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Life of Learning Awards (the LOLAs) 2005

C-CALA created the Life of Learning Awards six years ago to honour outstanding contributors to lifelong learning in Calgary. These awards, affectionately known as the LOLA's, are presented annually in three categories. Each spring we honour an adult learner for remarkable commitment, curiosity and courage in learning. We recognize one instructor and one program designer or director for their dedication and significant and innovative accomplishments in the field of lifelong learning.

Again this year, the 2005 LOLA recipients were chosen from a field of dedicated adult learning champions. With great pleasure we celebrated these three inspiring people at our annual general meeting and awards ceremony in March. Each received our traditional LOLA award: a unique hand-carved and polished serpentine stone sculpture from Zimbabwe. The 2005 LOLA recipients are:

Greg MacIntyre - 2005 Life of Learning Award – Adult Learner

LOLA recipient Greg MacIntyre

Greg MacIntyre, who originates from Cape Breton, has had an interesting but challenging life of learning so far. He has been a coal miner, mortician, emergency medical technician and construction worker and is now a certified life skills instructor. Through the early years of his working life Greg struggled with and overcame various addictions. His recovery brought about an interest in helping other individuals meet their own challenges. Greg has worked as a Life Skills Instructor at MCC Employment Development since 1998 and also teaches at the Mustard Seed. His participants consistently rate his classes among their favourites. His enthusiasm for learning and life impresses students and coworkers alike. In recent years he has become certified in Control Theory, Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Quantum Physics as it relates to human relations. This training required hundreds of hours and months of training but this presented no obstacle to Greg, who refuses to let potential barriers like cost, time or travel get in his way. Greg is committed to lifelong learning. As one coworkers put it, “To him, life is about working through the tough times, learning from your mistakes, constantly improving and growing and then sharing your knowledge with others.“
Congratulations Greg!

Abbas Ali Behmanesh - 2005 Life of Learning Award – Instructor/Facilitator

LOLA recipient Abbas Ali Behmanesh
Ali Behmanesh has been a teacher and tutor in Bow Valley College’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Unit for three years. Ali works with a diverse range of Deaf adult learners, assisting with basic literacy through to preparation for technical training or university. For the higher academic students Ali developed curriculum for a course called ASL for Academic Purposes. This course focuses on Deaf Culture and History while helping students to bridge learning in a hearing environment. Ali is well connected with the Deaf community both locally and provincially and he volunteers for several organizations. In 2003 Ali created, produced and directed a musical dance fundraiser called Rock of ASL. Interestingly, all the dancers, including Ali, are Deaf. The funds raised helped four students visit Gallaudet University in Washington DC, the only university in the world for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. One of these students is now applying to continue his education there. Ali is passionate about teaching but also has a more specific mission. He wants students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing to be proud of their culture and their heritage. A student described the effect of Ali’s commitment to this mission, “Ali has taught me by example, how to be an achiever with my academic goals and aspirations in the Hearing World… He taught me how to be respectful of the diversity of people and boundaries they may set. Ali has also allowed me to increase my self-esteem on a day-to-day level by attending his class about Deaf Culture and Awareness.”
Congratulations Ali!

Nancy Bain - 2005 Life of Learning Award – Director/Designer

LOLA recipient Nancy Bain
Nancy Bain has worked at the City of Calgary since 1989. She started out as a Community Recreation Coordinator and from the beginning has been a strong advocate for increasing staff’s capacity through learning. In 1998 she received her Masters degree in Continuing Education, specializing in adult learning in the workplace. An exceptional example of a modern adult learner, Nancy undertook the challenge of being one of the first students in this distance-education master’s program while continuing her work at the City. In 2001 Nancy became the Learning and Development Coordinator for Community and Neighborhood Services (CNS). She immediately began introducing new learning opportunities to staff. Over the next two years Nancy’s persistent advocacy brought about an employee learning program that went far beyond simple training. CNS now leads the way at the City with a learning and development strategy and plan for staff that includes learning opportunities such as Adult Learning Foundations and Powerful Professionals, an annual Learning @ Work Week, and an employee orientation program. Nancy’s colleagues and coworkers sing her praises as they reap the benefits of participating in both e-learning and traditional learning. Here is Nancy’s philosophy in her own words: “ To grow in our jobs and our family lives requires that we keep on growing and learning long after our formal schooling is done. An appetite for continuous learning, in combination with an insatiable curiosity, is what will propel you steadily forward in good times and bad.”
Congratulations Nancy!

