910 Cadet Group is expanding nicely due to a push for new members. The group meets in Newmarket on Thursday evenings. Do you know anyone who would like to join this group? Call the branch and for additional information.

2006 has been an exciting year for us with the introduction of new CPR protocols handed down from the Heart & Stroke Association. As a result of these changes we have some exciting new changes to our courses in the form of new Student Reference Guides, new audio visual training materials and a fresh new approach to course delivery. In addition, a new course has been added; CPR Level B is a general knowledge course providing CPR rescue for all ages. The new Standard First + Level B CPR is WSIB approved and therefore is a wonderful incentive for workers with families.

The Therapy Dog Divisions continue to grow and the demand for their services increases daily. In addition to the weekly visits made by the volunteers with their dogs, many volunteers participate in the Dog Bite Prevention Program in schools and with special interest groups. Since September, over 350 children have enjoyed the program and 400 children are booked for the coming months. The Reading Program at the Newmarket Public Library is also continuing this Fall. Each Sunday several children with reading difficulties or other self-esteem issues have an opportunity to read to a therapy dog. The dog is non-judgemental and enjoys listening to the child. Approximately 40 members and their dogs will be attending the Holiday Show at the International Centre November 17-19/06. Come see us at the Children's Village at the Holiday Show. At the beginning of October about 30 dogs attended the church blessing of the dogs. 2006 has been a busy year for the Therapy Dogs members with their celebrity status gaining them attention at all the various events in which they participate. For more information about becoming involved in this program email the branch office.

Progress is being made with pandemic planning. Several agencies in York Region besides St. John Ambulance are involved in the project.

We are pleased to have acquired a gator for use at community events. The gator is indispensable for search and rescue, and of course transport. The trailer is always ready for disaster response. It can be set up anywhere with full power from the generator and be maintained as an active dispatch area. Look for it at major community events such as the Markham Fair and Persechini Run for Easter Seals. Once again, the Markham Fair was a successful event with the help of our many dedicated volunteers who manned the first aid post and patrolled the grounds. We thank all those who volunteered their time and skills.

The OPP and Ontario Safety League have given recognition to the SJA car seat program. Car Seat Clinics continue to draw great numbers of concerned parents and grandparents. The schedule for 2007 will soon be posted. We are still looking for volunteers who can assist us at these clinics. Our children need to be protected to the best of our ability while passengers in motor vehicles. Do you know anyone who might be interested in becoming a Car Seat Technician? Please call the branch for more information. This has been a banner year for the Car Seat Team inspecting approximately 1300 seats to date.

If you or anyone you know is interested in offering their services as patient care providers as an adult or youth, please call our branch office. The wonderful part of a volunteer organization is you.

2007 dates have been set for two very popular events. The annual Awards Banquet is slated for April 27 and the SJA Picnic is September 22. Please mark these dates on your calendar and plan to attend.

Our thanks go out to all those businesses that have chosen St. John Ambulance to provide their employees with first aid and CPR training.To mention just a few of companies and organisations, we thank CIBC, TD Canada Trust, Scotiabank, Winners, Blockbuster Video, The Forzani Group, HBC, the OPP, RCMP and the Department of National Defence.