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TrailsUp

Current Article June 2001

June 13, 2001

LAND O'LAKES NewsWeb Home TrailsUp Trails to Literacy makes the gradeby Sara Carpenter

The quest for lifelong learning got a big boost this week with the announcement that Trails to Literacy is growing. This Sharbot Lake-based national pilot project has been so successful it will be used as a model for six other Ontario centres in the coming year.

Since last September, the fledgling program has accommodated more than 20 adult participants. They have been improving the trails in and around Sharbot Lake, Arden, Mountain Grove and Kaladar, and at the same time building an impressive inventory of marketable skills. As a result of their upgraded skills and (for many) a new-found confidence, a number of participants are now launched in new jobs.

Fridays announcement by Executive Director Joyce Bigelow was greeted with wide smiles by participants and warm applause by the community members at the North Frontenac Learning Centre. They were attending the unveiling ceremony of the Trails to Literacy signs and signposts at the North Frontenac Learning Centre.

Deb Ibey, Trails to Literacy Coordinator, presented certificates of recognition to a host of area individuals, organizations and businesses. Some were recognized for their support of Trails to Literacy's goals. Others, who directly sponsored parts of the project like benches, birdfeeders and bat-houses, will be recognized with permanent plaques along the trail. Certificates were awarded to the program participants, and their special contributions were recognized. Some of these included: research and interpretation of wildlife habitats along the trail, research of local railway history, including historical photographs, production of a newsletter ("The Knapsack"), making a wall map of the trail, computer-aided design of signage, and final production of signage, including wood-working.

Text Box: Why Not Lend a Hand? Hook Up With Trails to Literacy If you like sharing your knowledge and experience with others, why not get together with the creative folks at the North Frontenac Learning Centre. 279-2499 "Our participants really drove this program," said Ms. Bigelow. "They took advantage of every learning opportunity. They worked hard and grew a lot - their pride in accomplishment speaks for itself."

The new signs and signposts for Trails to Literacy were unveiled Friday. Designed and built entirely by program participants, these signs will mark points of interest along our trails. Central Frontenac Mayor Bill MacDonald congratulates Program Coordinator Deb Ibey (centre) and Executive Director Joyce Bigelow for their leadership role in the program's success.

With the participation of the Government of Canada