Life of Learning Awards (the LOLAs) 2004
Donald Patterson - 2004 Life of Learning Award – Adult Learner

Donald has lived in Calgary all his life. He is an active volunteer, donating his time to the Between Friends Association and the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary. Although Donald is a man with many talents, he has struggled because of his difficulty speaking.

Late in 2002 Donald decided to learn sign language. This new skill brought more people into his life and gave him confidence; but Donald wanted more.

Motivated by his success, Donald built a system for communicating with the broader community by creating a book of visual cues relevant to his life. Donald was now able to introduce himself, ask and answer questions, order his own coffee and participate in conversations.

After several months of using and revising this system, Donald had an opportunity to try a Tech II voice output communication device. Just a month ago he fulfilled a life goal of being a public speaker when, using this device, he gave a talk at a Developmental Disability Resource Centre orientation. Since then, Donald has given two more speeches. In the words of nominator Jackie Kimmel, “He is an inspiration to others that struggle to make themselves heard and is a testimony to the power of possibility and determination.”

Congratulations Donald!


	LOLA recipient Donald Paterson along with his family and staff from the Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre Left to Right Doug Tryon (DDRC), Jackie Kimmel (DDRC), Donald Paterson, Carol Taylor, Wayne Taylor

Sharon Christie - 2004 Life of Learning Award – Instructor/Facilitator

Sharon coordinates the Grace Women's Health Resources Outreach Program. Since she started in 2002, the five-year-old program has almost doubled in size. The Grace's manager, Mary Bobey explains, “She saw the potential of the program and rapidly began to expand its services.” This past year Sharon facilitated more than 230 health education presentations, reaching 7,000 marginalized women.

Workshop topics include parenting, family violence, and cervical health. Sharon takes her program to agencies that serve women at risk: women in poverty, those in conflict with the law, women in shelters, women with mental illness, and immigrant women with low literacy.

She connects with these learners, tailoring her presentations to fit different settings and responding to individual needs. In describing her approach, one reference letter reads, “Sharon has not only developed wonderful educational material on various topics, she has honed a unique style of delivery. In a very calm tone she unfolds her knowledge in a powerful and convincing way. The participant leaves fulfilled and content, with important knowledge they can make practical use of at home.”

The themes of compassion and creativity weave in and out of Sharon's LOLA nomination; we are pleased to honour her contribution to lifelong learning through this award.

Congratulations Sharon!

LOLA recipient Sharon Christie
and co-workers

Left to Right
  Tammy Nelson,
  Sharon Christie,
  Mary Bobey

Anne Price - 2004 Life of Learning Award – Director/Designer

Dr Anne Price has been CEO of the Calgary Learning Centre since 1996. She is a leader in education promoting lifelong learning, especially for those with learning disabilities. With a PhD in Educational Psychology (Special Education) and several years as a committed advocate of learning, Anne has developed many resources for parents, counselors and educators and is a passionate supporter of educators in training. Anne participates in several community initiatives such as the Learning Disabilities Stakeholders Group (Chair), United Way Children's Initiative and Advisory Committee to the Faculty of Education (U of C).

Many nomination letters commented on her compassion for learners and for her staff at the Learning Centre, “Her focus is on what the learner requires to be successful.” Over the years she has supported the design and implementation of adult learning programs including Parenting the AD/HD Child, Partners for Learning and Life Strategies for Adults with Attention Difficulties.

