H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 by Julie-Lynne Stanhope 14 The Movie Review by Ann Kelly 14...

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 �

Table of Contents

Introduction 4Acknowledgements 5 Board&StaffList 6HRMVolunteerAward 7MessagefromConstanceGlube 7MessagefromDeniseMorley 8MessagefromLauraChannon 9MessagefromRachelLebowitz 10MessagefromLindaOakley 11MessagefromAvrilLewis 11

Stories

Peter’sDreambyPeterWeyo 12MyFirstYearbyBrianMoses 13MaggiebyJulie-LynneStanhope 14TheMovieReviewbyAnnKelly 14Zarghone’sStorybyZarghoneHashemi 15Shola’sStorybyShola 16SwimmingbySpyrosAngelopoulos 16TheStoryoftheAmsterdambyDonaldD’Entremont 16AFishingTripbyEdwardDuval 17LivingOnMyOwnbyHeatherRumsey 17AboutMebyYurubIbrahim 18WhoLearnsMore?byDaveStraj 20Evangaline’sStorybyEvangalineBrown 21GettingGoingbyOceanLongon 21Larry’sWonderfulExperienceattheLibrarybyLarryBird 22TheGovernment:Dr.JekyllorMr.HydebyDereckHyde 22Margaret’sWorldbyMargaretNaboi 23MyFirstChristmasinHalifaxbyLauraMacDonald 24TheToolofaLifetime:ARiddlebyKeithHollett 25IRememberbyMaryThompson 25ThePowerofMusicbyPercyOliver 26AYearofLearningforaTutorbyKitWaters 26

� H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

StoryAboutMyGrandchildrenbyLorraineJones 27GettingFitandHealthybyGraceMacGregor 27IRemember….byVickyIsenor 28ADayinGrandBruitNewfoundlandbyKathyDobson 29ThePowerofMusicbyDouglasH.Oakley 29Percy’sTriptoBostonbyPercyOliver 30TheBossbyCynthiaMacNeil 31LearningtoReadRecipesbyJeanDignard 32TheBigTrucksbyRobertLowe 33APerfectPicnicbyKathyDobson 33MyMovetoHalifaxbyDeborahHemeon 34ThoughtsandViewsonRacismbyShellyFairn 34FriendsbytheHalifaxNorthCommunicationsClass 35MyFavouriteSeasonbyMargaretLeblanc 36TheStoryofCanadabyKennethMcDow 36Roseann’sStorybyRoseannMartell 37ASnowmobileTripbyRickyDory 37MyFirstFishingExperiencebyAlmaMarsman 38MooseHuntingbyRonFarrell 39LearningtoReadbyJocelynMorris 39ALookintoDarlene’sLifebyDarleneCoulstring 40MyGoalbyIssa 41TheCatintheHatbyJamieLoomis 41Leslie’sStorybyLeslieRyan 42MyRainyDayWorkbyMay 42TheWinner’sStorybyRonnieHolesworth 43MyLifeExperiencesinCanadabyPaulOchalla 43Doug’sStorybyDougJamieson 44MyVacationbyAbabaAyele 44TheT-RexbySarahHolesworth 45 SpringbyIrene-AnnHinde 46MyNewHomeonJosephHowebyMelvinJ.Doyle 47HurricaneJuanbyDEM 47It’sBeenaLongJourneybyD.H.Oakley 48Tutor&InstructorTraining 51

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 �

The Halifax Community Learning Network (HCLN) is one of 30 community-based initiatives funded through the Department of Education’s Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning. HCLN offers programs at the Bloomfield Centre, Captain William Spry Public Library, Halifax North Public Library, Keshen

Goodman Public Library and the Spring Garden Road Public Library. If you know someone who needs help improving their literacy skills or are

interested in volunteering, please call contact us at:

422-7648hcln@ns.sympatico.ca

www.hcln.ca

This book is dedicated to Rachel Lebowitz, a greatwriter, teacher and friend of literacy and as always,

to those who volunteer their time to help others.

� H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

ThankyoutothefollowingindividualsandorganizationsthatprovidedtheirsupporttoHCLNthisyearandhelpedtomakethisbookandourprogramspossible:

• HCLNvolunteers:tutors,boardmembersandallofthosewho sharetheirexpertiseandenthusiasmforliteracy • NovaScotiaSchoolforAdultLearningCommunityLearning Initiative • LiteracyNovaScotia • HalifaxPublicLibrary • CanadianVolunteerInitiative-NovaScotia • DartmouthLiteracyNetwork • BloomfieldCentre/OptionsWorkActivity • RoyalBankofCanada • CreditUnionAtlantic • CanadaPost • ArmdaleFairviewRockinghamLionsClub • RotaryClubofHalifax • MinutemanPress • MikeRipley,DalMedstudentbyday,photographerbynight • AspecialthankstoHCLNstaffAvrilLewis,LindaOakley,Laura ChannonandRachelLebowitz-itisyourworkthathelpstoinspire everystoryinthisbook. • AndabigthankyoutoMattLikely,WilGambleandeveryone atMinutemanPressforyourunflaggingpatienceandsupportwith variousHCLNprojects.

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 �

Halifax Community Learning Network Board 2005-06

Honourary Chair ConstanceGlube

ChairJosephBurke

Vice ChairJoshuaJudah

TreasurerMargieNaish-Buchanan&EloiseSurette

SecretaryBettyDobson

Members at Large

EricaButlerGailEllsworth

EttaHammTraceyJones

HCLN Staff 2005-06

Network CoordinatorDeniseMorley

Program CoordinatorsLauraChannon

RachelLebowitzLindaOakley

Classroom InstructorAvrilLewis

� H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

CongratulationstoBettyDobsonwhoreceivedaHalifaxRegionalMunicipalityVolunteerRecognitionAwardduringNationalVolunteerWeek

inApril.BettyisanemployeeofCanadaPostandanactivecommunityvolunteerincludingherworkassecretaryforHCLN.

Constance Glube presents a certificate of thanks to tutor David Trenbirth during the National Volunteer Week party at the Keshen Goodman Public Library.

Message From Honourary Chair Constance Glube

AsamemberoftheBoardoftheHalifaxCommunityLearningNetworkandas theHonoraryChairof theBoard, Iwant tooffermycongratulations toallthelearnerswhocontributedtothe2006yearbook,StepbyStep.Weareveryproudofyouraccomplishments.Formostofyouthishasnotbeenaneasytask,buttheresultsdeserveourapplause.Wonderful!Iknowyouwillcontinuetolearnandprogressinachievingtheindividualgoalsyouhaveset.

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 �

MayIalsothankthemanyvolunteerswhosharetheirknowledgebyteachingothers.Youhavetakenonataskwhichweverymuchappreciate.Youspendmany hours of your timewith your students, but the results, as evidencedby theyearbook,are inpart, the rewardsyou receive forall thatyouhavedoneforyourstudents.Heartiestcongratulations.We lookforward toyourcontinuedparticipationwiththisworthwhileendeavour.

WithouttheworkoftheProgramCoordinators,andourNetworkCoordinator,DeniseMorley,theseliteracyprogramsandtheyearbookwouldnothappen:oursincerethanksforallofyourefforts.Aswecometotheendoftheformallearningyear,Iwishallofthestudentsahappyholiday,butkeeponreadingandlearninguntilyoumeetagaininthefallwithyourtutors.Forthosewhoaremovingonwewishyoueverysuccess.

AlltheBest,Constance Glube

A Message from Network CoordinatorDenise Morley

Another busy year of learning isdrawing to a close and as we readthe many stories of challenge andsuccessinthisyearbook,itiseasytosee thatwehavemuch tobeproudof and celebrate. This year, morethan 170 students and 160 tutorsparticipatedinHCLNprogramsandoverall, HCLN volunteers donatedmore than 6,000 hours of time tohelpingothersimprovetheirliteracyskills.ItishearteningtoknowthatwehavesomuchcommunitysupportatHCLN.Asalways,Iamoverwhelmedbythegenerosityofthosewhoworkasvolunteertutors,boardmembersorcommunitypartners.Thankyouallforyoursupport.Duringtheyear,IhearfromtheCoordinators,tutorsandthelearnersaboutthe

� H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

successesbothgreatandsmall,thattheyachievetogether,butitisespeciallysatisfyingtoreadthepiecescontainedinourannualyearbook.

Toeveryonewhohaswrittenapoemorstorythisyear,thankyouforsharingyourexperienceswithusandbestof luckinreachingyourdreamsstepbystep.Yourcommitmentistrulyinspirational.

HaveawonderfulsummerandseeyouinSeptember!

A Message from Bloomfield Coordinator Laura Channon

This has been a great year atBloomfield. The class andthe building continue to be adynamic place to learn and Ihavegreathopesfornextyearthatwewill continue to buildasagroupandasaprogram.Iwelcomeanyonebackwhostillneeds our services and wishthosewhohavecompletedtheirgoalsgoodluckinthefuture.

Many students made great strides toward their future goals not only intheir reading, writing and math skills but also in computer skills, generalconfidenceandincreasedindependence.Itwasverymotivatingformeasthecoordinatortoseepeopleworksohardthisyearandshowsomuchsupportandappreciationofeachother’sworkaswell.Jobskillsandstudyskillswereamajorpartofthegoalsthatmanystudentsworkedtoward.Iamhappytosaythatprogresswasmadeinthisaswellasotherfronts.

Congratulations to Ron, Ricky and Peter who contributed to this year’scollection of stories. They all share the persistence and determination toimprovetheirskillsandaresupportivetotheothersinclass.

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 1 0

Message from Halifax North and Spring Garden Road Library Coordinator Rachel Lebowitz

This spring, I found outthat I have been acceptedinto a teacher’s program inVancouver, B.C. This meansthat I will be leaving Halifaxand the programs here so Ican learn how to become anelementary school teacher. Iam excited about becominga teacher and living near myfamilyagain,butitisgoingtobeextremelydifficult to leavethesetwoprograms.

