By Doreen Marion Gee

In today's stressful and hectic world, it is easy for people to feel isolated and cut off from others. Internet chatrooms and E- mail make it possible to communicate but still not really connect with others. More and more people are ending up alone as marriages end and families are torn apart. More people are on the move with less time to form relationships. This is why Colleen Corley wants to infuse a sense of 'family' back into the community. She is championing a unique new festival for James Bay and Victoria - a "Festival of Families" - to bring people together in a happy and fun - filled event.

Sitting and talking to Colleen, her charm and intelligence were evident. Giving me gentle nudges on the arm, she drew in close to excitedly tell me about her vision. "I want everyone to feel included" she said. Corley is the producer of the "Festival of Families" taking place on September 20 at South Park Family School. And she is a very involved parent at South Park. Our meeting on June 3 was at their mini-festival at South Park- a preview of things to come. She wants the Festival to be for everyone - families, singles, and seniors alike. In December of last year Corley had an epiphany - she was fed up with all of the divisions within our society and she wanted to do something about it. Whether we are young or old, married or alone, we are all in this together. Ultimately, we are all part of the global 'family.'

The Festival of Families in September promises to be an amazing event. It will be very affordable, with low costs for admission, food, and entertainment. There will be ' Kid Zone' activities, a craft fair, and top - notch food from some of the best restaurants. It is worth going just to see the live entertainment - the talented Valdy and Shari Ulrich, and many more. Who knows - a raffle ticket could win you a new car or a Nintendo Wii system. To top it all off, it will be a "green" Festival with a "zero waste" program.

Corley has spent the past months getting many sponsors for her project, and has already raised $190,000 (in kind). She has invited the Prime Minister, the Premier and the Mayor. The Festival is also a way to raise funds for South Park's operating costs. The principal, Jeff Mitchell, is obviously proud of the project: " This is an example of the power of parent participation and what they can do!"

The food was fabulous at the mini - event, including the cake cut by Queen Victoria herself (who looked pretty good despite being dead for many years). The dunking of the principal in a vat of water brought out the kid in me as I screamed along with the ten year olds. I even had a sip of the special blend of "South Park Tea."

Colleen is on the right track - a day for people to feel like they are connected to others. "We want to get the whole community together to make sure that nobody feels alone." Sounds good to me.

Photos by Barry Behnke