It is National Volunteer Week, which offers us a great opportunity to thank all our stellar volunteers.  Our programs would not be the same without the contributions of our community volunteers.

We greatly appreciate your time and energy!

Thank you ad in this week's issue of the Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph.
To ensure you get a copy, click on either image to find a list of newsstands which stock the QCT.

Volunteer of the Year
Tamika Harton

The Quebec City Reading Council hounours
Tamika for her outstanding performance as a
volunteer tutor for adult learners seeking
to improve their Literacy and Essential Skills.

 
 
FUN it was - all week long!  The fourth annual Karaoke Idol was a smashing success, the annual Book Swap drew volunteers and community members, and our local newspaper covered some of the highlights.  See the first article (Adult Learners' Week celebrates lifelong learning) for specific information about why we celebrate Adult Learners, and what it is like to be one.


We'll have a special post up soon, featuring the 2013 edition of Karaoke Idol in video!
Picture
Click image to view article.

Picture
Click image to view article.

 
 
Picture
Please join us for our FREE Annual Community Book Swap, in celebration of Adult Education Week! 

It is as simple as this: Bring a book to exchange, and pick out a new one to take home.  Please tell your friends!  

The Book Swap is easily accessible by car (free parking!) or bus (routes 25, 13, & 800/801).  

If you would like to share posters or flyers about the event, please contact us for the PDFs.

FREE ANNUAL COMMUNITY BOOK SWAP
April 10, 2013
6:00-8:00 PM
Eastern Quebec Learning Centre (cafeteria)
3005, William-Stuart (Corner of Lavigerie and chemin St-Louis)

We welcome books in good condition:
  • Please understand that we cannot accept  textbooks, periodicals or books that are in poor condition.
  • Books can be in any language.
  • Children's books are always appreciated!
  • Not sure if your book is appropriate?  Don't worry, our volunteers will be available to help you decide.



CONTACT QCRC: 

418-681-1258 
info@qcrc.org
 
 

2012 LLL Photo Gallery (online)

Click on images below to view photos from 2012.
Please contact QCRC directly if you would like to reproduce any of these photos.


Picture
2012 was a great year for lifelong learning in Quebec City!  

A big thank you is due for the time and efforts of the Lifelong Learning Program Steering Committee, eleven volunteer moderators, and a strong partnership between the Quebec City Reading Council and Voice of English-speaking Quebec.

 
 
Picture
Following on the heels of an extremely popular 2012, Lifelong Learning is back with a fresh slate of programs.

Please note, due to health and safety requirements, pre-registration will be required for all activities in 2013.  Please be sure to register well in advance to assure your place.



FEBRUARY 2013

“Welcome Back Social”

RSVPs are requested for this event.
February 5, 4:00-5:30 PM
EQLC cafeteria (3005 William-Stuart)

The social will be an opportunity to renew your membership, see the schedule and pre-register for 2013 sessions, and bring a friend to show them what Lifelong Learning is all about. Please reserve your place by calling 418-681-1258 or emailing learninglaterinlife@gmail.com

"World Music Appreciation Series"

PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED; maximum of 16 participants*
February 13, 20 & 27
10:00 AM - noon
U.S. Consulate (2 Place Terrasse Dufferin  Quebec City, QC G1R 4T9)

Mary Linklater, a local musician and music teacher, will be animating the first series of 2013.  Linklater, who some readers may know from her Green Roof Productions Salons at the U.S. Consulate, has travelled the world and will share her knowledge and enthusiasm for global music traditions.

*DUE TO SECURITY RESTRICTIONS AT THE CONSULATE, NO DROP-INS WILL BE ACCEPTED.



MARCH 2013

“Meditation with The Reverend Katherine Burgess”

Pre-registration required; maximum of 16 participants
March 14 & 21; 11:00 AM - noon
Lifelong Learning Room, EQLC room # 201 (3005 William-Stuart)

Meditation is a centuries old practice that is becoming new again. From Zen Buddhists to Christians to New-Agers, everyone wants to do it. However, it is not only religious in nature. Meditation can be beneficial for many people, and the reasons for practicing it are as numerous as the practitioners. If you have always been interested in learning how to meditate, or if you are just curious, this is the opportunity for you see what it is all about.