In the words of another supporter, “Dr. Price's role as chief prompter, facilitator, teacher, guide and critical advisor is acknowledged and appreciated by all who work with her. Her inquiring questions, encouragement, support and modeling help to build the learning and leadership capacity of all who aspire to become master teachers, competent parents and effective leaders.” Anne's leadership will be celebrated with this award.

Congratulations Anne!

LOLA recipient Anne Price
and co-workers

Left to Right
  Susan Maunula,
  Kate Reynolds-Braun,
  Anne Price,
  Anna Kae Todd, and
  Carolyn Meier

Life of Learning Awards (the LOLAs) 2003

With these awards we honour adults who have achieved outstanding results in a part-time adult educational setting, who have shown exceptional skill, creativity and understanding in teaching adults in a non-credit part-time setting, or who have made extraordinary and innovative contributions to the promotion, advancement and development of lifelong learning in Calgary.

2003 Adult Learner: Philippe Gagnon

Philippe Gagnon has been working with the Inside Out Integrated Theatre Project since 1999. Inside Out Theatre enables participants with disabilities to enjoy and benefit from the development of and participation in a training program culminating in a theatre production. Philippe has a brain injury which left him with challenges in walking and motor skills in general, as well as difficulty with speech and comprehension. Around the time he joined Inside Out Theatre he was experiencing many other life transitions. Despite this, not once did he miss a beat in terms of rehearsals and performances. Instead, he brought his sense of humour and invaluable life experience to the performances and to the ambiance of the company as a whole. His work educates the public about disability culture and issues. He is a committed, dedicated and responsible actor who gave 100% to the learning, work and the demands of a tour far from his normal environment and supports. He motivated and inspired his fellow actors and connected with other artists to promote Inside Out. He was a huge part of the success of the 2002 Fringe Festival Tour.

(from left to right: Ruth Bieber, Jeannie Finch, Krista Poole)

2003 Instructor/Facilitator: Ruth Bieber

Ruth Bieber is the legally blind Artistic Director of Inside Out Integrated Theatre Project. Their work is rich and varied and for 12 years Ruth has worked to develop several programs to facilitate the needs of the participants. Ruth creates an environment that is accepting, challenging and very, very fun. Nowhere else in Canada is this type of work being done.

The process by which Ruth creates is first and foremost the physical and emotional safety of the participants. They must believe that they will be supported so that they can do the work that involves trusting and risking. That does not mean they are unchallenged. Each person has roles, responsibilities, and work to do, and regularly has to raise their personal bar. Participants all reach new levels of maturity, confidence and creativity. Society typically views artistic expression as belonging to the very few elite who are able to develop their craft for the purposes of earning a living. Ruth's vision, and the work of the Inside Out Integrated Theatre Project not only dispels that myth but simultaneously gives participants a taste of that status that few experience.

It is an empowering experience that influences all other aspects of their lives. It motivates their peers, surprises themselves and their families, and it changes their lives. The participants become educators, artists and advocates for themselves and others.

(from left to right: Jeannie Finch, Marnie Schaetti, Krista Poole)

2003 Program Designer/Director: Marnie Schaetti

Marnie Schaetti passionately cares about literacy and literacy learners. She has spent many years working in the field of literacy, co-coordinating programs and projects and serving on several literacy boards. In April 2001 Marnie became the Executive Director of AAAL and according to Myra Skerret, long-time staff member, "the organization has experienced incredible growth, excitement and activity under her leadership".

Marnie helped drive the recent and successful merger of the Alberta Association of Adult Literacy and the Literacy Coordinators of Alberta into Literacy Alberta. Now as the Executive Director of this new organization, she continues to support learners in Calgary and across the province. In 2002/2003 Marnie has managed the Calgary Literacy Needs Assessment Project, of which Phase II is currently underway. The results of this research will be instrumental in creating a strategy for effective literacy learning in our city.

