here - Regional Association of West Quebecers

Supporting the English-speaking
Community in West Quebec
President's Message
Quebec within Canada. We are funded by the
Government of Canada through the Department of
Spring brings renewal in spirit
and in commitment, and, this is Canadian Heritage and we have just received a notice
true of the Regional Association of our grant renewal for 2016-2017. We will also be
making application for additional support grants which
of West Quebecers (RAWQ).
will enhance the vitality of our community.
During the winter months we
participated in significant diaRAWQ is a member of the Quebec Community
logue with the seniors of our
community and, in a joint project Groups Network (QCGN) which is one of 48 community groups across Quebec. I currently serve as Vicewith Seniors Action Quebec
James Shea
(SAQ) and Connexions, we were president of the QCGN. I have been nominated to seek
able to establish a task force to plan for the future in- the position of President for the next two years. I look
volvements of seniors in our community. Many thanks forward to this challenge and ensuring that our region
is well represented at the provincial level.
to Danielle Lanyi, Brian Rock and Rose Regimbald
who have agreed to provide the leadership for this
project which is an outcome of research provided by
SAQ.
I recently had the opportunity to present the RAWQ
Brief on Bill 86 to the National Assembly of Quebec
which you can access at www.assnat.qc.ca . Our
English schools are a vital component of the survival
of the English-speaking community.
Jim Shea,
President
THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
West Quebecers appreciates all our volunteers our Directors, our committee members, and
We are currently leading up to the RAWQ Annual
General Meeting which is scheduled for June 8th. This
is a good time for RAWQ to renew its leadership team
and to solicit your input on the Board of Directors. I
would be pleased to meet with individuals who might
be interested in joining the Board. This is truly a
volunteer Board which could use your input.
speaking community of West Quebec without you!
I have had the opportunity to provide my volunteer
contribution to RAWQ as we experienced new growth
and our move to our new location to the Galeries
Aylmer. I will continue to serve in my capacity as Past
-President.
The Regional Association of West Quebecers is
committed to working with the English-speaking
community of the Outaouais in a vibrant and bilingual
President`s Message 1 Books and Bake Sale 5
Executive Director `s
Focus Group Seniors 6
Message
2
Quiz Night
7
RAWQ A.G.M.
3 Heritage College
9
Aylmer Circle of
PETES
10
friends
4
Urban Agriculture for
QCGN Nomination 4 Teens
11
everyone who helps out at our events. We could
not fulfill our mandate of supporting the English-
James Shea, President
www.westquebecers.ca
Executive Director’s Message
WHAT IS AN ANNUAL GENERAL MEING AND
WHY IS IT SO DAMN IMPORTANT!
The Outaouais Alliance and the Regional Association of West Quebecers have a proud
history of promoting the rights of the English-speaking communities in West Quebec for
over thirty (30) years.
In 2014, the Liberal Government of Premier Philippe Couillard introduced An Act to
modify the organization and governance of the health and social services network, in
particular by abolishing the regional agencies. Bill 10 reformed health and social services
in the province reducing the number of English-speaking individuals who had a direct say.
Brian Rock
In 2015, this same Government introduced An Act to modify the organization and governance of school
boards to give schools a greater say in decision-making and ensure parents’ presence within each school
board’s decision-making body. Bill 86 intends to reform the school board system by disenfranchising school
tax payers and ending the terms of Chairpersons and Commissioners of School Boards democratically elected
in November of 2014. The hearings before the National Assembly Committee on Culture and Education in
Quebec City are just now coming to a close. Our President, Mr. James Shea, did a fine job recently presenting
the RAWQ Brief on Bill 86 before this Committee.
