November/December 2008
It’s been a busy fall for Literacy and Basic Skills agencies in Ottawa as we try to absorb the changes that are occurring under the Employment Ontario (EO) umbrella. In October the members of the Local Planning and Coordination Committee met with Christopher Hahn the EO Regional Service Delivery Manager, Field Consultant, Nycol Vinette and other EO staff to discuss Apprenticeship, Second Career Strategy and Employment Benefits and Support Measures.
Since then Chris Hahn has been seconded to assist with the establishment of the new College of Trades and Ginny Cunning is the acting Regional Service Delivery Manager.
To find out more about Ontario’s employment and training network, visit the website at:
http://www.edu.gov.ca/eng/tcu/etlanding.html
Isobel Bisby who recently retired as Executive Director of Alternative Learning Styles and Outlooks, received the 2008 Frances Lever Memorial Award from the Ontario Literacy Coalition on October 8 in Toronto. She was nominated by Kim Oastler from ALSO and Chris Girard from People, Words & Change.
Isobel is respected by colleagues, staff, board members and students for her innovation and leadership, and for her work as an advocate for the students whose lives she has touched. With gusto and astounding energy, she initiated many innovative program ideas. Thanks to her efforts, ALSO not only serves a wide range of adult students but has a strong presence as a provider of Family Literacy services such as RAPP, the Reading and Parents Program.
Isobel sees in learners what they may not see in themselves, and persists in believing in them until they come to realize their own potential. In the words of one learner, “She stands behind you even if you cannot stand behind yourself. She believes in you 200%. I am really glad that Isobel saw something in me that I could not – for that I thank her.”
Even though she has “retired” Isobel continues to help with fundraising at ALSO and as a member of OCCL’s Board of Directors.
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The Community Works Handbook and Guide are now available online at www.occl.ca. See page twelve for more information on this innovative resource.
Mark your calendars! The Ottawa Public Library will kick off Family Literacy week with a fun-filled event at the Main Branch on Sunday, January 25. To end the week, the Canada Aviation Museum is also holding a special public event on Friday, January 30. See page fourteen for more information.
And, don't forget about the Family Literacy Day Challenge and the Suzanne Pinel Book Award. For information, eliglibility criteria and entry forms, visit www.occl.ca and click on Family Literacy.
Last, but not least, we wish all of you the best of the season and a very happy new year! Perhaps you'll try our Festive Fudge Wreath recipe enclosed with this issue.
Warm Wishes, Mary and Maureen
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