CIC Meetings in November and December

The Rethymnon branch of the Cretan International Community meets on the first Thursday of every month at Svea’s Konditori, Kapetan Lemonia 3, Rethymnon, from 11am. The October meeting will take place on Thursday 02/10/08, and the November meeting will take place on Thursday 06/11/08. Everyone, regardless of membership status is welcome to attend. The CIC coffee mornings are a great way to meet others from the international community, and to find out about up-and-coming local events. The local coordinator for the Rethymnon branch of the CIC is Anna Capernaros. Anna may be reached on 28310 57305. The President of the CIC is Eva Smith, her contact number is 6979 775400. You can find further information about the CIC organization itself on the www.thecic.eu website.

At last month’s CIC meeting we were privileged to be able welcome Pepi Birliraki - Mamalaki, Deputy Mayor of Rethymnon, whose particular departmental brief concerns cultural affairs and tourism. Pepi came to give those of us who acted as volunteers during the Renaissance Festival in July ’award certificates’ on behalf of municipality of Rethymnon. She also gave a lovely speech which emphasized the value of the contribution of the international community to the quality of life in the town. We were very moved, and felt very proud to be living here. Here at the Bugle we offer Pepi our heartfelt thanks for giving up some of her valuable time to come and speak to us.

Update on World Animal Day

Local animal welfare charities Friends of Animals (FAR) and Cat-A-List combined forces to host an event to mark World Animal Day on 4th October. Turnout wasn’t perhaps as high as it might have been, but it was a hot and sticky Saturday, which might partially account for this! Nevertheless, some valuable new contacts were made. Both organisations would like to thank the Scouts for all the hard work they put in on the day. You will find FAR online at the www.animals.rethymnon.org website. The Cat-A-List website is www.cretancatalist.gr

CIC and FAR Christmas Bazaars: See details on our ‘This Month’ Page

Thinking of Stopping Smoking? Read On….

Looking ahead to the New Year: Pete Shepherd, based in Vrysses, Apokoronou, will be running courses devised to help people who want to stop smoking. We hope to be able to provide you with more details about the programme components in our December issue In the meantime, if you are interested in joining, or want to know more, give Pete a ring on 6943683064.

Cancer Support Group

A Cancer Support Group has been formed for people who have been through or who are undergoing treatment for cancer, as well as for someone who has recently lost someone to cancer. These are the needs of the current group. It is a diverse group for now and different groups can be formed later on an "as needed" basis. This is a support group not a therapy group, and confidentiality is a given. There is no fee. Meetings will be held on the first Monday of every month in Georgioupolis, at the Samaria in the square, from 11 AM - 1 pm. Carpooling available from Rethymnon. Any questions or comments can be directed to Chris - 6977559644 or email cparnassus@hotmail.com