What does any of the above have to do with the RAWQ Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, June 8th,
2016 at 6:15 p. m. in the West Quebec Career Centre, 100, Frank Robinson Avenue, Aylmer, Gatineau J9H
4A6. A WHOLE LOT! This is your opportunity to step up to the plate. There are twelve (12) members of the
RAWQ Board of Directors to be elected. What do they do? They meet every six (6) weeks or so to make
decisions on the activities and projects that the Regional Association of West Quebecers organize and carry
out. As a director, you are also asked to chair one of the RAWQ committees. If you have ideas and would like
to get more involved, please contact me at 819-682-9602 / 819-968-4300 or ed@westquebecers.ca
TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE WEST QUEBEC A BETTER REGION IN WHICH TO LIVE OUR LIVES!
Looking forward to meeting you all on Wednesday, June 8th,
Brian Rock,
Executive Director
What We Do
The Regional Association of West Quebecers plays a significant role in initiatives that support the
minority English-speaking community in the Outaouais by means of advocacy, networking,
information, programs for youth & seniors and more.
Who We Are
The Regional Association of West Quebecers is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving and
supporting the minority English-speaking Community in the Outaouais.
Page 2
Annual
General
Meeting
Guest Speaker: Mike Duggan
Municipal Councillor - Lucerne district
The Regional Association of West Quebecers is happy to announce that Mike Duggan will be the
Guest Speaker at our Annual General Meeting on June 8th.
The theme of Mr. Duggan’s talk will be ‘Moving Forward Together’. He will speak
from the perspective of an Anglophone city councillor who is also a social scientist
and will address the following elements:
 In general, the demographics of Anglophones in the City of Gatineau - trends
and observation;
 Methods for reaching out to the various groups in hope of attracting them to
RAWQ and generally a greater social engagement; and
 Strategies for the promotion of bilingualism among Anglophones in the city
and the region.
Wednesday June 8, 2016 at 6:30 pm
Western Quebec Career Centre
100 Frank Robinson Street
Gatineau QC (Aylmer) J9H 4A6
RSVP by Tuesday May 31st, 2016:
Email: aco@westquebecers.ca
Telephone: 819-682-9602 Toll free: 1-877-733-0177
Free Parking & Refreshments
Page 3
A Challenge from the Aylmer Circle of Friends
Aylmer Circle of Friends is at it again! We are in full-swing fund raising mode for a
$10,000 Scholarship Award for local students in Aylmer, (5 students will win $2,000
each). Join us for an early evening, action packed, fun night for the entire family!
"Minute To Win It" Family and Friends Games Night, taking place:
Saturday, May 14th, 7:00 - 11:00, at St. Menard in Deschenes
10 Teams of 6 people will be competing for "Bragging Rights".
We challenge members of the Aylmer InterClub, Knights of Columbus, Aylmer
Legion, Social Groups, Sports Clubs, Schools, and other businesses and non-profit
organizations, whoever is BRAVE enough to take us on! All is welcomed! No team, no problem! We can
help you form one or come and just cheer everyone on. Quick!! Register your team!! Space is Limited! There
will be Prizes!!! Food and Beverages for Sale a Silent Auction and a 50/50 Draw.
Lillian Beuadoin
For more information about the event or the Scholarship Award, contact Lillian Beaudoin
at: lillian.beaudoin2@gmail.com or call 819 685-1104. Your $10.00 gift donation goes directly towards the
$10,000 Scholarship Award. Bring your family and friends!!!!!
eBulletin
West Quebecers’ eBulletin is released on the second and
fourth Thursday of the month. To have your event
included in our eBulletins, please send an email to:
aco@westquebecers.ca
at least one week before the send out.
Not receiving the eBulletin? Send us your email
address to be added to our distribution list.
Member News
We invite you to share your news in this new feature of
your Newsletter.
Do you know a RAWQ member who is celebrating a
special event (a milestone birthday, marriage, birth of a
child, etc.) received a special honour, suffered a loss?
Send us the details. Photos welcome.!
