January 2010 NewsletterMarch 5, 2010
January, 2010
An update from the Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation Learning Centres for Children –
Success Stories
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life
as by the obstacles which he has overcome.
Booker
I picked up an amazing treasure at the IDA bookstore in November: Dyslexia Wonders. Jennifer Smith wrote this book, describing what is was like growing up with dyslexia, when she was 12 years old. Her story parallels the stories of many of the children at our Centre and focuses greatly on her experiences at the Scottish Rite Learning Center in
Closer to home, I read an inspiring account in “The Chronicle Herald” this week about Joachim Stroink. As owner of the Trail Shop, Mr. Stroink has shown incredible creativity in his business approach and a tremendous commitment to the community of which he is part. He is also the president of the Learning Disabilities Association of Nova Scotia and a dyslexic who has attention deficit disorder. What a wonderful example for our children.
And, speaking of our children, I want to somehow communicate the level of success that has come from the efforts of children and tutors within our four walls. I had the unexpected privilege of sharing ‘report card day’ with three of our children and their parents. You have to realize that, for many of our children, this day has not been an especially happy one in times past. So imagine: the long sought after “B” in reading… a junior high report card that was “all A’s” … a mark in the 90’s in grade nine English – accompanied by tears of joy and pride, bouncing enthusiasm, high fives and hugs, or a modest smile and shrug. The feelings of success were tangible and truly cause for celebration.
The road to success is often quite twisty, with bumps and detours along the way, but we rarely travel alone and for your companionship to all on this journey, I give thanks.
Thelma Gregan, Director
CENTRE CALENDAR
February 3, 6:40 – 7:40 PM LDANS Caregiver Support Group,
February 6, 10 AM Tutors meet
February 26-27 – Barbara here for Training, Testing and Observations
BOOK WORM
You will remember that I challenged this community to encircle our Centre with bookworm segments during 2009. We have almost made it and I feel no guilt in extending that deadline, just a little, to compensate for the time missed during renovations! I’m sure some of you did some extra reading over the holidays – email me your titles and watch for a progress report next month. We are almost ready to round the last corner!
RECYCLING AND
Centre regulars are encouraged to check out the sharing bookcase in our entry way. The idea is to take away something that looks interesting to you, or leave behind a book that you have already enjoyed. It doesn’t need to be an exchange – just a chance to share.
In keeping with that environmentally friendly theme, The Centre now has an account at Karen’s Recycling at 807 Main St. in Dartmouth. You can drop your refundable drinking containers there and have the money credited to our account.
CENTRE CELEBRITIES
Just like the bookworm, our Learning Centre family is growing too! As new families and volunteers become part of our community, we invite you to pick up an introduction sheet from the reception area and tell us a little more about yourself. Over the next months we will profile the people who are part of our community on the “Centre Celebrities” bulletin board. Take time to read through the binder and learn a little bit more about the people that are part of this great Centre!
GOOD NEWS!
Centre Volunteer, Shelley Graham, is putting some energy into another great project these days. Shelley has signed up for a “Joints in Motion” relay to be held in
Congratulations to Centre Friend, Carson Jackson, who will be inducted to the Rev. Dr. W.P. Oliver Wall of Honour on February 13. Each year, since 1994, the Black Cultural Society of Nova Scotia has selected African Nova Scotian unsung heroes to be recognized for their contribution to our society and this year
Congratulations also go to Board Member, Paul Frank, for his recent appointment as Vice Chair with the Board of the Shriners’ Hospital in
Tune your dials to CBC radio and hear Centre Graduate, Heather Armstrong as she joins a panel of her peers in “Young Canada Reads”. This lively debate will result in the selection of one ‘must read’ book for all Canadian teens. Way to go, Heather!
MARVELOUS MUGS
Once again, our Centre mugs will be dressed up with cookies and chocolate for Valentine’s Day. Purchase one of these for your valentine – or just to take a little piece of the Centre home with you! $10, while supplies last!
Contact Us
Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of
Learning Centres for Children – Halifax
1A
Phone (902) 405-3895
Email: thelma@srlcfc.com
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