
January 20, 2011
A renowned Jamaican pianist, Dennis Rushton, has been featured among the world's top musicians, appearing on both the BET's Jazz channel and The Word Network , reaching an estimated audience of more than 200 million viewers in more than 150 countries.
He was included on the Best of Pegasus Jazz in the Gardens series, both in December 2008 and in December 2010. He is one of the judges for TVJ's All Together Sing and has performed for celebrities such as Wesley Snipes, Jasmine Guy, Dionne Warrick, and has opened concerts for Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Alvin Slaughter, Shirley Ceasar, Papa San, among others.
In July 1999, Dennis was voted Best Instrumentalist at the Annual Tri-State Music Awards held in Long Island, New York.
In September 2010, he formed the band, The Dennis Rushton Q, which includes experienced musicians such as the lead vocalist Toni-Ann Baker, bass player Paul Madden, drummer James Valentine and guitarist Dwayne Livingston.
Dennis started learning classical piano at nine years old via the Royal Schools of Music programme, but in later years was introduced to other genres by Jon Williams, and was given performance tips from Paulette Bellamy and Marjorie Whylie.
He has entertained audiences in various countries, including the United States, Canada, Grand Cayman, Bahamas, Guyana, Grenada, Trinidad and Dominica.
He is a member of the Pembroke Hall table tennis team and serves as one of the team's executives.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Natale's story of Healing and Courage...Healed of rare brain tumour
Natale's story of Healing and Courage...Healed of rare brain tumour
Michael Schurton
January 15, 2011
Miracles still do happen. Healing is still an experience for many who truly believe. This is the life changing experience of my friend and neighbour Chris. Today Chris is a living example of a great story of the power of healing and the display of courage. Natale Aiello, affectionately called Chris, was faced with a major health crisis four years ago. But today Chris is healthy and strong and enjoying his favourite pastime caring for his garden and ours too.
We have been neighbours for the last five years. Chris, his family and I reside in a wonderful suburb of the Highlands of Castlemore located at the border of the Cities of Brampton and Caledon in Ontario Canada. Last Saturday, January 8, 2011, I was honoured to be invited to a wonderful celebration for Chris, his milestone 65th surprised birthday event. It was a wonderful event filled with emotion, affection, love and respect for a father, husband, uncle, grand-father, friend and neighbour. Not only that the hall was filled with great company and an abundant array of delightful food.
It was indeed a fitting celebration for a great man who has survived so many challenges. Chris was basically active and hard working. But then came a period of testing.
According to his wife, Sylvia Aiello, she recalls that the headaches started about four years ago. She said that her husband Natale would cry out in pain, day and night.
They spent a year in and out of emergency rooms and specialty clinics trying to find out what was wrong. Nothing worked. Then they discovered St. Michael’s Foundation. St. Michael’s Foundation supports the extraordinary work of one of the largest and best teaching hospitals in Canada, St. Michael’s Hospital. St. Michael’s Foundation helps the hospital fulfill its mission as Toronto’s Urban Angel, providing compassionate, innovative care for all in need.
And indeed Chris truly discovered compassionate and innovative care at St. Michael’s Hospital.
Chris and his family now have high praise and tremendous respect for the people at St. Michael’s. Today they call Dr. Jennifer Anderson and Dr. Michael Cusimano “miracle workers.” That’s because Dr. Cusimano knew the right tests to administer. And these tests led to an accurate diagnosis – an extremely rare chordoma brain tumour that literally invades the spinal column and replaces it with a tumour growth.
It had gotten so bad that the tumour was actually holding up Natale’s head,” says Sylvia.
Natale underwent three very risky surgeries to remove the tumour. Drs. Anderson and Cusimano worked together to remove the tumour through the nasal cavity, a first-in-the-world procedure. They also did a high-risk spinal fusion operation that, if unsuccessful, Natale would have lost his mobility.
“We are so grateful to Dr. Cusimano and Dr. Anderson who performed a miracle for us. And we’re especially thankful to donors to St. Michael’s – thanks to their generous support, the Hospital had the special equipment they needed to help Natale. In our darkest days, everyone gave us a special gift – hope.”
Sylvia Natale says she is so thankful for the prayers and support of family and friends and many others who gave their support to the family during the ordeal. She also is grateful for the financial donation towards St. Michael’s Foundation. She says “we’re especially thankful to donors to St. Michael’s – thanks to their generous support, the Hospital had the special equipment they needed to help Natale.”