Nomination of James Shea for President of the Quebec Community Groups Network
West Quebecers President, James Shea, has announced
his candidacy for the position of President of the
Quebec Community Groups Network. He has served
on the Board of QCGN for the past four years and is
currently its Vice-President. Jim is committed to
providing the leadership that the QCGN needs at the
federal and provincial levels. He currently serves as
President of the Regional Association of West
Quebecers (RAWQ), and we are proud to nominate
him for the presidency of the QCGN.
Page 4
Read any good books lately? Please consider passing them on to West Quebecers for our
annual Books and Bake Sale. Just bring them to the RAWQ office in Galeries Aylmer. We also
need baking; bring it on May 13th or before 9:30 on May 14th.
For more information please contact our office (819) 682-9602
BOOKS AND BAKE SALE
Saturday May 14th
9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
at the Galeries Aylmer kiosk
Meet Rick Blanchard, Author
of The Chief’s Footsteps
A social and natural history based on the life
and times of Roy Peck of Danford Lake, QC
Page 5
Staff, Volunteers and Friends Working for a Healthy English-speaking Community
By Benjamin Segobaetso and Noel Gates
Benjamin Segobaetso
In case you often grimace when reminded of the English–Speaking senior services, or
the lack thereof, then the focus group session organized by the newly established West
Quebec steering committee is where you should have been; to be part of the strategic
planning for the creation of a “go to” centralized information hub. Up front is what the
newly established West Quebec steering committee is all about. Stoked to attract the
unharnessed brain power in the region, the committee seeks to actively engage in an
initiative intended to address issues that affect the health and well-being of English-
speaking seniors.
March 29, in Aylmer, the steering committee spearheaded by Brian Rock, Executive Director of the Regional
Association of West Quebecers (RAWQ), Danielle Lanyi, the Executive Director of Connexions Resource
Center, and Rose Regimbald from Seniors Action Quebec convened a focus group session to brainstorm on
the way forward. The grassroots activist group thronged by community members undeterred in their will
power to advocate for the English-speaking seniors wellbeing, social justice and equity, identified four basic
needs which are comprised of centralized services or information hub, home-based support programs, access
to health and social services in English, and transportation.
The narrative behind establishing an information hub is framed on the notion that the services do exist out
there; however, the “in-need” group is not privy to that information. Consequently, having the information
centralized is contemplated as a viable solution. In terms of the home based support, it has been discovered
that many seniors are alone and don’t have home support which makes life unbearable in most occasions;
therefore, the development of organizations that can provide support is recommended. Access to health and
social services in English is another area of development as it has been identified that very few of the older
generation speak or understand French because they come from a time when it was not necessary to have the
language; therefore, it is difficult today for them to get information. Transportation issues attest to the fact that
some seniors have no cars or don’t drive but are also faced with very limited bus services; therefore, it is
reasonable that some form of public transportation system geared towards senior citizens should be established. The identified needs go under the acronym C.H.A.T. Seniors Action Quebec with government support
is seeking to improve services in all these areas of C.H.A.T.
Caregivers for seniors in des Collines present:
Workshop on Elder abuse and fraud
by The Quebec Federation of Seniors (FADOQ) and the MRC des Collines Public Safety in Chelsea
Friday April 29, 2016 at 1 :00 PM at the CLSC, 490 route 105, Chelsea
To register, contact 819-457-9191, or 1-855-662-4637 or
by email sosprochesaidants@gmail.com
Page 6
Do you know what the name is for the sash that wraps around a Japanese kimono? This was
the question that started off RAWQ’s 5th Annual Quiz Night. It was one of the many general
knowledge, sports, and music questions asked during this fun and lively evening. The silent
auction had the participants outbidding one another for the many items that were graciously
provided by our many sponsors. The 50/50 draw gave the lucky winner $95.00 to take home
and four teams took home various prizes. After three hours everyone went home with a smile
on their face and either bragging rights to their answers or exclaiming “the answer was on the
tip of my tongue”. By the way the kimono sash is an obi. Watch for news of our next Quiz
Nancy Peppy
Night & Silent Auction and plan to be there! We were almost sold out this time so get your
tickets early next year.