Marnie strongly believes that literacy and learners need support and opportunity, and her life's work is dedicated to making this a reality. In support of this dream she's been involved with BLAST (Bureau of Learners from Alberta Speakers Team), where learners are trained in public speaking and presentations so that literacy students can tell their stories to wide audiences. She also manages the Literacy Helpline, connecting learners and volunteers to programs in Calgary and across Alberta.

As Calgarians we are fortunate to have Marnie working, living in and enriching our community. Congratulations!

Life of Learning Awards (the LOLAs) 2002

For three years running, we have presented Life of Learning Awards in three categories. With the award, we honour an adult learner who has achieved outstanding results in a part-time adult educational setting, an instructor or facilitator who has shown exceptional skill, creativity and understanding in teaching adults in a non-credit part-time setting and an educational program director who has made extraordinary and innovative contributions to the promotion, advancement and development of lifelong learning in Calgary. It is our great pleasure to celebrate four delightful people at our annual general meeting and awards ceremony in April 2002. Here they are:

Adult Learner: Janice Shaw
As a young adult, Janice faced many barriers. To name just a few, she was a single mother with a severe learning disability and no high school diploma. A deep desire to create a better life for herself and her child brought Janice to Mount Royal College and then to U of C, where she earned her BSW and spearheaded the creation of services for learning disabled students at the university. She is now a counselor at the Epilepsy Association where she continues to be a lifelong learner, mentor and role model for others overcoming obstacles.

Instructor/Facilitator: Audrey Gates
Audrey is an intervenor for the deafblind. Working with clients one-on-one, Audrey builds relationships with individuals based on mutual respect and care. She has touched many colleagues and clients with her skill and dedication as she helps the deafblind understand and interact with the world. Continuing in her advocacy role, she works at both an individual and systemic level and as a founding member of the Intervenor Association of Alberta.

Program Designer/Director: Celia Osenton and Conrad Murphy
Choosing between Celia and Conrad was completely impossible so we decided to give two awards in this category. Celia's passion is to provide access to quality parenting education for all interested Calgarians. She directs the Family Program at CCIS, a parenting program that has twice won Calgary's Child Magazine's Parents' Choice Award. Celia is also a leader in several groups that promote the importance of healthy family life in building a healthy society.

Conrad's field is workplace learning. As leader of the Business Development division at Bow Valley College, Conrad is nationally recognized as a community educator, partnership builder, policy influencer and researcher in developing essential skills testing tools and curricula in this vital area of learning.

Life of Learning Awards (the LOLAs) 2001

It is one of the great pleasures of our work to celebrate these delightful people each spring at our awards ceremony. This year, our LOLA recipients were chosen from a field of dedicated lifelong learning champions. Here they are:

Adult Learner: Roy Pentland
Roy has been an enthusiastic and successful learner in every course the Transitional Vocational Program at Mount Royal College had to offer him. Although he works full time, he is now giving back to the learning community as a volunteer assistant in the TVP driver's education course. Roy was nominated by Valerie Parrish, Administrator of TVP, a program for adults with developmental disabilities.

Instructor/Facilitator: Geri Marentette
Geri is the coordinator of the Bridges Program at the Elizabeth Fry Society. Working with women in conflict with the law, Geri is personally responsible for helping numerous women make permanent and profound changes in their lives. She is also a strong collaborator outside of her program, creating and sharing with community partners for the good of learners. Jo-Anne Clark and Diane Altwasser, joint agency coordinators of E-Fry, nominated Geri.

Program Designer/Director: Desiree Lopez
Desiree is the program manager (and designer) for the "Pebbles in the Sand" literacy program at Calgary Immigrant Women's Association. The only one of its kind in the world, this program works with immigrant women facing the highest barriers to learning. Outstanding learning outcomes are well documented and both Desiree and the program are receiving international attention. Desiree was nominated by Allison Kelly, a volunteer with CIWA.