The New Leaf Learning Centre enjoyed its 5th Anniversary at its location at the Alexander McKenzie Church 800 Mackay Street with the theme of “Literacy is Life.” It was a special opportunity to thank everyone who cares about literacy. There are several unique volunteers who have contributed much to improving and highlighting the importance of reading and books in our community
Lorna Layton is an author, book lover and storyteller and no stranger to those who have frequented the library in the past. Now retired, she helps others navigate the library on-line book requests system and is willing to help anyone find specific books. Books are her passion! You may have noticed a table in the library marked “Lorna’s Picks”; she orders recommended books by her for others to enjoy. As Chair of the Bella Coola Valley Learning Society, she has assisted in running the organization and, beyond that, has been a volunteer tutor for over a decade.
Gail Moody has been an avid reader all her life and shares this love with all children including, of course, her grandchildren. As director of “Healthy Beginnings”, she is able to spread her enthusiasm to the whole community of little people and their parents. Joined with her staff, reading, books, puppets, songs and games have launched many children into the imaginary world of literature. She also is a founding member of the Bella Coola Valley Literacy Task group that supports literacy efforts throughout the community. Her current project is underway; one she has been scheming about for a long time. Nuxalk Song and dance for children will soon be available on DVD for families to encourage Nuxalk Language in everyday life.
Darlene Rivers- Mack has volunteered at every Family Literacy Fair for six years. She is hard to find at times as she is always busy helping children with their reading skills in several schools. She is a trained volunteer tutor at the New Leaf Learning Centre, realizing these skills will help her as well as others. She talks freely about her experience in residential school and is doing her best to eliminate the residual effects. Her latest undertaking is to further her studies in the home based “Arrowmight” program that her own band in Squamish is paying for. She enjoys learning the variety of topics in this interesting self-paced program. She is a role model for learning and always seeking to learn more.
The New Leaf Learning Centre wishes to thank everyone who has supported its programs and work toward a more literate community.