Noel Gates and Jim Shea
Nancy Peppy and Mike Duggan
You are invited to view the complete album of Quiz Night photos at https://flic.kr/s/aHskv3aSYL
Page 7
Photos:
Patricia Cassidy
Ignite Your Business Potential: 19th Annual YES Entrepreneurship Conference
- The Event for Entrepreneurial Minds
Calling all innovators, forward-thinkers and visionaries, the 19th Annual YES Entrepreneurship Conference is
almost here! This is your chance to learn from some of Quebec’s entrepreneurial icons and find out how you
can take your business venture to the next level.
Join presenters Andrew Lutfy (CEO, Groupe Dynamite), Mary-Anne Carignan (Co-President, Purkinje
Inc.), Ricardo Poupada (co-founder of AskMen) and mor e as they explor e what it takes to build a
successful business. Attended by local entrepreneurs at all stages of business development, this conference is
an exceptional opportunity to build your networks and business acumen.
Wednesday, April 27th at the Phi Centre (407 Rue Saint Pier r e, Montr eal, QC). Cost: $49.99 (includes a
light supper).
INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR AND CONCERT
Aylmer United Church
164, rue Principale
Aylmer, Quebec
April 23rd, 2016 SATURDAY
Dinner - 5:15 pm
Amos Joannides will be pr oviding a wonder ful concert and music to dance to in our church.
Come get your passport stamped as you sample food from four corners of the world.
China, India, Germany and Mexico.
Concert - 7:00 - 8:30 pm
$25 - Meal and concert
$10 - Concert tickets only are available at the door or pre ordered
E-mail to buy your tickets at aylmeruc@lycos.com
or call UAC @ 819-684-5345; Stephanie Wakelin 819-455-2691
Joy Ruttan 819-684-7993
Page 8
SPARTAN RACE FOR OUR HERITAGE
June 18, 2016 Spartan Race at Ski Edelweiss
SPRINT 5k (15+ obstacles) ● SUPER 13k (20+ obstacles)
Our Foundation is participating in the Eastern Canadian Spartan Run for
Charity Challenge to raise both money and awareness for our cause. Join us
in lending a helping hand to encourage students to persevere in their college
studies at Heritage. We are celebrating our growth and are uniting to safeguard the Heritage engaging, stimulating, youth-centered college experience.
www.heritagecollegefoundation.org
We’re Looking for VOLUNTEERS, TEAM CAPTAINS, LOCAL BUSINESSES
AND SPARTAN RACERS TO PARTICPATE
Early Bird Special Discounts
before May 3, 2016
819-778-2270 x 2127
wecare@heritagecollegefoundation.org
$60 - STUDENT SPARTAN RACE fundraising participant
$65 - ADULT (non-student) SPARTAN RACE fundraising participant.
An appeal from the Cégep Heritage College Foundation
James Shea, Chair of the WQSB , President RAWQ and
Administrator of the Cégep Heritage College Foundation
Marcel Proulx, Real Estate Broker
Chair of the Cégep Heritage College Foundation
Having been raised in a single-parent family with few resources,
I benefitted from sound advice, trust and commitment of others.
I believe that it is now our responsibility to encourage our
youth’s educational pursuits. Payback will come when these
students help each other, their families and our community.
Good deeds are always rewarded!
I am honored to be the Chair of the Cégep Heritage College
Foundation. Throughout my 12 years of involvement in the
Hull-Aylmer region as Member of Parliament, I supported
Heritage College and remain convinced of its significant importance to our youth.
Cégep Heritage College is a jewel in our community and is one
of the best kept secrets in the Outaouais!
As a member of the Heritage College Board of Governors and a
Foundation Administrator, I recognize that significant community members are engaged in our Foundation. I wish to play a
connecting role within our community.