Since startingasacoordinator threeyearsago, I’ve learnedsomuch fromthelearners. It isreallybecauseofyouguysthatI’vedecidedtofocusonteachingtheearlygradesandonstudyingmoreaboutstrategiesforteachingstudentswithlearningdisabilities.Iwanttobeabletohelpstudentsreallyworkontheirreadingskills. Manyofyouhavetoldmeyourstoriesaboutnotbeingabletokeepupinyourclassandoffallingthroughthecracks.Itismyhopethatbyhelpingchildrenatanearlyageandbyteachingthemattheirownpace,Iwillbeabletogivethemthetimeandattentionthatallofusdeserve.

ThismakesitsoundlikeI’velearnedonlyfromyourpaststrugglesandnotfromyourpresentsuccesses.Thisisfarfromthecase.Yoursuccessesaresomovingthattheyoftenbringtearstomyeyes.Iknowthatsometimesitishardforustoseeourownliveswithanyclarity;weoftenfocusonourfailuresandnotonouraccomplishments.Butyouraccomplishmentsarehuge!FromlearnerswhohavegoneontootherprogramsorpassedtheirGEDstolearnerswho,aftervowingtomethattheywould“never”readinfrontofagroup,gotupanddidjust that, tolearnerswhosegrowthinself-esteemisapparentinthewaytheywalkintotheroom,youhavealldonesomuch!Yourkindnessandsupporttootherlearnersintheprogramandyourcourageincominghereeveryweek is all so inspiring! Iwill take thesememories - and valuablelessons-withmeacrossthecountry.

1 1 H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

Thankyousomuchforteachingme.Iwillmissyouall.Pleasewrite!

Message from Captain William Spry and Keshen Goodman Library Coordinator Linda Oakley

It is hard to believe that anotheryear is drawing to an end.Againthisyear,Imetavarietyofpeoplewhowantedtobeeithervolunteertutors or learners in the LiteracyProgramsattheKeshenGoodmanand the Captain William SpryPublic Libraries. All of theseindividuals were motivated anddedicatedtolife-longlearning!Our tutors gave of their time notonlyfortutoringsessions,butforprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesaswell.Ourlearnersworkedhardtoaccomplishtheiracademicgoals,suchas,writing theGED,preparing toenter theCunardCentreor theNovaScotiaCommunity College, and generally improving their reading and writingskills.Otherstudentshadmorepersonalgoals,suchas,building theirself-confidence,andworkingon timemanagementand lifeskills.The learners’storieswillinspireyou!

IwouldliketothanklibrarystaffandDeniseMorleyoftheHalifaxCommunityLearningNetworkfortheirassistanceandsupportthroughouttheyear.

Message from HCLN instructor Avril Lewis

IhavebeenhappytohavetheopportunitytoworkwithHCLNforthefirsttimethisyear.Asaclassroominstructor,Iwaspleasedtobeabletobegintwoclasses,oneat Captain William Spry library and the other at Memorial North branchlibrary beginning in January. A solid core of learners continues to attend,workingtowardstheirindividuallearninggoals.Inbothlocationsweenjoy

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 1 �

the support of the two coordinators,RachelLebowitz andLindaOakley,whomakeuswelcome.IwasfortunatetoactasTutorTrainerto agroupof18 tutors fromHCLNwho embarked onTutorTraining inJanuary,graduatingfromthe30hourcourseattheendofApril.FrommyexperienceinworkingwiththisgroupIcanonlysaythatthecaliberofthetutorswhoareinvolvedwithHCLNisextremelyhighandthattheyareapreciousassetoftheorganization.I was also able to act as chair of the planning group that planned andimplemented the program for Literacy Solutions Day, an opportunity forProfessional Development for tutors throughout HRM. The program wasverywellreceivedbyparticipants.Again,itwaswonderfultoseethatHCLNwaswellrepresentedattheeventbytutorsseekingtofurtherenhancetheirteachingskills.

CongratulationstoeveryonewhohascontributedastorytoStepbyStepandbestofluckwithyourfutureefforts.

Peter’s Dream By Peter B. Weyo

MynameisPeterB.Weyo.I’mfromSudan.IcametoCanadaonOctober17,2002.Icameherewithmybrotherandmycousin.Theylivewithmeinthesameapartment.

BeforewecametoCanada,wewerelivinginEthiopiafor7years.Wewerethereasrefugees.BeforewewenttoEthiopiawewerelivinginSudaninasmallvillagewherewegrewthecropsandvegetables,alldifferentkindofveggiesandcrops.

But when we went to Ethiopia, we were having a hard time, because inEthiopia,asarefugee,youcannotfindaplacetogrowthecrops;eventocuttresstobuildthehouse,itisnoteasy.YouhavetowalkalongwaytogoandtalktotheUNorimmigration.Thentheywillgiveyouapaperthatshows

1 � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

themyouhavegiveninformationtoimmigration.

Lifeinarefugeecampisnoteasy,especiallyforthosewhodon’thavetheirparents.Thosewholosttheirparentsincludemeandmybrother,Steve.Welostourparentsbutweweretryingsohardnottothinkaboutwhathappenedback there because there is nothing we can do to bring them back. WegaveeverythingtothehandofGod.OnlyHeknowswhathappenedtomyfamily.

Whenmyparentswerekilled,Iwastheonlyonethattookcareofmybrother.Mybrotherdependsonme.WhenwewenttotherefugeecampinEthiopiatherewasaschoolbutIdidn’tgetachancetogotoschoolbecauseIwassobusytakingcareofmybrother.

IthankGodfortheGovernmentofCanadaforbringingmeandmy brother. I always pray toGod for the Government ofCanada to help people backthere in Sudan. Even thoughwestillhaveproblemshereinCanadafindingjobsbecauseoflanguage problems and skillsandjobexperience,stillwecanmakeitstepbystep.

Ihaveneverbeenatschoolallmylife.ThefirsttimewaswhenIarrivedinHalifax. IwenttoEnglishasaSecondLanguage. IpracticedmyEnglishthere. But I didn’tfinish the course. When I heard about theBloomfieldCentreProgramIcametopracticemyEnglishanddoMathandgoontodoupgradingtogotouniversity.Actuallymydreamistodoupgradingandtogotouniversity.Thisismydream.

My First Year by Brian Moses

MynameisBrianMoses.Iamenjoyingcomingtothelibraryfortutoring.Thisismyfirstyear.MyhelperandfriendGordonusedtotakemetomoviesandthewaterfront.Hegotmeinvolvedinthis.Hebroughtmedowntothe

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 1 �

librarytotalkwithRachel.ThenRachelcalledmeandtoldmeshecouldgivemeatutortohelpmelearntoread.Iliketocometolearnaboutmoneyandnumberswithcolouredrodsalso.

IammarriedtoMarcy.Wegotmarried19yearsago.WemovedtoanewapartmentonBayersRoadin2005.ItakeabustotheStoneHearthBakerytobeon time forwork. Iused toputbageldoughonamachine then thebagelsgotcutbyamachineandwentonawheel.Ittookthemtothebakingsheetsandtheywenttothetrayracks,thentotheoven.NowIworkatatablestretchingthebagels.Ilikethisworkbetter.Iwanttotrydifferentthings.SometimeIwouldliketoputthebagelsinbagsandtiethebags.

Maggie by Julie-Lynne Stanhope

MydogMaggie,aWestHighlandTerrier,isthemostwonderfuldogin the world! She came to livewith us last May when she was10weeksold.

Maggie had her first vacationlast summer. We went to NewGlasgowandstayedinacottageatMelmerbyBeach.You should

haveseenMaggieon theboogieboard!Shehadagreat timeat the shore,chasingbirds,cats,dogs,squirrelsandaraccoon.

She went to obedience school in Bedford. Then is September, she startedagility school inMt.Uniacke.ShegoeseverySaturdaymorning.Therearemanythingstolearnbutsometimesshedoesn’twanttofocus.Isaytoher,“Maggie,Iworkveryhardtowingoldmedals.Youcanbeachampiontoo.”

The Movie Review by Ann Kelly IsawagoodmovieontheweekendItwascalledTheLastDance.PatrickSwayzeplaysTravisandhiswife,LisaNieme,playsChrissa.Theywerethe

1 � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

stars.Themoviewasaboutadancecompanywholosttheirchoreographer.They brought three of the dancers back that used to be in the company.One of the dancers,Max, played byGeorge deLaPena, became the newchoreographer.TravisandChrissausedtobe lovers. Shegotpregnantbuttheybrokeupandhedidn’tknowshewascarryinghischild.ItwasMaxwhotoldTravisthathe,Travis,wastheFather.

Travis,ChrissaandMaxcreatedadancetoshowthecompanyhowtheycoulddancewhentheybecomeprofessionals.AsTravisandChrissadancetogethertheybecomecloseragain.Travisgetstoknowhisdaughter.Andintheendtheybecomeahappyfamily,

Thecostumesandchoreographywerewonderful.Anyonewhoenjoysdancingwouldlovethismovie.Idid.

Zarghone’s Story By Zarghone Hashemi

My name is Zarghone Hashemi. IhavebeenlivinginHalifaxsinceMay12,2003whenIcametoCanadawithmy family. When we came here, wecouldn’t speak English. Living in anewcountrywithanewcultureandnotknowingthelanguageisverydifficultfornewcomers.

I lived in the Soviet Union for sevenyears.IlivedinIranfortwoyears,butIhaveseenthevolunteerprogramsjustinCanada.ItisthebestideathatIhaveeverseeninmylife.

These people who work as volunteers do a great job to help newcomers.MISA,theYMCAandthelibraryaretheorganizationswhichhaveaspecialgifttogivetonewcomers—aCanadianFriend.Thesepeoplehelpnewcomerswiththeirlanguagebarriers.Ireallyappreciatethevolunteer’sjob.IhavedecidedthatwhenIlearnEnglish,IwilldothisjobaswellbecauseIseeitisreallyuseful,helpfulandsuccessfulfornewCanadians.

