Standing (L to R): Marg Rose, Tess Genise, Pat Mowat, Marge Warkentine Sitting (L to R): Ellen Kubay, Marilyn Day, Sylvia Provenski, Teresa Gibbons (Abs. Vi Ouellette)

Sylvia Provenski, President. Sylvia is the program coordinator of the Samaritan House Training Centre in Brandon. She has been on the LPM board of directors for the past three years.She is deeply committed to working towards improving literacy in Manitoba. She is responsible for several exciting computer projects at the Training Centre, including the Computer Software Evaluation. She feels that literacy should include not only reading, writing and math, but also computer skills.

Tess Genise, Vice President. Tess is an auditor at Canada Custom and Revenue Agency in Winnipeg. A great advocate for literacy, she looks forward to her second term on the board and as MCL rep.

Teresa Gibbons, Secretary. Teresa is a curriculum developer and teacher at the Samaritan House Training Centre in Brandon. She also teaches at the Brandon Adult Learning Centre. Teresa has been inspired by the courage and determination of the adult learners she has encountered. She is pleased to be part of an organization that assists these learners by helping to break down some of their barriers to learning.

Marilyn Day, Treasurer. Marilyn is the president of Lifelore Ltd., Winnipeg. She will share with the board her experience of working with students needing special training and support.

Ellen Kubay, Director at Large. Ellen is Education and Promotion Coordinator with Manitoba Canola Growers’ Association. Although not directly in the trenches, she promotes the cause of literacy at work and on the many committees she sits on. She believes that literacy is everyone’s responsibility, and, in her role on the board, she hopes to make a difference.

Pat Mowat, Director at Large. Pat is a case coordinator with Manitoba Family Services. She is a former employment facilitator and teacher.

Marge Warkentin, Director at Large. Marge is a family literacy coordinator in Flin Flon. She will represent Northern issues and concerns on the board. She believes that LPM has the potential to be a crucial voice for the cause of literacy in the province.

Violet Ouellette, Director at Large. Violet is presently working at the Women and Infant Nutrition Program sponsored by the Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre. She will eventually return to instructing a Basic Adult Education class. Violet has always been committed to literacy, having known family members and friends who have experienced barriers because they did not have the opportunity to go to school. She truly admires and respects those who take up the challenge of returning to the classroom.

We were very gratified to see a standing-room only crowd at our breakfast AGM meeting, confirming the wonderful commitment by dedicated workers, learners and tutors. We received with pleasure personal greetings from our sponsors and partners. Partnerships are our raison d’etre. It is a credit to our tireless staff and Board that, with continued community and government support, we continue to grow and move the markers for literacy in Manitoba.

Annual reports were distributed and perused by all at the AGM. Copies will be sent out to any member who calls the office to request one (947-5757). It will also be posted on our website at http://www.nald.ca in January, for your ready reference.

This newsletter showcases some of the exciting presentations which were offered after our AGM. Thank you to all presenters who shared their expertise and innovative projects.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to send a big bouquet to the departing Board members for their volunteer contribution to the governance of LPM during the past two years:

• Past President: Cheryl Campbell, Pembina Valley Learning Centre, Winkler
  
  
• Former Vice President: Joy H. T. So, Manitoba Family Services, Winnipeg
  
  
• Former Secretary: Janet Regehr, Stevenson Britannia Adult Literacy Centre, Winnipeg, and author/researcher
  
  
• Member at Large: Rorie Bruce, Word Has It!, Winnipeg, who continues as the Board liaison to the President’s Advisory Council for the year 2000.