Being from the Pontiac and a lifelong resident of Québec, I
believe that our commitment to education is critical to our survival in our community. I must show leadership by “walking the
talk”. Not only do I have to be a role model, I believe that I
must encourage graduates and other parents to contribute their
talents to our cause.
Heritage’s programs appeal to over 1200 students. It is a true
asset for our region facilitating career opportunities for both
English and French secondary school graduates.
Participation in college life plays a crucial role. Students need
encouragement to pursue their academic goals. Our Foundation
is helping by addressing urgent needs to safeguard the Heritage
experience.
Our Major Fundraising Campaign is over the half-way mark of
its 1 Million dollar goal and we are grateful to all donors.
If you or a loved one has been touched by the exceptional learning experience offered by Cégep Heritage College, please join us in
giving back. Alumni, parents, pioneers and the local community can help our Foundation. To volunteer or to make a pledge,
please contact 819-778-2270 x 2127, wecare@heritagecollegefoundation.org or visit www.heritagecollegefoundation.org to
make a secure on-line donation.
Page 9
By Patricia Cassidy and Dermot Guinnane
The ‘Senior Buddies Program’, a unique program now in its fifth year, began with the opening of the Community Learning Centre (CLC) at Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary School in Hull. Lisa Howell, a dedicated
teacher at the school was teaching a group of students aged 9-13 who were having difficulty with reading and
writing and was looking for meaningful experiences that would inspire them. Her strong feelings of regret that
modern society no longer respects and values our elders as in the past led to the idea of seeking seniors from
the community to interact with her students. After a discussion with her colleague, Dermot Guinnane, CLC
Coordinator at PETES, the idea for an intergenerational project was born.
Soon a group of lively volunteers, mostly from a local Irish Seniors group, were recruited to spend one afternoon a month with the class. The seniors are each paired with one or two students. They come to the school
once a month and are met by eager students who escort them to the classroom and offer tea, coffee and treats
which they have baked or fruits that they have prepared for sharing. During the early sessions, the students and
their Senior Buddies get to know each other, form warm friendships and begin work on a writing project. Over
the years, the program’s popularity has seen the number of seniors involved, rise from 10 up to 19 for this
year’s edition of the ‘Senior Buddies Program’.
Each year the students and seniors produce a book that captures that years’ work! Last year the students and
their Senior Buddies published a riveting work of fiction. Other publications have included a memory book
featuring shared memories, along with some photographs; a family treasures book and a book of biographies.
Collecting oral history, giving it value, and learning about the past is at the core of the projects with the Senior
Buddies and, through these projects, the children are improving their vocabulary and writing skills. But, as Ms.
Howell explains, the program has a deeper significance because it is “a project about the heart remaining
young and vibrant for the seniors and for the youth, about the heart being full with friendship, dignity, humility
and worth. Learning about each other's experiences gives value and life to the pasts of the buddies and inspires
the students to be grateful for what they have today.”
In May 2014 researcher, Terry Kyle evaluated the ‘Senior Buddies Program’ for the CLC Initiative. In speaking with staff members, senior buddies and students she discovered that “everyone that the evaluator spoke to
mentioned the student’s improvement over time.’ She went on to say that the program is viewed as a ‘model’
indication of the success that the CLC has had on the school and the community. Some senior buddies that she
interviewed spoke about how meaningful the buddy relationship is for them. ‘My buddies light up my day.
You get a sense that they really like you.’ While the personal attachment is crucial in this program, there is real
learning taking place too, on both sides. One senior buddy captured this perfectly when she said, ‘One thing is
for sure, we are learning as much as the kids’.
This year the Senior Buddy Program will publish a book of biographies that promises to be a wonderful read.
As always the book will include photos from buddy Patricia Cassidy that capture the joy, friendships and fun
of our monthly buddy meetings!