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 1 �

Shola’s Story By Shola

ThismorningwhenIwakeup,Iwashedmyface,mymouth,andIputonmyrunningsuit.Iwenttothecommons.Itishardforme,butItriedtogoaroundthefieldtwice,butafriendofmineencouragedmetodoitagain.Hesaid,“It’shard,butwhenyoucontinue,aftersometimeitwillnotbehard.Itwillbeeasier.”AndIdiditfourdaysnowandIfinditeasierforme.Thefirstdaywashardforme.AndwhenIcomehome,thenItakeabathbeforeIcometoclass.AndwhenIcometoclass,I’mhappy.Imeeteverybody,andthenwithmytutor,Adam.Igreeteveryone,everyoneishappy.Metoo,I’mhappy.I’mhappybecauseIwanttolearn.EventhoughI’mold,IwanttolearnbecauseIneverwenttoschoolbackhome. I listenedtowhatmytutorsaidtome.AndnowmyEnglishhasimprovedalittlebit.AndthoughIcannotreadtoomuch,butIamstilltrying.ThankyouCanadaandthepeopleinCanadaforhelpingme.

Swimming by Spyros Angelopoulos

IgoswimmingeveryThursdayafternoon.Ireallylovejumpingoffthedivingboard,sodoesmyfriendPhil.Itakepartinswimmingraces.Iknowhowtodoaflipturn,kickingmyfeetmakesmegofaster.AfterIswimatthepool,IgohomeandeatsupperbecauseIamreallyhungry.

The Long Story of the Amsterdamby Donald D’Entremont

IleftHalifaxtogotoRisser’sBeachinLunenburgCounty.IwantedtogocampingatRisser’sBeach.Igotthereaboutsixthatnight.

ThenextdayIleftfor“R/CWingsandWheels”hobbysuppliesinBlockhouse.IwenttobuyamodelkitoftheAmsterdam.Iboughtthismodelkitinthelatesummerof2004.

Istartedputtingthemodelboattogetherlatefall.Thebooktellsyoutoread

1 � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

theassemblyinstructionscarefully.There is a false keel and a frame inside the hull. I marked both sides oftheframesoIcouldgluetheframeinsidethehull.Igluedtheruddershaftreinforcementtothestern.That’sallIdidin2004.

Istartedworkingonmyboatagainin2005.Iworkedaroundthehull.Igluedpiecesofwoodtohull.

Ihadtoaltertheenginebaseandservoplatform.Iputtheradiocontrolinmyboat.Thebatterymountisnowreadyforthebattery.Iputintheelectronicpartfortheboat.

Ifinallystartedthesuperstructure.Iputholesinleftandrightsidesofthesuperstructure.Igluedthepiecestogetherincludingthestairway.It’sstillanongoingproject.

A Fishing Trip By Edward Duval

MyfriendandIwentfishinginLawrencetown.Wewerefishingforawhilealongsideofanoldtraintrackbridge.Welookeddownandwesawaweaselattackafieldmouse.Theyranupthehillanddownthehillandtheweaselgrabbedthemousewithitsteethandthrewitinthewater.

Themousedoveintothewater,andswamtoarockandgotontopoftherockandwasshivering.Itlookedpitiful.Wescaredawaytheweaselandthemouselived.

Living on My Own By Heather Rumsey

I’ve been living on my own since June, 2005. There have been a lot ofchallengestoovercome.

Some of these challenges are doing certain household chores and basiccooking.TheotherthingsthatI’vehavelearnedaretimemanagementskillstohelpmydailyliving.

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 1 �

I’vebeentryingtolivewithinabudget,whichcanbedifficult.SometimesIoverspendwhich leavesmewith little fundsallmonth long.Livingwithanotherpersonmeanssharinghousehold tasksandgettingalongwitheachother.It’shardgettingalongatfirstbutitcanbeenjoyableafterawhile.

I lovebeing independentbecause it letsmehavemyfreedomandprivacy.Beingonmyowngivesmeapurposeinlife.

About Me by Yurub Ibrahim

Thispersonaldeclaration is aboutmy lifepast, present and future. Itwillmakemelookbackandtalkaboutwhathappenedalongtimeago.

This assignment I will talk about the stages of my life which I alwaysrememberinmymindandmyheart.I’mfromSomalia;IwasborninasmalltowncalledGeedabeera.Geedabeeraisafarmareawhichdoesn’thaveanyactivity.Thereisnoschool,notenoughwater.Thepeoplewholivethere,theygetwaterfrom300kmaway.IlefttherewhenIwassixyearsoldthenImovedtoabigcity,calledHargaysa.Istartedmyschoolthereandwentthereuntilgradesixgoingintogradeseven.

InHargaysa the civilwar started,me andmy family came to another citycalledMogadishuwhich is the capital cityofSomalia. After that in1991anotherwarstartedagain.Thesituationwasverybad,thegovernmentandtheothergroupswhoareagainstthegovernmentwerefightinginsidethecity.This causeda lotofproblems;manypeople lost their livesbecauseof thewar.

I and my family lost each other; I came with my husband’s family. Myhusband’sfamilyIdon’tknowthemverywell.Iwasyoungandconfused.Aftersixdayswhenthewarstillcontinuedeverythingbecameshort.Therewasnot enough food,not enoughgasoline. Thenwewent tomybrother-in-law’scompany.Wecheckedtoseeifwecouldgetanygasolinefromthecompanysowecouldgosomewheresafe.Wecouldn’tfindanybutwefoundairplanegassowehavetouseitbecausewehavenootherchoice.Weusedairplanegasforourcarsbecauseifwestayedthereonemoredaywewouldalldie.Everywhere,weseehumanbodies.

1 � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

WeleftMogadishuonJanuary15th,1991.WecametoanothercitycalledBaydabo,wewerethereforonemonth,wheretherewasanothergroupwhoisagainstthegovernmenttoo.Whenwecametothiscitytheytoldus,“Ifyoustayhere,youwillbesafe,butifyoucontinuerunningitisnotsafe.”ButonFebruary15th,1991,thebiggerwarstartedagaininBaydabo.Wehadnochoiceagain.Weleftthatmorning.Thepeoplediethere.Ithinkitwasacouplethousands.

OnedaylaterwecametotheborderofKenyaandSomalia.Afteracouplemonthsmeandmyhusband’sfamilycametoNairobi.IwentbymyselftoMombasa,where the refugee camp is because I don’t know the language.AlsomyhusbandusedtohaveanotherwifeandchildrenbeforemeinKenya,wherehewasbornandraised.Hewasnotlegallydivorced.ThatiswhenmynightmarestartedbecauseIwassoyoung.Iwasnotwithmyfamily,ontheotherhandhedidn’ttellmeheusedtohaveawife.Heliedtome.Ihadnofeelingsforanybody.

Then,inearly1992,IfoundoutIwaspregnant.Icrieddayandnight.Ihadnoideawheremyfamilyis.AfterawhileIfoundouttheywereinEthiopia.IntherefugeecampIgavebirthtomyson,Mohamed.Whenmysonwastwomonthsold,myfatherdied.Iheardthreemonthslater.Icouldn’treachthem.Therewasnomoneytotravel,nogoodlifeintherefugeecamp.Ihadnobodythatwouldsupportmeorhelpme.Ihadnomoneytobuybottledwaterortobuycoaltoboilwaterthatmysoncoulddrink.SometimesIdidn’teatfortwodays.

ButIwasalwayspositiveandthoughtgoodthingswouldhappenandIhavebigdreams.Ibelievethatmydreamwillcometruesoonerorlater.Whenmyson,whoisalsomyfriendandfamily,turnedtwo,IappliedtoCanadianHighCommission. In sixmonths they calledme for an interview. IwaswaitingfouryearstocometoCanada.IcamehereonAugust19,1999.Istarted learningnew language,English as second language (ESL). Imeetwithveryfriendlypeople,lovingpeople,helpfulandcaringpeople.ThatiswhenIrealizedmydreamisstartingtocometrueandIbelieveitwillcomestepbystep.

I learn many things that are very important in Canada, for example howpeacefulCanadaiswithitsdifferentcultures.AlsoIgotusedtocoldweatherandhowtoshovelsnow,andI’masurvivorinthislife.WhenIreachedlevelthreeinESL,IstoppedandIstartedupgradingattheNorthLibrary.Oneyear

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � 0

later,Istartedtheportfoliodevelopmentcourse.Attheendof2002,IstartedatCunardLearningCentre.IfinishedonJuly18,2003.IstartedatFlecsin2004,togetmynecessarycredittograduateandgetmyhighschooldiploma.IwouldliketoimprovemyEnglish(bothwrittenandspoken).Mysecondgoalistogotocommunitycollegetogetmynursingcourse.

AfterthatIcanhavemyownincome,soIwilltakecareofmyownfamilywithoutbeingdependentonsocialassistance.Thisachievementwillallowme to helpmy community,whoever needsmyhelp. When Ifinish at thecommunitycollege,Iwillgotouniversitytotrainasaregisterednurse.(Thatis,ifGod’swilling).

Inmyconclusion,Ibelievethatanythingcanhappen,butwehavetohavepatiencetolearnfromoneanother.I’mgladIhavethisexperienceatayoungage;Ididn’tchoosetohaveallthisstrugglebutithappenedsomehow,andIacceptit.

Who Learns More? By Dave Strajt

I have been a tutor with the BloomfieldLiteracy Program since the fall of 2004.Duringthattime,Ihaveenjoyedthemanychallenges and rewards of working withadult learnersofdiversebackgrounds. Itis particularly interesting to work withlearners from a different culture, as theyoftenhaveasmuchtoteachyouasyoudothem.Theperseveranceofthelearnersastheymoveforwardisalwaysinspiringandhelpstoputone’sownlifeandbackgroundinperspective. It isespecially rewarding

toseesomeonemakeabreakthroughinthelearningprocessandtoknowthattheyareappreciativeofyourtime,patienceandefforts.Isometimeswonderwhoisbenefitingmorefromtheexperience–learnerortutor?!

� 1 H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

Evangaline’s Story By Evangeline Brown

MynameisEvangelineBrown.Iliketovolunteerforthepeopleinneed.Imakequilts,afghans,hats and scarves, dishcloths,mitts and socks. They’re allfor charity. The ladies of St.John’s Church take them tothe Seamen’s Mission. Whenmen come off the boats, theygo into Seaman’s Mission, andtheyseeallthethingsthere.TheReverendasksthemtopickwhattheywanttotakehometotheirwives.Theyareveryhappytogetthem.Therearesmilesontheirfacesfromeartoear.TheSeaman’sMission isaplaceforpeople tosocialize.Theycan get teaandcoffee,sitandsmokeandchat.SomeareJapanese;therearedifferentnationalities.TheReverendhasprayersforthem.Thereisalittlealtartherewheretheycansitandpray.Beforetheygobackontheirshipstheycanhaveaprayertogethomesafe.

Getting Going By Ocean Longon Acoupleyearsagotodayiwasonmyowndownhillwaythoughttakingdrugswasthebestplayandtherewasnogodformetopray.

recentlysometroublestartedthekindthatcouldgetmedeparted.lockedup,orpermanentlydamageditwokemeup,ibegantomanage.

Thelearningprogramhelpedalotremindedme,whatiforgotbroughtmebacktothoseschooldayswhenmyfriendswouldcopyallmypages.

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � �

NowthatmylifeisgettinggoingIknowthere’snopaininyouknowingThankstothepeoplewhokeptonshowing,Nomatterhowfaryouare,there’sroomforgrowing.

Rachel,Victor,andAnthonythankyouallforhelpingme,it’sappreciatedgreatly,andrightfullyso,withoutyouguys,I’dstillbeinthathole.

Larry’s Wonderful Experience at the Library by Larry Bird

IwanttothanktheSalvationArmyforgettingmeinto thereadingprogram. Ihavebeen intheprogramfor4months.Ihavelearntalot.Ithas liftedmyspirits andconfidence. Igetalong with everybody. They are all friendlypeople.Itisamazingthatat52yearsoldIamlearningtoread.

Itisawonderfulexperience!

The Government: Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde?By Dereck Hiles

Whodoespoliticsprotect?Itissupposedtoprotectthepeoplebutdoesit?Insomesituationswhentroublearisesinpoliticsit’sthepeoplewhosometimessuffertheconsequencesofthepoliticians’actions.

AgoodexampleofpoliticsnotbenefitingpeopleistheprovincialgovernmentofNovaScotiagivingtheoilrefineryataxbreak.TheImperialOilrefineryinDartmouthwillsave$3millionintaxmoney.Asaresult,thepeopleofHalifaxwillhavetopaythedeficit.ThemunicipalgovernmentledbyPeterKellyisupset due to the fact that thepeople are left holding thebag. In theDailyNews paper Mr. Kelly said, “It is a disappointment...These are companies

� � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

makingbillionsofdollarsinprofit.Aphasingoutofthetaxbreakcertainlywouldbeappreciated.”

In this example, the provincialgovernment is protecting the oilcompanies while the municipalgovernmentisprotectingthepeople.The government can have twodifferentfaces.

Sometimesthegovernmentcanhavea change of heart.A good exampleof this is when the provincialgovernment neglected the peopleon Gerrish Street in Halifax byletting the landlords charge thepeoplerentforlivinginpoorconditionsthatweren’tsuitabletolivein.Someapartmentshadholes in thewalls,poorplumbingfor toilets,electricitynotworkingproperlyandgenerally inadequateconditions.Afterawhilepeoplecomplainedaboutthelandlordsandtheconditionsthattheywerelivingintotheresidentialtenanciesact,sotheycouldgetsomehelpwiththesituationtheyweredealingwith.EventuallythepeopleofGerrishStreetgothelpfromtheResidentialTenanciesBoard.Anofficer of theTenanciesActwas sentout tosee theproperty.After that the landlords’propertieswereshutdowndue topoor livingconditions. In theend thepeopleofGerrishStreetwerereimbursedwiththeirrentmoneysotheycouldmovetonewhousing.

Inconclusion,whiletheprovincialgovernmentendeduphelping,thepeopleonGerrishStreetknowthattheirrightswereviolatedbythelandlordandIthinkthatthegovernmentshouldbemorelikeDr.JekyllandnothinglikeMr.Hyde.

Margaret’s World by Margaret Naboi

MyfamilylivesintheSudan.Iworryaboutthembecausemymotherandfatherpassedawayandmyoldersisterhasbeensickforfouryears.Shehasthreechildrenbuttheyhavenofather.ItakecareofthemanditisnoteasyformebecauseIalsohavemyownkids.TwoyearsafterIcametoCanada

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � �

Ifoundoutmymotherandfatherhadpassedaway.Theyleftmytwosistersalone.Now,ItakecareofthemandsometimesIdon’tfeelhappybecauseIleftsomefamilybehind.IfeelthatmylifeisoverbecauseIworryaboutmysistersandmyownfamily. SometimesI thinkaboutwhenIwillseethemagainbecausetheylivefarandIlivefartoo.

My First Christmas in Halifax by Laura MacDonald

On the 22nd of December2005 my apartment flooded.Itfloodedbecause thewomanupstairs had her heat on andher window open. She brokethepipes.I was very upset. The kidswereveryupset.Iwasworriedthat the T.V. VCR and stereowere ruined. The carpet waswrecked.The futon had a bigwaterstain.

Thelandlordtoldmethathewillripupthecarpetandputdowncushionfloorin thefrontroomthehallandbythetable.Hewillprobablydothat inthespring.

Eventhoughtherewasaflood,IhadagoodChristmas.OnChristmasDayI made a turkey, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and apple pie. OnChristmasmorningmyfriendDianaandherdaughter,Raha,camedowntoseewhatJenniferandIgotforChristmas.

Theystayedabout1hourandthenwewentuptoDiana’sapartmenttoseehertreeandherChristmasgifts.Mymothercameuponthe26thofDecemberandstayedfor2weeks.OnNewYear’sEve,IwenttotheRedFoxbarwithmyfriends.

ItwasagreatChristmas.

� � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

The Tool of a Life Time: A Riddle By Keith Hollet

ThetoolIamgoingtodescribeinthisessayis,withoutadoubt,oneofmymostfavoriteofallthatIhaveorwilleveruseduringmyentirelifespan.IwillusedescriptionsofwhattasksIcompletewithit,whatitlookslike,howitfeelstome,whatitfeelsandsomeotherrelevantcluestoit’sidentity.

Thistoolisextremelyuseful,adaptable,andverypersonaltome.IloveitandIwouldsufferagreatlossifanythingwastohappentoit.It’salmosttwofeetlong,withseveralextensionswhichhavetheirownindividualuses.Buttheseextensionscanalsobeusedinsequencewitheachothertocompletevariedcomplextasks.

Thewonderful thing aboutmy favorite tool is that if properlymaintained,thereisaprettygoodchancethatIwillhavethepleasureofhavingitfortherestofmylife.Therearethousandsoflittlespikesprotrudingfromittohelpguardagainsteverydaywearandtear,plusprotectagainsttheharshelements.Ienjoytheluxuryofthetoolhavingself-maintenanceheatandfluidsystems,coupledwiththesoftexterior,whichmakeseveryjobthatmucheasier.

Otherqualities thatmake thisparticular toolsoawesomeare the facts thatitcanalsosensedifferenttemperatures,avarietyofpressuresandtextures,changesinatmosphericpressure,andthedifferencebetweenwetanddry.Myfavoritetoolalsohasextensionsthatcanlearnfromthesedifferentexperiencestotellwhatmightharmorbenefitit.

Soasyoucanseebytheinformationprovided,it’seasytoagreethatthistooliscertainlyveryspecialandusefultome.Withoutadoubtinmymind,itisdefinitelyatoolIcannotdowithout.Ittrulyis“TheToolofaLifetime”.CanyouguesswhattoolIamtalkingabout?

I remember...By Mary Thompson

Irememberwhenyoucouldbuysomething,abagofcandiesforadollartosharewithmysistersandbrothers.Irememberwhenmyfatherwouldtakeusonlongwalksdowntothewater.Irememberwhenmydaughterwasababy.Shegrowstoofast.

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � �

IrememberwhenIgotmyfirstjob.Iboughtatreatformywholefamily.Irememberwhenmysister-Idoneherhair.Itturnedintoamess,butshelikedit.SometimesImissmywholefamily.

The Power of Music By Percy Oliver

Somemusiccanmakemethinkofgoodthingsorbadthings.SometimesIcanwalkandthinktomakemehappy.SometimesIenjoygoingtothegymandlisteningtothemusictomakeitbetterforme.

Thewordsofthesongsreallymakemethink.Iliketosingandplayaguitarandenjoyit.Singinghelpsmetoplaytheguitar.SometimesmusiccanmakemethinkwhatIwouldliketodowithmylife.Thatisgood.

A Year of Learning for a Tutor By Kit Waters

Friday mornings at the NorthBranch library are a favouritetime forme. There is alwaysawarmpotof coffeebrewingandachorusoffriendlyhelloswhen the learners and tutorsarrive.

As we get down to work, thedistinction between tutors andlearnersfadesaway.Wearealllearnershere.Thereisalwayscauseforcelebrationinthisroomoftriumphs.Someonewritesaletterforthefirsttimetoabrotherwholivesfaraway.Anothertellsuswithpridethathehasreadabedtimestorytoafavouriteniece.Someonewritesanarticleonpovertyforthenewspaper.Yetanothersaysshenowreadsthenewspapereveryday.

Therehavebeensomedifficulttimes,tobesure:acrisisathomeoranillness

� � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

thatkeepssomeoneawayfromtheprogram;oralearningblockthatseemssohardtoovercome.Butjustwhenyou’restartingtodoubt,Rachelistherewithanideaortwo.Someoneelsecomesbywithawordofencouragementorajoke.Soonwegoagaininthisroomwhereanythingispossibleandnothingisimpossible.

Ithasbeenanotheryearoflearningforme.Throughtheeyesofthelearnersandtheirgreatvoyageofdiscovery,IfeelthatIamseeingtheworldforthefirsttime.Iamhumbledbytheircourageanddetermination.Irejoiceintheirsuccesses.

Yes,Fridaymorningsareafavouritetimeforme.

Story About My Grandchildren By Lorraine Jones

Ihavefourgrandchildren.TheirnamesareAsia.Asiais8,Uniqueis10,Dalenis5,Lolaisonemonthold.AsiaisinFrenchImmersion.UniqueisinGrade4.DalenisinFourPlus.

Getting Fit and HealthyBy Grace McGregor

Awhileagomydoctor toldme Ihadbettergetfit andhealthy.She said Ishouldeatmorehealthfulfoodsandgetmoreexercise.ShesaidIshouldwalkalotandmaybejoinahealthclubtogetmyselfinshape.“It’suptoyou,”shesaid.

I started by walking more than ever. I walked miles and miles every day.Walkingmademefeelgood.Istartedeatinghealthy.Ieatalotoffruitandvegetablesandprotein.Ialsodrinkalotofwater.

NowIgotoDalplexandswiminthepoolforanhoureveryday.Ialsoexercise

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � �

inthepoolwithagroup,andbymyselfwhenthegroupisn’tthere.I’mgettingstrongerdaybydayandIfeelgreat!

Gettingfitandhealthyisimportantifyouwanttofeelgoodandenjoylife,evenforpeoplewhoarenotasyoungastheyusedtobe.It’snevertoolate.

I remember.... By Vicky Isenor

IgrewupinahouseinDutchSettlement.Iwasborninahouse.Iwasbroughtuparoundmyfather,motherandmygrandfather’sfarm.Theyhadchickens,cows,twodogsandfourcats.Mygrandmotherusedtochurnmilkintobutter.Sheusedtomilkcows.Mygrandfatherusedtocallmeandallmybrothersandsisters“abunchofravensandseagulls.”Hecalledusthatbecausethefiveofuscameover.Maybeweeatfastoreatalotoffood.Hewasteasingus.

My mother used to use ascrubboard.Awringerwasherwas her machine. They weredangerous. My cousin caughthis finger in the wringer andwashurt.

Irememberwhenmycousins,DeniseandLonnywereplayinginthesnowacrosstheroadinasnowbankbythechurch.Theywere digging a tunnel, but hegotcaughtinit.Shehadtogoandgetashovelanddighimout.MyaunthadtwohorsescalledPennyandBetty.Onedayinthe60’smeandtwoofmycousinsgotonPenny,thepony.Igotontheback.Iwasthelastoneonandwhentheponystartedtomoveandstartedgalloping,Ifelloffintothemanure.

Anotherday,onaSunday,meandmycousinLynettewereoutside.IstartedtoputmyfootinthestirrupandgetuptositmyselfonthehorsewhenIfelloffintothemanureagain.Itoldmycousinaboutitwhohadjustcomebackfromchurch.Hesaid,“Iknewthatiswhatshewouldsay.”

� � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

A Day In Grand Bruit, Newfoundland by Katherine Ann Dobson

It’sasunnydayinGrandBruit,Newfoundland.Nothingmuchis going on. It is early in themorning. No one is on thedock. There is a sailboat andsome rowboats in the harbourofthisfishingvillage.Thereisonesnakyroadinandoutofthevillage.The roadhasabridgeover a waterfall. Telephonepoleslinetheshore.Igoforawalk.Iwalkacrossthebridge.Iwalktothefishhouse.Igoinsideandsitdown.WhenIcomeout,IgottothepierandItakeapicture.ItissonicethatIgoswimming.IgodowntothewaterfallandIwatch.Iwatchitforhours.Itlookssopeacefulandquiet,agoodplacetothink.SoIhaveapicnicthere.Itakeoffmyshoesandsocks.Istaythereuntil10:00p.m.Ihavehadagoodday.IgohomeandIamsotiredIgorighttobed.Tomorrow,Iwillgobackandsitdownandwatchthesailboatsandtherowboatsforawhile.ThenIwillwalkaround.

GrandBruitinNewfoundlandisaniceplacetovisitandtothink.

The Power of Music By Douglas H. Oakley

Ididn’tfeeltoogoodwhenIgotuptoday;Iwasinlotsofpain.Icouldhardlywalktothebathroom.Mywifeaskedmewhatwaswrong.Itoldherthatmylegshurt.Shetoldmetotakeashower.Shesaid“maybeyouwillfeelbetterafter”.

Itookashower;Ididfeelalittlebitbetter.Igotdressedandhadsomebreakfast.IwasinthelivingroomwatchingT.V.Ilookedoverto

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � 0

thecorneratmyguitar,wentoverandstartedtoplayit.

Mymoodchangedjustlikethat.ItfeltlikeIwassupposetopicktheguitarup.Istartedplayinganoldsongthathasasofttouchtoit.Thenameofthesongis“ScarboroughFair”.It’sanicesoftsong.Ithinkit’sbasedonfolkmusic.Idon’tplaytheguitarallthatgood,butItry.ItgotmegoinginjustthecoupleofminutesIhaditinmyhands.

Ilikemusic.Itmakesmefeeldifferentinsomeway.Idon’tknowhow,butitjustdoes.IftherewassomethingthatIcoulddoforalivingitwouldbeanentertainerofsomekindinthemusicbusiness.

Percy’s Trip to Bostonby Percy Oliver

I visited Boston last week. Ialways wanted to go to seethe famous bar, “Cheers.” Afunny thing happened whenIwent tosee it. Ididnotstaylongbecause thedraughtbeerwastoohigh.Itcost$9.00foradraught.

So I left the bar and walkeddown the street. I saw4 guyspushingacaroffthesidewalkbecauseitwasparkedillegally.Itlookedliketheywerehavingsomedifficulty.SoIaskediftheyneededhelpwiththecarandtheysaidthatwouldbenice.SoIdidanditwaseasyformetohelp.Theymadeitlooktoohardtopushbuttomeitwasnot.

IthoughtsomeCanadianswereweakbutthenIsaw4U.S.guyspushingacaroffthesidewalkandhavingahardtimewithamediumsizecar.Watchingtheseguysmovethecar,itlookedlikehavingabunchofsmallkidscarryingacasket.Ihelpedthemwiththecar.Itwasn’tashardasitlooked.

Everywhereyougonoteveryone is strongandpeopleneedhelpwhereveryougo.

� 1 H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

ButlaterthatdayIneededsomehelptogetbacktothehotel.WhenIgotonthesubwayIwasgoingthewrongway.Ihadtoaskforhelp.AndIgotthere.Ilearnedonthistripthatitisimportanttoaskforsomehelpwhenyouneedit.

The Boss by Cynthia MacNeil

Baby-Girlistiny,butsheactstwicehersize.Sheisabout7pounds.Sheisfastandshespeedslikeabullet.She’sacat.

Wegotherwhenshewaseightmonthsoldandwehavehadherforabouttwoyears.Shehasnofrontclaws.She’sanindoorcateventhoughshewears“boots”.She’sgraywithawhitestomachandwhitesocks.Underherchin,itlooksalittledirty,butitisagrayspot.Thedirtyspotandbootsgiverhercharacter.

Theeyesalsogivehercharacter.Hereyesareanuncommoncolour.Theyaretopaz.Hereyesaresmall.Shelooksatyouwithbeggingeyes.Sheisalwayshungryandspeakswhenwefeedher.Shehasabigappetite.Herappetitehasgrown.She’stallwhichiswhyshecangofast.Shegetsalotofexerciseandisveryplayful.Shespendsalotoftimeonherback.It’slikesheturnsherselfintoapretzel.Ithinkit’scute!

WehadtwocatsbeforeBaby-Girl,buttheydiedaboutsixmonthsapart.Wewantedtofillinthevoid.Baby-Girlcamefromananimalhospital.Weadoptedher.Wewantedashort-hairedcatandshewasalreadydeclawedwhichwasaplus.Shealsolookedlikeacatwehad,Loki.ShewasnervouswhenIwenttoseeheratthehospital.Shewassqueamishandwouldn’tkeepstill.IfeltsorryforherwhenIsawher.

Baby-Girlisbetter,butsheisstilltimid.Shedoesn’tlikeloudnoiseswhensheeats.She’llrunawaywhenshehearsanybignoises.Youhavetoworkquietlyinthekitchen.Shelistensverygood.Whenyoutellherno,she’ll listentoyou.Whenyoutellhertocome,shewillcome.Itaughtherabeggingtrick.Shewillstanduponhertwobackpaws.Clarencealsomakesherreachoutwithherpaw.ShealsoboxeswithClarencewhichiscute!

WehaveasecondcatnamedToby.He’samedium-hairedcat,buthiscoathas

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � �

twolayers.Theinnerlayeristhickerthanhisouteroneandhishairclingstoeverything.Hehasaproblemwithstaticelectricity.Itwillclingtoyourhand.Hehasveryshortlegs.Helookslikehewobbleswhenhewalks.Heisabigcatwithalargeframe.Nowhe’sonadietbecausehewaseatingBaby-Girl’sfoodtoo!Wehavehadtoseparatetheirdishes.

Fromadistance,helooksblack,buthe’snot.He’sadarkbrown.Whenhesitsinthesun,youcanseeheisadarkreddishbrown.Hiseyesareblack,butwhenheisexcitedandwantstoplay,theygetatintofgreen.Helookslikemyfirstcat,Beny.HehasthesamecoloursandsametypeoftailasBeny.Benywasmedium-hairedtoo.TobyalsohasthesametemperamentasBeny.He’slaidbackandhelikespeoplethesameasBenydid.Tobyhasaloudpurrtoo,likeamotor.Tobyhasbeendeclawed,butthehaironhistoesmakesitlooklikehehashisclaws.Itlooksfunnyandgiveshimcharacter.Itmakeshimlooktough.

Tobybitesshoelaces.Healwayslikestochewonshoelacesandwegavehimapairofsocks.Healwayscarriesasockinhismouth.Hemeowsashecarriesit.He’lltrytohideitunderthetablesonobodywilltouchit.Everytimewegot tobedweshut the lightsoffandhe’llcarry thesockright toourdoor.Everymorningweseetwosocksatourdoor.It’scute!EverytimewhenIliedown,Tobyalwayswantstogounderthecovers.Healwayslaysagainstmystomach.Hesnugglesinverygood.HegetsthesemomentswhenherunsafterBaby-Girlandtriestopinherdownbutsheistoofast.Hewinssometimes,butshewinsmostofthetime.

Learning to Read Recipes By Jean Dignard

Before I learned to read well,I would bake items frommemory. I had made thesethings many times before andknewwhatingredientstouse.NowthatIcanreadmuchbetter,I can try new and differentrecipesbecause Ican read theinstructionsbymyself.Iliketo

� � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

bakecookies,muffins,teabiscuits,andpies.ThingsthatIbake,IsharewithmyhusbandandmyfriendsintheupgradingprogramattheCaptainWilliamSpryPublicLibrary.