ACCESSIBILITY
Eastern Quebec Learning Centre
Please note that parking is free at EQLC, and the #25 bus stops right at the corner of chemin Saint-Louis and William-Stuart.  The cafeteria is located on the first floor, and is accessible by a short wide flight of stairs or a chair lift.  1 week's notice necessary to arrange access to the lift.  The Lifelong Learning Room is located on the second floor, and is accessible via two short, wide flights of stairs.
ACCESSIBILITY
U.S. Consulate
Parking is limited in this area (near the Château Frontenac), but some buses pass by the Château.  The Consulate recommends carpooling.  The U.S. Consulate is accessible from the street by two short, wide flights of stairs. 

PARTICIPATE
All programs are open to current and new members of the Lifelong Learning Program.  Contact us today to sign up!

TO REGISTER
Pre-registration required.
Contact us at: 
learninglaterinlife@gmail.com 
418-681-1258
MORE ABOUT LLL

*NOTE: For all series, you are welcome to participate in the full series, or in whichever sessions  you are able to attend.  Please be sure to register in advance,   though.  Thank you!
 
 
Picture
Family Literacy Day happens every year on January 27, and offers us a great reminder that we can learn from everyday moments. 

Learning does not have to be expensive, hard, or complicated, and learning can happen at any time.


This year, we encourage everyone to “take 5 and read” – whether you read with a child, an adult, a family member, friend or perfect stranger.  Taking 5 minutes to read on Family Literacy Day, or all week long, can reinforce the importance of strong reading, writing, math, and computer skills. 

Since 1999, when Family Literacy Day began, the Quebec City Reading Council has been helping local families enjoy this day.  It is a fun opportunity to remember the importance of reading, writing, math and computers, and sharing ideas about how to have fun with everyday learning.  Click here for information about other QCRC programs and activities.

Additional ideas for incorporating Family Literacy Day into School and family learning fun can be as simple as 1, 2, 3. 

  1. ONE idea is to help children have fun with words.  Encourage knock-knock jokes, look for the alphabet while traveling, or write a story, poem, or note to someone special.
  2. TWO – have fun with numbers.  Ask children to think about how they use numbers in everyday life - while cooking and measuring ingredients for recipes, playing hide-and-seek, or when planning a trip.
  3. THREE – have fun with computers.  Develop children’s technology literacy skills by reading an e-book story, playing educational games, researching the answer to a question, or even writing their own story and emailing it to friends and family.

Visit ABC Life Literacy Canada’s website to find more information, ideas, and activities help you to celebrate this year’s Family Literacy Day.

Read Family Literacy Day info in the Quebec Chronicle-Telegraph!
 
 
Picture
"WILL THE REAL OLIVER TWIST PLEASE STAND UP?" 
A Lifelong Learning Program Literature Discussion Series

MODERATOR: Meb Reisner 
DATES: November 19, December 6 & 13 
TIME: 10:00 AM - noon @ EQLC, room 202

This literature and history discussion series will explore street life in the 19th century.  Topics will include Charles Dickins' treatment of this theme, some key characters in literature, and what we can learn from the historical situation of street dwellers.  The series is based on Oliver Twist, a classic novel written by Charles Dickins in 1838.*

*Participants are encouraged to read this book in advance, but familiarity with the book is not required. 

Participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to contribute to the annual Christmas Hamper Campaign.


Picture
PARTICIPATE
All programs are open to current and new members of the Lifelong Learning Program.  Contact us today to sign up!

TO REGISTER 
Contact us at: 
learninglaterinlife@gmail.com 
418-681-1258

LOCATION
All sessions take place at Eastern Quebec Learning Centre (room 201), unless otherwise indicated.  EQLC is located at 3005 William-Stuart (on chemin St-Louis).  Free parking is available.

MORE ABOUT LLL
Click here for more information about the Lifelong Learning Program.
 

*NOTE: For all series, you are welcome to participate in the full series, or in whichever sessions  you are able to attend.  Please be sure to register in advance,   though.  Thank you! 

PRINT THE SCHEDULE
Click here to download a printable PDF version of the Autumn 2012 schedule (2 pages).

 
 
TEXT FROM VEQ PRESS RELEASE:

Do you have a story to tell?
Memoirs of the English-speaking community” is your chance to pass down the rich cultural heritage of our English-speaking community to our youth.  It’s time to share our stories and honour our past.

Remember, by sharing your personal life story you make it possible for our students to glimpse into the past of our institutions, community groups, hospitals and schools.  It can be a mutually enriching experience. A story workshop will take place November 6th at the Jeffery Hale Pavilion.

Please call Amy Bilodeau at 418-683-2366 ext.226 to participate in the Memoirs project!
 
 
Picture
*This series is open to members of the Lifelong Learning Program.  Please contact us today to sign up!

MODERATORS: Miyano Sakai, Masami Gauvin and others.
DATES: November 1, 8 & 15
TIME: 1:00-3:00 PM
Limited to 20 participants.  RSVPs are required no later than one week prior to each session.  
This series will include interactive workshops which introduce participants to several signature aspects of Japanese culture.  

Starting with a virtual tour of Japan and a calligraphy (shuji) workshop (Nov. 1), the series will also provide hands-on experiences with a classic Japanese tea ceremony (Nov. 8), and a session on origami and trying on a real kimono (Nov. 15).  

Led by members of Quebec City’s Japanese community, these workshops offer a rare opportunity to experience this culture first-hand.  Don't forget your camera!  





Picture
PARTICIPATE
All programs are open to current and new members of the Lifelong Learning Program.  Contact us today to sign up!

TO REGISTER 
Contact us at: 
learninglaterinlife@gmail.com 
418-681-1258

LOCATION
All sessions take place at Eastern Quebec Learning Centre (room 201), unless otherwise indicated.  EQLC is located at 3005 William-Stuart (on chemin St-Louis).  Free parking is available.

MORE ABOUT LLL
Click here for more information about the Lifelong Learning Program.
 

*NOTE: For all series, you are welcome to participate in the full series, or in whichever sessions  you are able to attend.  Please be sure to register in advance,   though.  Thank you! 

PRINT THE SCHEDULE
Click here to download a printable PDF version of the Autumn 2012 schedule (2 pages).

 
 
Picture
Hello everyone,

It is amazing to see that once again we are at the end of a highly successful year at Quebec City Reading Council.

Some highlights of the year included participation in Voice of English-speaking Quebec’s Fall Fest and Newcomer's Fair, where our volunteers manned the QCRC booth to publicize programs and activities, network with our community colleagues and recruit new volunteers.  

Picture
Following our Annual Christmas Bash in December, we started planning Family Literacy Day, which we celebrated with the help of the Jeffery Hale Community Services and Take A Break parents.  

Picture
Spring brought lots of energy in the form of our activities to celebrate Adult Learners’ Week in Quebec; our annual Karaoke Idol contest drew an audience of close to 100 people and around 15 contestants.  Evidence of the fun can still be viewed on YouTube!   

Picture
The Community Book Swap was a huge success bringing in around 100 people who enthusiastically swapped hundreds of books.  We were also honoured by Eastern Quebec Learning Centre and the Central Quebec School board, during a lovely afternoon tea event.  

Volunteer Appreciation Week was a mixture of old and new faces plus the start of nice weather.   

Then, in early June, we were delighted to learn we had been selected as one of three winning proposals for PGI special project funding.  This $1,500 award will be used to take the Lifelong Learning Program to the next step, allowing us to operate that program through the summer for the first time.

The Essential Skills for the Workplace program was extremely successful this year and plans are well underway to get the program started again in early October.  QCRC  recently met with key personnel at Eastern Quebec Learning Centre to set some strategic goals for the next academic year.  We are looking forward to the continuation of this very fruitful partnership.   

On top of all this, QCRC continued our regular activities such as Toddler Time, Lending Library, one-on-one tutoring, the Lifelong Learning Program, and participating in provincial projects with Literacy Volunteers of Quebec and Quebec English Literacy Alliance. 

The Executive Board did a stellar job keeping the organization on track.  Thanks to President Tommy Hannan, Vice-president Gill Ayre, Treasurer Marilyn Baxter and Secretary Greg Kelm.  Nice work! 

We welcomed one new reader when Suzanne Bergmann brought a very healthy baby boy, Philipp, into the world in December.  We also welcomed a new staff member.  Bethann Merkle has been at the programming helm since November 2011, and we are entirely grateful for her expertise, enthusiasm and outstanding commitment to doing a great job. 

Finally, an enormous Thank You! goes out to each and every one of you for your continued dedication to QCRC.  Community partners and volunteers are the backbone of our organization; there is absolutely no doubt that QCRC would not be able to deliver the high quality services we do without your generosity.  You give freely of your time, energy and expertise to ensure the highest standard of programming is delivered to our clients. 

We join together to wish all of you a very relaxing, healthy summer and look forward to meeting you again in September.

With very best wishes,

Cathy, Maureen, and Bethann