Today Chris is back in his favourite place his garden and also our garden as we lovingly cares for both garden, lawn and drive ways.
Last Saturday he was the first one out to help shovel the snow from the dive way. Then a group of us join in and shovel the drive way.. After that Chris invited us for a drink and we all willing oblige, not letting anything thing on that we would be celebrating with his at his surprise birthday event hours later. Alex, Rob, John and I all had a good time of fun as Chris talked about his birthday and gave us lots of jokes.
Truly there is power in prayer and today we can celebrate the courage of Chris, a man who has survived insurmountable obstacles. Chris is now celebrating a full life also filled with many, many memories too wonderful to ever forget.
Michael Schurton
January 15, 2011
Miracles still do happen. Healing is still an experience for many who truly believe. This is the life changing experience of my friend and neighbour Chris. Today Chris is a living example of a great story of the power of healing and the display of courage. Natale Aiello, affectionately called Chris, was faced with a major health crisis four years ago. But today Chris is healthy and strong and enjoying his favourite pastime caring for his garden and ours too.
We have been neighbours for the last five years. Chris, his family and I reside in a wonderful suburb of the Highlands of Castlemore located at the border of the Cities of Brampton and Caledon in Ontario Canada. Last Saturday, January 8, 2011, I was honoured to be invited to a wonderful celebration for Chris, his milestone 65th surprised birthday event. It was a wonderful event filled with emotion, affection, love and respect for a father, husband, uncle, grand-father, friend and neighbour. Not only that the hall was filled with great company and an abundant array of delightful food.
It was indeed a fitting celebration for a great man who has survived so many challenges. Chris was basically active and hard working. But then came a period of testing.
According to his wife, Sylvia Aiello, she recalls that the headaches started about four years ago. She said that her husband Natale would cry out in pain, day and night.
They spent a year in and out of emergency rooms and specialty clinics trying to find out what was wrong. Nothing worked. Then they discovered St. Michael’s Foundation. St. Michael’s Foundation supports the extraordinary work of one of the largest and best teaching hospitals in Canada, St. Michael’s Hospital. St. Michael’s Foundation helps the hospital fulfill its mission as Toronto’s Urban Angel, providing compassionate, innovative care for all in need.
And indeed Chris truly discovered compassionate and innovative care at St. Michael’s Hospital.
Chris and his family now have high praise and tremendous respect for the people at St. Michael’s. Today they call Dr. Jennifer Anderson and Dr. Michael Cusimano “miracle workers.” That’s because Dr. Cusimano knew the right tests to administer. And these tests led to an accurate diagnosis – an extremely rare chordoma brain tumour that literally invades the spinal column and replaces it with a tumour growth.
It had gotten so bad that the tumour was actually holding up Natale’s head,” says Sylvia.
Natale underwent three very risky surgeries to remove the tumour. Drs. Anderson and Cusimano worked together to remove the tumour through the nasal cavity, a first-in-the-world procedure. They also did a high-risk spinal fusion operation that, if unsuccessful, Natale would have lost his mobility.
“We are so grateful to Dr. Cusimano and Dr. Anderson who performed a miracle for us. And we’re especially thankful to donors to St. Michael’s – thanks to their generous support, the Hospital had the special equipment they needed to help Natale. In our darkest days, everyone gave us a special gift – hope.”
Sylvia Natale says she is so thankful for the prayers and support of family and friends and many others who gave their support to the family during the ordeal. She also is grateful for the financial donation towards St. Michael’s Foundation. She says “we’re especially thankful to donors to St. Michael’s – thanks to their generous support, the Hospital had the special equipment they needed to help Natale.”
Today Chris is back in his favourite place his garden and also our garden as we lovingly cares for both garden, lawn and drive ways.
Last Saturday he was the first one out to help shovel the snow from the dive way. Then a group of us join in and shovel the drive way.. After that Chris invited us for a drink and we all willing oblige, not letting anything thing on that we would be celebrating with his at his surprise birthday event hours later. Alex, Rob, John and I all had a good time of fun as Chris talked about his birthday and gave us lots of jokes.
Truly there is power in prayer and today we can celebrate the courage of Chris, a man who has survived insurmountable obstacles. Chris is now celebrating a full life also filled with many, many memories too wonderful to ever forget.
Natale's story of Healing and Courage...Healed of rare brain tumour
Natale's story of Healing and Courage...Healed of rare brain tumour
Michael Schurton
January 15, 2011
Miracles still do happen. Healing is still an experience for many who truly believe. This is the life changing experience of my friend and neighbour Chris. Today Chris is a living example of a great story of the power of healing and the display of courage. Natale Aiello, affectionately called Chris, was faced with a major health crisis four years ago. But today Chris is healthy and strong and enjoying his favourite pastime caring for his garden and ours too.
We have been neighbours for the last five years. Chris, his family and I reside in a wonderful suburb of the Highlands of Castlemore located at the border of the Cities of Brampton and Caledon in Ontario Canada. Last Saturday, January 8, 201, I was honoured to be invited to a wonderful celebration for Chris, his milestone 65th surprised birthday event. It was a wonderful event filled with emotion, affection, love and respect for a father, husband, uncle, grand-father, friend and neighbour. Not only that the hall was filled with great company and an abundant array of delightful food.
It was indeed a fitting celebration for a great man who has survived so many challenges. Chris was basically active and hard working. But then came a period of testing.
According to his wife, Sylvia Aiello, she recalls that the headaches started about four years ago. She said that her husband Natale would cry out in pain, day and night.
They spent a year in and out of emergency rooms and specialty clinics trying to find out what was wrong. Nothing worked. Then they discovered St. Michael’s Foundation. St. Michael’s Foundation supports the extraordinary work of one of the largest and best teaching hospitals in Canada, St. Michael’s Hospital. St. Michael’s Foundation helps the hospital fulfill its mission as Toronto’s Urban Angel, providing compassionate, innovative care for all in need.
And indeed Chris truly discovered compassionate and innovative care at St. Michael’s Hospital.
Chris and his family now have high praise and tremendous respect for the people at St. Michael’s. Today they call Dr. Jennifer Anderson and Dr. Michael Cusimano “miracle workers.” That’s because Dr. Cusimano knew the right tests to administer. And these tests led to an accurate diagnosis – an extremely rare chordoma brain tumour that literally invades the spinal column and replaces it with a tumour growth.
It had gotten so bad that the tumour was actually holding up Natale’s head,” says Sylvia.
Natale underwent three very risky surgeries to remove the tumour. Drs. Anderson and Cusimano worked together to remove the tumour through the nasal cavity, a first-in-the-world procedure. They also did a high-risk spinal fusion operation that, if unsuccessful, Natale would have lost his mobility.
“We are so grateful to Dr. Cusimano and Dr. Anderson who performed a miracle for us. And we’re especially thankful to donors to St. Michael’s – thanks to their generous support, the Hospital had the special equipment they needed to help Natale. In our darkest days, everyone gave us a special gift – hope.”
Sylvia Natale says she is so thankful for the prayers and support of family and friends and many others who gave their support to the family during the ordeal. She also is grateful for the financial donation towards St. Michael’s Foundation. She says “we’re especially thankful to donors to St. Michael’s – thanks to their generous support, the Hospital had the special equipment they needed to help Natale.”
Today Chris is back in his favourite place his garden and also our garden as we lovingly cares for both garden, lawn and drive ways.
Last Saturday he was the first one out to help shovel the snow from the dive way. Then a group of us join in and shovel the drive way. After that Chris invited us for a drink and we all willing oblige, not letting anything thing on that we would be celebrating with his at his surprise birthday event hours later.
Truly there is power in prayer and today we can celebrate the courage of Chris, a man who has survived insurmountable obstacles. Chris is now celebrating a full life also filled with many, many memories too wonderful to ever forget.
Michael Schurton
January 15, 2011
Miracles still do happen. Healing is still an experience for many who truly believe. This is the life changing experience of my friend and neighbour Chris. Today Chris is a living example of a great story of the power of healing and the display of courage. Natale Aiello, affectionately called Chris, was faced with a major health crisis four years ago. But today Chris is healthy and strong and enjoying his favourite pastime caring for his garden and ours too.
We have been neighbours for the last five years. Chris, his family and I reside in a wonderful suburb of the Highlands of Castlemore located at the border of the Cities of Brampton and Caledon in Ontario Canada. Last Saturday, January 8, 201, I was honoured to be invited to a wonderful celebration for Chris, his milestone 65th surprised birthday event. It was a wonderful event filled with emotion, affection, love and respect for a father, husband, uncle, grand-father, friend and neighbour. Not only that the hall was filled with great company and an abundant array of delightful food.
It was indeed a fitting celebration for a great man who has survived so many challenges. Chris was basically active and hard working. But then came a period of testing.
According to his wife, Sylvia Aiello, she recalls that the headaches started about four years ago. She said that her husband Natale would cry out in pain, day and night.
They spent a year in and out of emergency rooms and specialty clinics trying to find out what was wrong. Nothing worked. Then they discovered St. Michael’s Foundation. St. Michael’s Foundation supports the extraordinary work of one of the largest and best teaching hospitals in Canada, St. Michael’s Hospital. St. Michael’s Foundation helps the hospital fulfill its mission as Toronto’s Urban Angel, providing compassionate, innovative care for all in need.
And indeed Chris truly discovered compassionate and innovative care at St. Michael’s Hospital.
Chris and his family now have high praise and tremendous respect for the people at St. Michael’s. Today they call Dr. Jennifer Anderson and Dr. Michael Cusimano “miracle workers.” That’s because Dr. Cusimano knew the right tests to administer. And these tests led to an accurate diagnosis – an extremely rare chordoma brain tumour that literally invades the spinal column and replaces it with a tumour growth.
It had gotten so bad that the tumour was actually holding up Natale’s head,” says Sylvia.
Natale underwent three very risky surgeries to remove the tumour. Drs. Anderson and Cusimano worked together to remove the tumour through the nasal cavity, a first-in-the-world procedure. They also did a high-risk spinal fusion operation that, if unsuccessful, Natale would have lost his mobility.
“We are so grateful to Dr. Cusimano and Dr. Anderson who performed a miracle for us. And we’re especially thankful to donors to St. Michael’s – thanks to their generous support, the Hospital had the special equipment they needed to help Natale. In our darkest days, everyone gave us a special gift – hope.”
Sylvia Natale says she is so thankful for the prayers and support of family and friends and many others who gave their support to the family during the ordeal. She also is grateful for the financial donation towards St. Michael’s Foundation. She says “we’re especially thankful to donors to St. Michael’s – thanks to their generous support, the Hospital had the special equipment they needed to help Natale.”
Today Chris is back in his favourite place his garden and also our garden as we lovingly cares for both garden, lawn and drive ways.
Last Saturday he was the first one out to help shovel the snow from the dive way. Then a group of us join in and shovel the drive way. After that Chris invited us for a drink and we all willing oblige, not letting anything thing on that we would be celebrating with his at his surprise birthday event hours later.
Truly there is power in prayer and today we can celebrate the courage of Chris, a man who has survived insurmountable obstacles. Chris is now celebrating a full life also filled with many, many memories too wonderful to ever forget.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Jamaican appointed to Canadian Senate
Jamaican appointed to Canadian Senate
REVEREND Don Meredith has created history in becoming the first Jamaican and the fourth black person to be appointed to the Senate in Canada.
Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper, who announced the appointment of Rev Meredith and former Canadian Football League Commissioner, Larry Smith to the Senate on December 20, said that "both are well regarded and visible figures in their communities, who will bring a wealth of experience in business, philanthropy, sport and community initiatives to their new role as senators".
Rev Don Meredith fills a vacancy in Ontario. Prime Minister Harper said he is looking forward to working with the two new appointees, who "have pledged to support the government in its efforts to make the senate more democratic and accountable, including (passing) legislation to limit senate tenure and to allow provinces to elect their Senators."
Speaking to JIS News recently, Rev Meredith -- who is Pastor of the Pentecostal Praise Centre in Ontario -- said that he was very excited, humbled and proud to serve as a Canadian Senator, and called the appointment a "gift from the Lord".
The 47-year-old, who hails from the parish of St Ann, is a strong community leader and advocate and has volunteered his service to several groups. Among them are Black Community Police Consultative Committee; York Region Police Chief's Advisory Committee; Toronto Police Service Chief's Advisory Service; York Regional Community Police Liaison; Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Consultative Committee; and B'Nai Brith Special Advisory Council to the League for Human Rights.
He is the recipient of many awards for his outstanding work, including the Urban Leadership Award from the Canadian Urban Institute and the Toronto Police Service 13 Division Community Service Award.