The Big Trucks By Robert Lowe

Peterbilts isgood todrive,good togoonlonghauls.Nice,cozyseatsinit.Iusedtodrive,too,upinTruro.Imissit.That’swhyIwanttogetmylicenseback.

A Perfect Picnic by Kathy Dobson

Last night I had a marvelous dream about having a perfect picnic. I wentwith some friends to thewaterfront inHalifax.We took a really deliciouspicnic lunch.Wehad juicyfriedchickenandcoleslaw, lobstersandwiches,hardboiledeggs,rawcarrotsandfudgefrostedbrownies.Wehadpop,juice,andicetea.Afterwehadfinishedourgourmetpicnic,wetidiedup.WewenttotheMaritimeMuseum.WesawtheTitanicdisplay.WealsosawtheHalifaxExplosiondisplay.Thenwewentoutsideagain.Wewatchedabuskerdressedin a cowboy suit riding a unicycle.We listened to a Cape Breton womanplayingherfiddle.Thenweallthoughtwewantedtohaveicecreamcones.Iorderedachocolatechipmintcone.JustasIwasabouttotakemyfirstlick,Ifeltacoldlittlenoseonmyface.IwokeupandrealizedthepicnicwasalladreamandIwasinmyownbedandmycatwastellingmeitwastimeforbreakfast!

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � �

My Move To Halifax By Deborah Hemeon

In 1996 I moved fromShelburne to Halifax. Myparents were deceased andwith no further relative in thearea,IhadnoreasontostayinShelburne. I decided to movetoalargercity.

Idecided to travelbybus. Iwent to thebusstation topurchasea ticket toHalifax.IleftShelburneonaFridaymorning,andittooktwoandhalfhourstogettoHalifax.Thetripwasanuneventfuljourney.

Uponmy arrival inHalifax, Iwent to theYWCA to stay for thefirst twonights in the city. Itwas a nice comfortable place to stay.The staffwerefriendlyandhelpful.

ItrackeddownafamilymemberandItoldhermysituation.Shegavemetheopportunitytostaywithher.Istayedwithherforabouttwomonths.Ienjoyedstayingwithherandtalkingaboutavarietyofthings.

InSeptemberImovedintomyownapartmentinFairview.Itwasalargeonebedroomapartment.ItwasnicetogetaplaceofmyownandsettleinandlearnmoreaboutHalifax.

Thoughts and Views on Racism by Shelly Fairn

Whyis there racismin theworld? Youcanbreakdownracismintomanydifferentclassifications:cultural,religious,skincolour,nationality.

Racism is a bigger issue than most people think. Sometimes people’scommentsarehurtful insteadofhelpful. Everybodyhasdifferentviewsofthesametopic.

MartinLutherKingJr. taughtusavery important lessonand that is togetalongwithoneanotherratherthanfight.Wehavetofindacommonground.

� � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

Friends By the Halifax North Communications Class

Mary, Kathy, Laura, Doug, Vicki and Percy, some of the Friday morninggroup,lookedatsayingsaboutfriendship.Herearetheonesthattheythoughtweremosttrue.

Atruefriendcouldlastalifetime.Mary

Holdontoafriendwithbothhands.Doug

Afriendstickswithyounomatterwhattakesplace.Mary,Kathy

Afriendinneed,isafriendindeed.

Kathy

“Ahugisworthathousandwords.Afriendisworthmore.”

“Don’twalkinfrontofme,Imaynotfollow.Don’twalkbehindme,Imaynotlead.

Walkbesidemeandbemyfriend.”Doug

Yourfriendistheonewhoknowsallaboutyouandstilllikesyou.Avril

Wethoughtaboutwhatwehadlearnedaboutfriendshipthroughourlifeexperiences.

Thequalitytolookforinafriendishonesty.Doug

Wemaythinkthatourco-workersareclosefriends,butwedon’tknowiftheyreallyareuntilwehaveleftthejob.

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � �

Mary

Inafriend,Ilookforlove,togetherness,spendingtimetogether,goingplacesanddoingthings.

Mary

Inafriend,Ilookforsomeonewhobelievesinmeandsticksbyme. Kathy

Afriendissomeonewhostaysbyyouthroughhardtimesaswellasgoodtimes.MyfriendsometimessurprisesmewithagiftwhenIdon’texpectit.

Vicki

My Favourite Season by Margaret Leblanc

Myfavouriteseasonoftheyearissummer.Ilikesummerbecauseitiswarmer.Ilikeseeingtheflowersandtheleavesonthetrees.ImindtheheatbutIlikewearingshorts.IfIwearslacksmyeczemastartstobothermylegs.That’swhyIwearshorts.

The Story of Canada By Kenneth McDow

ThepeopleofCanadaandtheirfamilies work hard for theirmoney and for a better life.Their childrengo to school tolearnaboutCanadaintheyearsof1700andbeyond.

PeoplecometovisitCanadafromtheUnitedStatesandtheworld and look at the countryand city lights at night. Thevisitors go shopping in themallswiththeirfamiliesandbuygoodstotakehomewiththem.TheygotothelibrarytoreadbookstolearnaboutCanadianhistoryandthepeoplewho

� � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

liveinCanada.

SometimesvisitorswouldliketostayinCanadawiththeirfamilies.Thenthepeopledonotwanttogobacktotheirhomeandcountry.SomepeoplewanttostayandliveinCanada.

IhopevisitorskeepcomingtoCanadayearafteryeartoseethetallshipsandthewaterfrontandthepeopleofCanada.IhopethevisitorskeepgoingtothelibraryandlearningmoreaboutCanadaandthehistoryofCanada.

Roseann’s StoryBy Roseann Martell

MynameisRoseannMartellandIwanttotellyoualittlebitaboutmyself.IlefthomewhenIwastenyearsoldbecauseIjustdidn’tgetalongwithmyfamilytoowellandbackthentherewasalotgoingon,soIdecidedtogoonmyown.Iusedmysister’sIDandwentawaytoTorontoandstartedworkinawarehouse.Ihadtogrowupveryfast.WhenIcamebacktoHalifax,IhadtoliveonthestreetsasIhadnoplacetogo.IateatHopeCottageandwashedupinthewashroomsatgasstations.Butonegoodthing-Ineverturnedtodrugsorthe“streets”.OnedayIdecidedtherewasabetterwaytolive,soIwentforhelpandwassenttoagrouphome.InowhadaplacetoeatandsleepandIdidchorestohelpout.

Alotofthingshappenedtomesincethattime.

Iamolderandsmarternow.Ihavemylifemoretogether.IknowwhatIwant.IhavetwolittlegirlsthatIlovedearly.Iwanttogetmygrade12,soIhavebeen taking tutoring for the last twoyears. I amdoingverywellwith it. Icouldn’treadorwritebeforeIcame,thankstomytutorCarolynandthankstomymathtutor,David,Iamdoinghighschoolmath.

A Snowmobile Trip By Ricky Dory

Onewinter’snightmyselfandmyfriendswentonasnowmobiletripoutinthecountry.SotheguysandIwenttothestorebeforewewentonourtrip.Wegotsomefoodtomakesomemealsandsomeotherthingsthatweneeded

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � �

forourtrip.Ourdestinationwasaplaceinthewoodsoutinthecountrywherewehadacabinbuilt.

Onourwaytherewehadlotsoffun.Itwascomingondarkwhenwefinallymadeittoourcap.Butweallmadeitthereinjuryfreeandsafe.Thenwewentinsideandstartedtoplaysomecards,andsomeothergames,untilitwastimetocallitanightandwenttobed.Butthensomebodysaid,“Didanybodyhappentobringsomefuelforthecampstoves?”Thensomeonehadspokenupandsaidtothelastguyonthesnowmobileontheendifhehadseenthetrespassingsignbythebridgewhenwewentonit?Oneoftheguyswasalittlelate,sotheyhadaskedhimwhathewasdoingbackthere.IhadtoldthemthatIhadpickedupanotherpassengeronhiswaytothecamp.Weallsaidweshouldmakeanostalgicfilmaboutourjourneytothecabin.

My First Fishing Experience by Alma Marsman

Iwentfishingwithmyfamilyafewsummersagoatthelake. Itwasalotofpeoplefishingtherethatevening.IhadneverfishedbeforeandIdidnotevenknowhowtohookthebait.Myson-in-lawputawormonmyhookandmygranddaughtertoldmetothrowthelineoutinthewater.ThefirsttimeIthrewmylineoutinthewaterIcaughtamanbyhisshirtasIwaspullingbacktheline.ThesecondtimeIthrewit,itgotstuckontheweedsandIlostmyhook.ThenexttimeIgotmyhooktangledupwiththemannexttome.Sotheychasedmeawayandtoldmetofindaplacewayoverthecornerwherenobodyelsewasstanding.

Iwentoverbymyselfandtherewasaladynottoofarfrommethatfisheseveryyearandshewasshowingmehowtothrowmyrod.Therewasalsoalittleboywithhisfatherwhowerehereonvacation.

Iwasfinallyabletocatchmyfirstfish.WhenthefishwasonmybaitIwassoexcitedandItoldtheladynexttomethatitwassomethingonmyhookandshewasgoingtopullitoutformeandIlostmyfirstfishandIalmostcried.Everybodylaughedandtalkedaboutthefishthatgotaway.IcaughtanotherfishandIpulleditoutofthewaterandIwasafraidtotakeitoffthehookbuttheywouldnothelpmesoIhadtodoitmyselfandIkeptshouting,“It’sjumping!It’sjumping!”andeverybodylaughed.

� � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

ItookapictureofmyfirstfishshowIcouldshoweverybodywhatIcaught.Ilookforwardtogoingfishingagainthisyear,Godwilling.

Moose Hunting by Ron Farrell

WhenIwas18yearsoldIwentmoose hunting with my Dad.For the first time inmy life Ihadamooselicense.Whenwewentintothewoodstohuntwehadtocarryanaxe,knifeandrifle. We also had to carry aweek’sworthoffood.Wehadtoputupatenttosleepinforaweek.Wecampedbythelakewhereyoucouldseethemoosecome and go to the woods.

WhenIgotmychanceIkilledmyfirstmoose.Ithadabout27pointsonitsantlers.ThatwasthebiggestbullmooseIhadeverseen.IfeltgoodaboutitbecauseitwasmyfirstmooseIkilledinmylifetime.Themeatthatcamefromthemoosewasgoingtolastforthewinter.Inthewoodswehadtocutthemooseupinquarters.Wehadtomake4tripstocarrythemeatoutofthewoods.Wehadtotakedownthecampbeforewewenthome.

Learning to Read By Jocelyn Morris

Since I can read, I have reada lot of books, like Elvis, TheBeatles,andDiana,ThePrincessofWales.RightnowIamreadingMy Teacher Glows in the Darkand when I am finished, I willread My Teacher is anAlien. Ihavereadmanyotherbookstoo.

Inever thought that reading

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � 0

couldbesomuch fun,becausenowwhen I readabook I feelgoodaboutmyself.Ineverthoughtthatthebigwordsmeantsomethingthatyoucouldreadabout.IreallythoughtthatIcouldnotlearnatall,becauseinmypastnoonewouldtakethetimetohelpme.IamsogratefulforthehelpthatIamgetting,becauseitmakesabigdifferenceinmylife.Whenitistimetogotoclass,Ican’twait!ThankyouLindaOakleyandColetteClark.Thankyouallforgivingmeyourtime.

A Look Into Darlene’s Life by Darlene Coulstring

EverySundaymorningIattendBiblestudies.Thefirstoneisatmy church, and starts at 9:15andendsat10:15.Thesecondone is at a friend’shome,andstartsat11:00andendsat1:00.We have a little bite to eat atthisstudy.Therestofmydayisspent watchingTV, especiallysports.

During the week I help lookaftermylittlenephew.Heisveryactive!Heisaverycutelittleboy,andIlovehim.

AtnightIwatcheitherTSNorchannel52toseethegames.IreallyliketheTorontoMapleLeafs,LosAngelesDodgers,andtheNewEnglandPatriots.I keep trackof names, andwrite stories about the games for school everyThursday.

Every fourth Wednesday is our Women’s Missionary Group. We meet atsomeone’shometostudytheBible,listentoapresentedprogram,andthenweeatlunch.Wehaveaprayerpalandnotonlydoweremembertheminprayer,we also send birthday, anniversary, andChristmas cards.At theChristmasparty,thesecretprayerpalisrevealedandeveryonegetsagift.Whenweclose

� 1 H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

inJunewehaveayummypotlucksupper.WhenweresumeinSeptember,againwehaveapotlucksupper.Thosepotlucksaremyfavoritetimes.

My Goal by Issa

Oneday Ibecamea truckdriver. Iwould like tobea longhaul, eighteen,wheelertruckdriver.Ineedtolearntoreadmapsandrulesoftheroadtruckparts.

I’mplanninglotsofhelpwithEnglish,readingandwriting,andmathfrommytutorinthelibrary.Iwon’tgiveuptryingtolearnEnglishbecausetruckdriversmustbeabletoreadandwritewell.

The Cat in the Hat by Jamie Loomis

Thecatinthehatisgoinghome.HestayedhomeandwatchedTV.Heplayedvideogamesandheusedthekeytogetthemail.Catinthehatwentwalkingbackhome.Hewenttohisfriendshouse.Catinthehatgotlost.Catinthehatsaidgotimego.Catinthehattakethebustothesubway.Hefindshisfriends.Theyplayedvideogames.Wenttothemallandwenttothepetshop.Theysawwormsneopets.Theywenttoeathotdogs.Theywenttoabar.Theydrankapplejuice.Heisfull.Hewenthome.Inthemorninghewenttothedoctorsofficebecauseheatetoomuchandbarfed.Thedoctorsaidtakeyourmedicineandrest.Hetakeshismedicine.Hewenthomeanddrinkswater.Henapsearlyinthemorning.Hewakesupfreshandnew.Hefeelsbetterinthemorning.Hewenttohisfriendshousetohavesupper.Thenhewenthome.

CatinthehatisgoingtoNewYork.Hegoingfishing.Hewentalone.No.Hedrinkspop.Heeatshotdog.Hehadfun.Hegoingonasubway.Hegoingontaxi.Goingtohisfriend.Dog.Walking.NewJersey.Heeatshamburger.Heeatsfish.Hedrinkspop.Tobecontinued.

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � �

Leslie’s Story by Leslie Ryan

Alcoholmakesamessofyourlife.Becauseof driving, I ended up in the hospital. Itwas awful. I became depressed becausemy lifewas suchamessbut I am luckytobealive.

People came to see me from the AAprogramandIstartedtogotothemeetings.They have books that help. I don’t takecredit.Alotofpeoplehavehelpedmestaysober.Thechurchhashelpedandsohasrunning.IrunalotandImeetreallynicepeople.The right people and runningdoitforme.

TheAAprogramisgoodbutyouhavetogobeyondthat.Ihavetokeepbusy.IhelpoutatthechurchandIcometothelibrarywherepeoplelikeRachelhelpme.Ithelpsmefeelbettertodosomethingforpeople.Myadviceistotakecareofyourselfandrememberthepain.Stayawayfrompeoplewhowillbringyoudown.Twenty-sevenyearswithoutdrinking.IthankGod.

My Rainy Day Work by May

One day when I went to visit myfriendCarol,shewasbusymakingbaskets.AsIwatchedheritlookedso relaxing that I said I wished Icould do it.Her replywas, “here,tryit.”Istartedbycopyinghers.

OvertheyearsItaughtmyselfmoreaboutmakingbaskets,and Imadedifferentstyles.Itwasmyrainydaywork.

Thewood Iused formakingbaskets ismaple, and redandwhiteash.For

� � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

finishinganddecorationIusedsweetgrass.Peopleareattractedtoitssmellandthesmelllastsforalongtime.

The Winner’s Story by Ronnie Holesworth

MynameisRonnieHolesworth.Iam41yearsold.IammarriedtomywifeSarah.WebothliveinHalifax.Iamaparttimecleaner with Winner’s in Bayer’s LakePark.Iworkfrom8:00amuntil11:00am.Itakethebusinthemorningat7:00am.Itgetsmetoworkat7:30am.Irelaxupintheloungereadingthepaperandhavingacoffee.Myjobistotidythepublicwashroom down stairs first in the morning,makingsure that thewash roomiscleanforthecustomerswhentheycomeinthestore. Imakesure thefloorsaremoppedandswept.NextIemptythegarbagecansthroughout the store and then I put newgarbagebagsback in thegarbagecans.Next Ido thefitting rooms.First IdustthedoorsdownthenIWindexthemirrors.AfterI’mdonethenIgoupstairstotheotherwashrooms.Imakesurethattheyareclean.ThenIemptythegarbagecans.AfterthatItakethegarbagetothewarehousewheretheyputitoutsideforpickupIreturntothestoretodustthechromeclothesrack.Ittakesmeanhourand20minutestodoeverythinginthestorethatneedstobedone.BeforeIsignoutforthemorningImakeawalkthroughthestoretomakesurethatthestoreisclean.MyjobcoachcomesintomakesurethatIhavethestorecleansothatIgetagoodreportsentintomybosses.TheirnamesareDebbie,Margaret,RobandMacLean.Mylastreportwasgood.Alljobswereonehundredpercent.Thismademefeellikeawinner.Ilikemyjob.Theotherworkerstreatmelikefamily.

My Life Experiences in Canada by Paul Ochalla

I’mfromtheSudanandIwasbeenindifferentothercountriesbeforeIcametoCanadafouryearsago.NowIlivehereandtrytolearnthelanguagethatwhatIbeentrytodoallthistime.Ibeenhereyessometime.Whenyouare

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � �

newtotheplacesometimesitisnoteasytolearneverythingatonce.Ittakestime.Iamwillingtomakemylifebetter.Thatwhatmakemebehere.TrytoworkhardtogetsomethingthatIcouldbesomewhereinthispartoftheworldmakebetterlife.WhichIhopebywillofGodIwillgetsomeday.

Ineverusedtothisweatherit is toocoldforme.Inevereatlobsterinmycountry but nowwhen I camehere I have to eat because it is good to trysomethingdifferent.ThesedifferentfoodsthatIneverhaveeat.

Doug’s Story byDougJamieson

ThisisaboutDoug.I’monmyjobplacementfromDartmouthwork-activityandI’mamaintenanceengineer.SometimesIworkwithmysupervisorDaleThomas,butnotveryoften.Dalealsoisabusdriver.Hepicksupthegirlsandtheboysanddropsthemoff.Isweepmopanddoalldifferentthings.Iwipewitharagthecubbyholes.Theyareforthebootsandscarvesandlunchboxesand everything. I don’t see kidswhen I’mworking only once and awhile.MaybeatMarchbreakIwillseethekidsifI’mstillthere.

IreallywanttoworkatSobey’sandIwantachange.ItoldthattoStewwash.Stewputspeopleintojobplacement.StewsaidtheBoysandGirlsClubisonlyyourtrial.

My Vacation by Ababa Ayele

In2004,myfriendinvitedmetoTorontotohelpherwithhersister’swedding.I went there with my two girls. I helped her with the wedding party. Wedecorated and organized the wedding food, and cooked it.We had peoplefromSomaliaandNigeria.Theymadericeandspaghetti,andchickens.Theyalsohadvegetableslikepotatoesandcarrotsandtomatoes,withhome-madebread.

TheSomalians andNigerians areMuslims.Theyhave similar clothes, buttheyhavedifferentkindsofdancing.TheEthiopianpeoplecookedchickenandothermeat,alsowecookedvegetablesandingere,andgomenandicosta.Wemade home-made bread.Wemade saladwith garlic and ginger, green

� � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

pepper,carrots,tomatoes,andlettuce,andwemixeditwithlemon.

Thepeoplewhoweregettingmarried wore a white dressand a white suit. After theceremony,weallatetogether.We had different kinds ofdancing and we had a lot offun. All the people enjoyedeachother’stastyfoodandweallhadagoodtime.

Afterthewedding,myfriendshowedmeandmytwogirlsaroundToronto,andwedidsomeshoppingandwentoutforlunch.Westayedwithherfortwoweeks.

The T-Rex by Sarah Holesworth

DuringtheCretaceousperiodwhichwasabout85millionto65millionyearsagolivedTyrannosaursRex(T-Rex).Itwasanenormousdinosaur.Thosetypeofdinosaursweighed5to7tons.Itwasdescribedashavingverysmallarmsabout3feetlongwithtwofingersoneachhand.Theheightofthet-rexwas15to20feet(4.6to6m)tall.Thelengthofthet-rexwas40feet(12.4m)long.Itsheadwas5feetlong.Thet-rexhadtwopowerfullegswithbirdlikefeeteachfoothad3largetoes.Thet-rexlikeotherdinosaurswalkedonitstoes,ithadastridelengthofupto12to15feet(3.7to4.6m).

Itaddition to itssize the t-rexhad jaws thatwereup to4 feet (1.2m) longandhad50to60teeth.Someteethwereverysmallandsomeover9inches(23cm)long.Thet-rexhadastiffpointedtailandithelpedwithbalanceandtomakequickturns.Thet-rex’sskinwasroughandscalyandwasbumpylikeanalligator’sskin.

The habitat of the t-rex inwhich lived and atewas probably in the forestwhereitwashumidandsemitropicalenvironment.Thet-rexwasameateater(carnivorous)anditspreywereplanteaters.Duringthebreedingseasonthere

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � �

wereatleast15t-rexeggsineachnext.Therewereabout3nests.Thet-rexknewfrominstinctwhenapredatormessedwithortookit’seggs.Itwouldhuntit’spredatordowntogetit’seggsbacktothenest.

IfyouwanttoseewhatthesemagnificentanimalslooklikeanddomakesureyouwatchJurassicParkmovieparts1,2and3.

Spring by Irene-Ann Hinde

Thefirstsignofspringiswhenarobinshowsupinmybackyard.The flowers are pushing theirheads up through the ground,andthegrassisturninggreen.Therearethefirstbudsturninggreenonthetrees,andtheearlyshrubsarestartingtobloom.Insomegardensthecrocusesareblooming. When the weatherisnice thepeoplearecheerfuland happy. The children playon theplayground, runningand laughing.Theducks in theparkarehappybecausetheicehasdisappeared,andtheycanswiminthepond.

SpringtimegivesmeagoodfeelingthatIwanttodoalotofthings.Itgivesmeplentyofenergytodothehouseworkandthegardenwork.Igetupearlyinthemorningatabout5or6:00,andgoformyenjoyablewalks.Thesuniscomingupanditisquietandpeaceful.Ilistentodifferentsoundslikethebirdschirpingaway.Itgivesmeahappyfeelingaseverythingcomesaliveincludingmetoo.

Springtimegivesmeanewstartinlife.Thereissomuchtobethankfulforatthistime.Wecanseethebeautyofnature,wecanhearthebirdssingingawayandwecanseeearlysplendor.Makeeverymomenthereonearthcountbecausewepasshereonlyonce.

� � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

My New Home on Joseph Howeby Melvin J. Doyle

When I got to the new houseI was surprised how goodit looked like on the insidecompared to the outside. Theroomsweremuchbigger–thedining room and living room.It was Andrea and ConnieDennis,theadministratorfromMetro Housing, who showedus around in the new house.ThekitchenwasmuchsmallerthanNorthStreetbutitwassetupgood.

John had to pick out his own room and I picked outminewhichwas themasterbedroomthatwasthebiggestroomintheupstairsofthehouse.Johnwasgoingtopickthemasterbedroom,butIgotitinsteadbecausemymusicisnotasloud.

Altogetherthereare6bedrooms.There’salsoanotherladythatmaybecomingtostaywithusandsheisanicelady.She’solderthanmeandJohnsoshejustmightputusinourplace!ShelikestowritepoemsandAndreatoldherthatIliketowritestoriestoo.Ithinkthatthisladywillbeagoodideatoberoom-mateswithmeandJohn.

AndreaandIaregoingtopickupsomepicturesforthewalls.Andreawantedtobeadecorator.Sheislookingforwardtohelpmewithdecoratingmyroom.SoI’mverypleasedwiththat.

Hurricane Juan by DEM

Iroselatethismorningandlistenedcarefully.Good!Thefurnacewasstillbuzzingalong

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � �

atitsmaximumcapacity.

Ilookedoutonabeautifulday,bluesky,brightsunshine,andacleanlayerofsnowbandagingtheawfulwoundsinflictedbyJuan,asheroaredthroughthiscityrightontarget,asforecast.

Thelovelytalltreeshavegone.Yetanotherviewbeyondhasappeared;afewhousesbelow,thequietsaltwater,andtheoppositeshoreindetail.

Iroselatethismorning,savouringtheoneadvantageofmandatoryretirement;tosleeporlistensnuglytotheradioforaslongasIlikeonmanydays.Outsidetemperatureat–20;Within,noclockyellsanalarm.Itissaidthatwhenonedoorcloses,anotheropens.

It’s Been a Long Journey by D.H. Oakley

Readingandwritinghavebeenahardstruggleformeallmylife.Ileftschoolatanearlyage.Ihadajobafterschoolfromfouro’clocktomidnight.IhadtoleaveschoolbecauseIthoughtthemoneywasbetter.Ha.Iwasonlyfifteen.Momwasinthehospitalhavingababyandmyfatherdidn’tworkbecauseofmedicalproblems.Somymotherwroteanotetotheprincipaltoletmequitschoolandtakeafulltimejob.Iwashavingagoodtime.Ihadlotsofmoney.Thatwentonfortwoyears.ThenIrealizedthatIcouldn’treadsogood,andthathasbeenastruggleeversince.

Inthemid-sixties,IwenttoclassattheAlexandraSchool.Thenunshadaprogramthere.ButIdidn’tlasttoolong.TheninmyearlytwentiesIdecidedtogototheCanadaManpowerUpgradingProgram.Istillhadlotsoftroublereading,soIwenttogetsomemorehelpattheRussellStreetConvent.InmylatetwentiesIgotmarriedandwasluckytogetintoatrade.Therewaslotsof

� � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

readingthatwasrequired.Iwentbacktonightclassesstilltryingtoimprovemyreading.Overtheyearsoftryingtogetmypapersasatradesperson,Iwasstillattendingnightclasses.

Inmythirties,mywifeandIhadacoupleofkids.Thattookmeonanotherjourney,butIstillattendedtutoringwhenIcould.Inmymid-fortiesIwasataschoolwhereIhadachancetohelpsomeoneoutthathadalittlebitmoredifficultythanIhad.Thiswasveryimportanttome.IwasworkingwiththeHookedOnPhonicsprogramathomeonmyownandhelpingthisonepersonatnightclasses.Itfeltgoodtohelpsomebody.

WhenIwasinmyfifties,IhurtmyselfsoIcouldn’tgobacktowork.Iwasspendingalotoftimeathomeinlotsofpain.TheWorkers’CompensationBoard (WCB)gotme tokeepadiaryofmypain. Thatgotme interestedinwriting.WCBwasgoing to retrainme. Theysentme to theSpellReadprogram.Iwasthereforsixmonths.Iwasdoinggood.It isareallygoodprogram.ThenWCBdecideditwastoomuchmoneytoretrainme,sotheysentmeonmyway.

OnedayIwasreadingthepaperandsawanadforaprogramatLandmarkEastinNewMinas.Igottestedandwasaccepted.IwentfromSeptembertoMarch,fournightsaweek.Idroveupandbackallwinterlong.Theprogramonlylastedthatonewinterbecauseoffunding.

Itriedtogobacktoworkbutitdidn’tlasttoolong.Thensomeonetoldmeabout theHalifaxNorthPublicLibraryAdultLiteracyProgram. I’vebeencomingtothelibraryforthelastfouryears.I’vemetalotofdifferentpeoplewiththesameproblem.Thesedays,IgotwiceaweektothelibraryandIstillgotoSpellReadtwiceaweek.TheSpellReadprogram(nowcalledHalifaxLearningCentre)costsalotofmoney.IhadtogoandremortgagesoIcouldattendthisprogram.Ireallywanteditbadly,andit’shelpingalot.

Iwouldliketogetmygrade12somedaysoIcanbeatutor.Thetutorsatthelibraryareverygood.They’vesurehelpedmeoverthelastfouryears.I’vehadsomegoodtutorsoverthemanyyearsthatI’vebeentryingtoread.IwouldliketobealiteracytutorsomedaysothatIcangivebacktosomeonewhoneedshelp.IthinkIwouldbeagoodtutorbecauseIliketoworkhardandIknowwhatitisliketohavetroublewithreading.Iknowmyexperiencewillhelpsomebodyelsesomeday.

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � 0

NowIaminmylatefiftiesandstilltrying.IhopeIstillhavelotsoftimeleftinmesoIcangetmygrade12.Thathasbeenathorninmysideforalong,longtime.

Today,IreadmorethingsthanIeverhavebefore.Iwasatagasstationonedayandnoticedasignthatsaid,“Attention:Cashiersdon’tchangefiftydollarbillsorhigher.”Iwouldn’thavenoticedthatbefore.Iwouldn’tevenhavelookedatit.AnotherdayIwascominghomefromthelibrary.Ihadtostopat theDodgedealer togetanoilchange. DrivingupPortlandStreet I feltmyselfreadingalltheroadsigns.Tearscametomyeyes.Iwasfinallydoingthis.Itwasfinallyworking.Allthestrugglesovertheyearswerepayingoff.Iwasproud.

It’sbeenalongjourneysinceIwasseventeenyearsold.Backthen,Iwasasked by my father how long this was going to last. I just shrugged myshoulders.ButhereIam,fifty-eightyearsold,andstillhangingon.

� 1 H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

CongratulationstothefollowingHCLNtutorswhocompletedtheNovaScotiaDepartmentofEducationTutor&InstructorTrainingCourse:

Virginia FernandezDessie HowardCarol JohnsonLinda Leach

Colleen Murphy-JonesGail Love

Sandra PereiraDoug RichardTeryl Taylor

Jenna GannonGretchen Mosher

Eloise SuretteKit Waters

Cindy WozneyDon Houle

Kara Gouthro-Murgatroyd Shelly Currie Tony Keith

H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6 � �

M Y S T O R Y

� � H C L N Y E A R B O O K 2 0 0 6

M Y S T O R Y

media design ltd.

www.likelymedia.com