River Management Plan for N.Alouette

Water users could drain the N.Alouette dry or create conditions that would deplete oxygen levels needed to sustain fish life or allow spawning to occur naturally. Reductions in riparian zone habitat are also potentially threatened. It is imperative that the Provincial Government put a water management plan in place that would govern any drawing of water from this river, and supervise its removal with a modern metering system. In addition, the eyes and ears of adequate government personnel must be ever present to make sure rules for water use are followed, and habitat is not destroyed. A plan such as the one required already exists-it was designed by Geoff Clayton of ARMS and Bruce Hobbs, of the Alouette Valley Association. They've done the leg work, the Water Stewardship Division of the Provincial Ministry of the Environment needs to put it or something similar into place immediately.

workshop news

For 35 years I've taught communication skills at the elementary and middle school level learning eventually that the best way to present any values and ideas is through the medium of story. My stories - they amuse me; I hope they'll amuse you - are intented to entertain while evoking thoughtful discussion about what makes us successful in social settings.
My new workshop for teachers on professional days begins with the story and works outward to "lessons" for the classroom. This is the approach that will make any treatment of social responsibility including empathy for others, accountability for our own actions, and conflict resolution meaningful after the classroom work ends.



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The Storyteller's Journal

Tall Tales-Recent Work

Recently, three new stories have occupied my "writing" time; all of which I hope to start telling in the near future, and hope to publish. All stories concern the oddities of family and school life which always surprise and amuse. The first is called, "Frogs Forever". At this time, friends, 165 species of frogs have been forced into extinction by global warming, and pollution; others have succumbed to a related fungus called, chrytridiomycosis. My God!

I wrote the story originally to illustrate the amusing antics of some kids in school which leads to unexpected catastrophe for them, while amusing the rest of us. The plight of frogs unexpectedly made its way into the story with good restults. An acquaintance suggested I write my own song to go along with the story. Although I've never seeen myself as particularly strong at guitar and singing, i think I croak along fairly adequately.

The second story is about the close relationship of a dad and his son who like to build models together. The special bond these two have is tested when they begin to put together an electric car made in China. The tale is called, Teamwork. Part of the challenge Robin and his dad face in getting their Chinese vehicle to work is deciphering the instructions. It's almost as easy to understand the Chinese ideograms and the English translation.

the Third tale is about a grade four who represents the one in every classroom who dawdles, loses things, and never finishes work to the frustration of the teacher who knows he is bright and capable. Both Stan and the teacher learn something about life in this tale. I've entitled it, "It's Your Fault, I'm in Trouble". And the song I wrote for it is called, "I Sit Next to Stan".

Another story I will to this collection is called, "Hope". It's about a grade one class and their teacher who share a love of life and hope for the future. This little family awaits the cracking of several chicken eggs, and one goose egg that they are incubating in class. The story was inspired by actual events and people. It represents the amazing and wonderful spirit of love and sharing that I have witnessed in primary classrooms all my life. And, it actually made it into the semi-finals of judging in a Writers Guild of Canada contest last year.