CIC Meetings in October and November

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.

Friends of Animals Rethymno: Important News

As some of you may already know, FAR has recently put a temporary hold on certain activities—this is mainly due to debts that have accrued over the past six months. On the positive side, this has given FAR breathing space to evaluate the many projects currently already underway. and to reassess the needs of their growing association. FAR believes that aside from dealing with emergencies, there should be long-term strategies in place that seek to address the root of the problem of animal welfare in the region. The focus at the moment is on education, legislation and information, and in making renewed efforts to persuade the local authorities to become more actively involved. As we went to press, talks had begun between FAR and both the Prefecture and the Municipality.

Whilst FAR is balancing the books they will of course continue with ongoing projects and current commitments—to find out more details about these and for information about how you can help the organisation, please see the www.animals.rethymnon.org website. You will also find a link to the FAR website via the www.rethymnon.biz website.

Christina Stylanides from FAR says: ‘We are all very willing to carry on with the huge problem of animal welfare here in the Rethymno Prefecture, but we need time to re-group, reassess and re-energise, and to hopefully get the local authorities to take us seriously at last and begin to ACTIVELY support us. We have heard a lot of words over the last nine years. It is now time for action!’ We will keep you updated on FAR’S progress in future editions of the Bugle

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