The businessman, who owns a landscaping business, is also passionate about assisting young people, which he does through the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Faith Alliance that he co-founded and now serves as Executive Director.
The interfaith group was formed in 2002 in response to the escalating violence among young black males in the community. It places focus on education and recently opened a community centre to train young people in computer software and repair. The goal is to open another 69 centres across the GTA, Rev Meredith said.
"Government agencies and police sometimes don't have the solutions and they are looking to the faith community to lend support rather than throwing negative remarks," the pastor said.
"It's incumbent upon us, when we look at the situation of our young black males being killed that our leaders have got to stand and step up to the plate and say we are not here to criticise, but to help," he added.
According to Rev Meredith, young people are being influenced by negative behaviours, which are pulling them away from the core values of self-respect, self-dignity, self-esteem and pride, and they need guidance in order to realise their true potential.
"They are looking for guidance and someone to love them and appreciate them and sometimes they look for those things in the wrong places. As leaders, we need to become surrogate fathers to those young males and females and teach them how they should present themselves. What's lacking in our society today is that young people are not being raised with the same value system we were raised with," he argued.
Born in Rhoden Hall, St Ann, a stone's throw from the birthplace of reggae icon Bob Marley, Rev Meredith migrated to Canada in 1976 at the age of 12 and committed his life to the Lord two years later. A graduate of Weston Collegiate Institute in Toronto, he attended several post-secondary institutions and holds a master's degree in theology from the California State Christian University.
REVEREND Don Meredith has created history in becoming the first Jamaican and the fourth black person to be appointed to the Senate in Canada.
Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper, who announced the appointment of Rev Meredith and former Canadian Football League Commissioner, Larry Smith to the Senate on December 20, said that "both are well regarded and visible figures in their communities, who will bring a wealth of experience in business, philanthropy, sport and community initiatives to their new role as senators".
Rev Don Meredith fills a vacancy in Ontario. Prime Minister Harper said he is looking forward to working with the two new appointees, who "have pledged to support the government in its efforts to make the senate more democratic and accountable, including (passing) legislation to limit senate tenure and to allow provinces to elect their Senators."
Speaking to JIS News recently, Rev Meredith -- who is Pastor of the Pentecostal Praise Centre in Ontario -- said that he was very excited, humbled and proud to serve as a Canadian Senator, and called the appointment a "gift from the Lord".
The 47-year-old, who hails from the parish of St Ann, is a strong community leader and advocate and has volunteered his service to several groups. Among them are Black Community Police Consultative Committee; York Region Police Chief's Advisory Committee; Toronto Police Service Chief's Advisory Service; York Regional Community Police Liaison; Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Consultative Committee; and B'Nai Brith Special Advisory Council to the League for Human Rights.
He is the recipient of many awards for his outstanding work, including the Urban Leadership Award from the Canadian Urban Institute and the Toronto Police Service 13 Division Community Service Award.
The businessman, who owns a landscaping business, is also passionate about assisting young people, which he does through the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) Faith Alliance that he co-founded and now serves as Executive Director.
The interfaith group was formed in 2002 in response to the escalating violence among young black males in the community. It places focus on education and recently opened a community centre to train young people in computer software and repair. The goal is to open another 69 centres across the GTA, Rev Meredith said.
"Government agencies and police sometimes don't have the solutions and they are looking to the faith community to lend support rather than throwing negative remarks," the pastor said.
"It's incumbent upon us, when we look at the situation of our young black males being killed that our leaders have got to stand and step up to the plate and say we are not here to criticise, but to help," he added.
According to Rev Meredith, young people are being influenced by negative behaviours, which are pulling them away from the core values of self-respect, self-dignity, self-esteem and pride, and they need guidance in order to realise their true potential.
"They are looking for guidance and someone to love them and appreciate them and sometimes they look for those things in the wrong places. As leaders, we need to become surrogate fathers to those young males and females and teach them how they should present themselves. What's lacking in our society today is that young people are not being raised with the same value system we were raised with," he argued.
Born in Rhoden Hall, St Ann, a stone's throw from the birthplace of reggae icon Bob Marley, Rev Meredith migrated to Canada in 1976 at the age of 12 and committed his life to the Lord two years later. A graduate of Weston Collegiate Institute in Toronto, he attended several post-secondary institutions and holds a master's degree in theology from the California State Christian University.
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