Invests in Literacy
Demystifying Adult Literacy for Volunteer Tutors is available, thanks to the generous contribution of Investors Group who reprinted 250 copies. We are grateful to Richard Irish, Vice President of Corporate and Community Affairs and Jan Brown, his Administrative Assistant, for their patience and kind support. Those of you who work in the field know the value of this guide in working with adult leamers. To order/pick up your guides, call Literacy Partners of Manitoba (947-5757).
International Literacy Day, A "Weekend" of Celebrations
What began as a celebration of International Literacy Day, September 8th, ended in a weekend celebration which included something for everyone. Highlights of this weekend were:
September 7, Country, Country, Country
A country style dinner, auction of celebrity performers' items and foot-tapping dance with Curtis Grambo and The New Ryders was held to benefit the Dauphin Adult Learning Centre.
September 8, Margaret Laurence Volunteer Literacy Tutor Award
Based on the membership needs assessment, recognition emerged as a key issue. We listened. An award ceremony was held on the steps of the Margaret Laurence Home in Neepawa to pay tribute to two outstanding literacy workers: Rosemary Prior, a tutor/ instructor at Samaritan House in Brandon and Joan Cheyne from Selkirk Adult Learning Centre. Chosen from an outstanding array of committed Manitobans, these individuals were honoured for their commitment to help adults improve their reading, writing and numeracy skills. The worthy recipients were presented with medallions and artwork commissioned from an adult learner, Rick Pelletier.
September 9, Literacy Partners of Manitoba's Open House and Gala Dinner
Food for Thought was the theme and those who attended the Open House will agree that they were all great thinkers. Sumptuous trays of shrimp, delicate sandwiches, luscious fruits, crisp vegetables, delectable cakes and Fatima's special punch recipe made this a memorable event. Highlights included a ribbon cutting ceremony, unveiling of Literacy Partners "Wall of Fame" of literacy supporters, and a demonstration of the CD ROM Lap Top Computer.
The Gala Dinner (held at Grapes Restaurant on Main) with our M.C., witty and charming Ron Robinson of CBC Radio featured:
A fabulous four course dinner
Greetings from: The Honourable Yvon Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba,- David Walker, Honourable Member for Winnipeg North Centre; Ms. Jean Friesen, Education Critic; Ms. Mary Lou Kuxhouse, the Director of Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Unit and Barb St. Goddard, President of the Board of Literacy Partners of Manitoba.
Guest Speakers: The Minister of Education & Training, Linda Mcintosh spoke of the importance of literacy programs filling in the gap in education. Rob Sarginson, focused on his research and the positive news in the IALS report. Eva Wiseman, our featured speaker and author of A Place Not Home, moved the audience with her account of her own experience as a refugee, ESL instructor, journalist and author.
Presentations
* Special cancellation stamp and first day covers by Brian Garagan of Canada Post to Executive Director, Marg Rose
* Proceeds from the 1996 Peter Gzowski Golf Tournament for Literacy, to Literacy Partners of Manitoba by PGI Chair Kerry Knudsen
* Recent publication for tutors by author Junita Kirby of the Pembina Valley Learning Centre to the Adult Literacy and Basic Skills Unit Provincial Literacy Trainer, Judy Baker and Bonita Cobb, Librarian for Literacy Partners of Manitoba.
Public Acknowledgement of three outstanding corporate supporters:
* Matsushita Electric of Canada, for the donation of a Panasonic laptop computer, laser printer and telephone answering machine
* Investors Group, for the donation of printing services of 250 copies of Demystifying Adult Literacy for Volunteer Tutors
* Mandoba Telephone System and its Telephone Pioneers of America, local chapter 50, committed to developing a training program for LEARN helpline operators
The evening concluded with the solicitation of signatures to a huge banner, and music of Plains Salt, a Manitoba group consisting of (Lloyd Thomas, Nancy Eibner,Glen Antonio, Blair Mahaffy). Their lively entertainment provided an upbeat ending to a successful evening.
Mark our calendars for 1997 as we celebrate our 10 year anniversary
Hats Off to Our Business Supporters
Literacy Partners would like to thank Pastels Restaurant and Pockets Bar and Grill for donating the delicious appetizer trays that made our Open House so delightful.
Bouquets and Onions
Bouquets to:
Buzz Lamond of Canada Post Corporation, for his patience and kindness. Mr. Lamond invested his time and effort to promote customized first day covers and the literacy stamp at our Open House and Gala Dinner. His thoughtful advice and good will made working with Canada Post Corporation a great pleasure.
Eva WisemanEva Wiseman, our featured speaker whose words were an inspiration and family attendance helped swell our coffers.
Ron Robinson, whose wit, charm and incredible skill made a packed evening flow smoothly. Inundated with last minute changes, Ron remained cool and even promised to do it again next year!
Lieutenant Commander Nick Sionoskyand LieutenantColonel Malcolm Joyce, Aide-de-Camp for the Lieutenant Governor, for providing information on protocol for the Gala Dinner
Joe Dudych from CBC for providing a first rate sound system under difficult circumstances and for not complaining about eating alone
Laurie Wood of CBC for arranging the donation of a sound system and services of sound technician, Joe Dudych
Pembina Valley Learning Centre who brought two vans full of literacy supporters, including their MLA, Mr. Peter George Dyck to our Open House and Gala Dinner.
Ellie Snowball, Jasmin Singh, Jennifer Leffer, Chariene Lipka, Cheryl Campbell, Linda Bloom, Roberta Hewson, Barb St.Goddard, our enthusiastic volunteers who helped make the Open House and Gala Dinner a huge success.
Fatima Soares for her exquisite cake and wonderful punch recipe!
 |
 |