As our group has grown so much in recent years we are currently looking for ways to raise fund to finance the
books. If you would like to learn more about the program o can help with our fundraising efforts, please visit
our table at RAWQ`s Books and Bake Sale at the Galeries Aylmer on May 14th or contact Dermot Guinnane
at 819-777-5783 or dguinnane@wqsb.qc.ca.
Family Zumba at Pierre Elliott Trudeau School in Hull with Dee Ciple
Saturdays 1 p.m.in April 2016 PETES gym.
Cost is $7 for adults and children dance free.
Page 10
Enviro Éduc-Action, an environmental non-profit in
Hull, is joining with the Moore Farm Cooperative to
host an urban agriculture camp for teens (ages 13-16)
this summer. Over a three-week period, teens will learn
about organic farming, youth leadership and ecology
and develop a community project.
The camp will be held from Mondays through Fridays
at the magnificent Moore Farm Estate on AlexandreTaché Blvd. in Hull. Interested in learning more about
this exciting initiative? Contact Alex Cool-Fergus,
project coordinator at Énviro Educ-Action,
alex@enviroeducaction.org.
Please note that the camp will mainly be held in French. However, bilingual and Anglophone youth are more
than welcome to attend!
Dates: June 27th to July 15th, 2016 (Group 1) or July 25th to August 12th, 2016 (Group 2)
Cost: $600 (includes organic meals and snacks every day)
www.enviroeducaction.org/camp
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BEST OF AYLMER!
The votes are in and the winners of the Aylmer Bulletin’s Best of Aylmer contest have been announced at
the April 14th Gala.
Congratulations to all the winners and to the Bulletin team for an exciting event! Check
out the contest results in the Bulletin for the best places in Aylmer to eat, to have fun, to shop, etc.
St. Aloysius Church Basement
399 rue de l’Abbé-Murray
(Gatineau Sector), Gatineau J8P4Z4
May 12, 2016, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Information: 819-663-5244.
Looking for access to Health And Social
Services information in English?
We Can Help
www.centreconnexions.org
819 - 777 - 3209
Nurses and social workers at the same number
Info-Santé / Info-Social 24/7
Call:
811
What’s happening where you are? Concerts, art shows, church
suppers or sales? We would love to announce news and events of
interest to the English-speaking community in our Newsletters and
eBulletins!
Send the details to Aldo:
aco@westquebecers.ca or call: 819-682-9602.
Page 11
Volunteer Positions Available
Title: Fundr aising and Event Planning (FREP) Committee member
Purpose: To plan and implement, on behalf of the Regional Association of West Quebecer s, fundr aiser s
and events (e.g. Awards Banquet, Quiz Night, Bake and Book Sale, AGM, Cultural Fair, etc.) that will pull
together the English-speaking community of West Quebec.
Position Responsibilities: Par ticipate on RAWQ’s FREP committee in the planning, implementing and
communicating of fundraisers/events Volunteer in different capacities at the various fundraisers/events.
Skills, Attitudes, Knowledge:
 Knowledge/experience of fundraising, event planning or volunteerism Good organizational skills
 Commitment, follow-through
 Enjoys working with others
 Communication and problem-solving skills
Reports To: Chair per son of the FREP Committee
Time Commitment: appr oximately 6 hour s a month with appr oximately an additional 6 hours the day
of the fundraiser or event.
For more information contact:
Aldo Jauregui
Administration & Communications Officer
Regional Association of West Quebecers
Tel: 819-682-9602
Toll free: 1-877-733-0177
Fax: 819-682-4033
Email: aco@westquebecers.ca
Our Coordinates :
We are located in les Galeries d’Aylmer
181, rue Principale, Unite A-11
Gatineau (Aylmer) QC J9H 6A6
Tel. 819 682-9602 or 1-877-733-0177 Fax: 819 682-4033
www. westquebecers.ca
Brian Rock, Executive Director
ed@westquebecers.ca
Aldo Jauregui, Administration and Communications Officer
aco@westquebecers.ca
Page 12
The Regional Association of West Quebecers is funded by: