Volunteered at TALES Storytelling Festival

I enjoyed volunteering at the TALES festival at Fort Edmonton Park. The theme was 'River of Dreams.'  It was marvelous to meet storytellers and see them integrate different types of voice projection techniques, theater, song, music, and their tools. I was amazed at the story sticks, frogs with musical sounds, and props such as tales and hears. I helped putting away the food. I was a volunteer for one of the sites and I kept  a tally of visitors and I requested people in the nearby areas to come and visit the session.

Capacity building by networking with our Museum

I helped the Wetaskiwin Heritage Museum with a brain storming session with ideas to write the grant proposal.  I coached and mentored tills, timeline to write the Seniors grant. The library will provide a support letter.  The library will support some of the projects of the Museum as they unfold.

I planted the seed for the Human Library at the Museum. The museum has the primary information and many of their exhibits are of international standards. I shared information about Alberta Arts Days.

Sylvia Larson, board member and volunteer at the museum advised me when I came to Wetaskiwin in 2010 to, 'Go out to people,'  That's what I did and it is a satisfying and fulfilling experience serving and working with my community. Read my service framework by visting the following page http://creatingcommunitybysharing.blogspot.com/

September is Library Card Sign Up month: Presentation at Touchstone Place

Today, I did a presentation at Touchstone Place about our services. I began the presentation with;

1. How a resident can get a library card
2. Distributed posters, handouts and flyer's
3. Rules and regulations for computer use
4. Social network and gatherings
5. Demonstration of Overdrive ebooks (Project Gutenberg)
6. The posed the question, 'Why is the library organizing FASD Gathering on September 9?'

The response from my particpants was, 'Library is reaching out. That's great. We like it.'

My audience was 10-12 people with a above average IQ. The participants shared with me information about different types of mental health conditions. The members shared with me the different places they had traveled in their life. Some were from BC and some from Alberta. They told me about their past work. Some had traveled to Japan, Florida, and Jamaica. A person had taught English language as a volunteer for more than 25 years. This participant told me that he tried to teach the language with the things the student is familar with and told me about 'pinjiri.'   This a traditional dish cooked in northern India with whole wheat, nuts, many healthy ingredients cooked in ghee.

We all had lunch together and I had an opportunity to tour the place. I was informed about their mandate, funding, board, and members. It helped me understand my community and the framework in which this organization operates and ways in which I can help the library fit-in the life of the members of Touchstone Place. I was impressed with the support network.

The participants asked many interesting questions such as, 'Which are the libraries who are part of our regional network? How to access ebooks?' Some participants would like to come for some of the events at the library and  told me to remind them by telephone on the day of the event.

The question is: 'Who was educating whom?' It was a mutually respectful sharing experience.  I plan to take some resources once a month and maybe start a discussion group.

Manisha

Sharing prospects, ideas and preparing for Parade of Programs

Parade of Programs is an awesome event and atleast over 1000 people visit the event. I had a meeting with the Parade of Programs organizer and shared information to bring more exhibitors. We discussed ways in which we could appeal to a broader audience.

Award-winning drummer and Wetaskiwin native Karl Schwonik will be conducting the Arts Days workshops on September 29 and 30. The workshop is free and for more information call the library

>>> Karl Schwonik <kschwonik@hotmail.com> 8/25/2011 10:45 AM >>>

Hi Manisha,

Yes, posting on the blog and sending to your list is no problem at all.

My profile (biography) is attached in both long and short form.

The best age group for these workshops would be grades 4-9.  I have another musician from the Wetaskiwin Jazz Society that is available for those 2 days so we can handle up to 40 students at a time and anything up to 60 min blocks.

Workshops
Led by award-winning drummer and Wetaskiwin native Karl Schwonik, the Arts Days workshops put the fun back in music fundamentals and challenge each student's creative and collaborative skills.
These sessions will focus on many aspects of music and the music business including improvisation, composition, team work and problem solving.  Each aspect of the workshop is interactive and pushes every participant to learn more about music, work together with their peers and gain new invaluable skills from a seasoned performer.

Thanks Manisha.  Feel free to edit this if you like and let me know if you need anything further.  And please keep me updated on the planning of the workshops and when/if events are confirmed.  This is a very busy weekend for me as I am involved in many Arts Days activities around the province.

All the best to you!

Karl Schwonik
kschwonik@hotmail.com  (403) 991-1361
karlschwonik.com
President / Artistic Director- Wetaskiwin Jazz Society and Camp
2-time WCMA Nominee: 'Jazz Recording of the Year'
ChronographRecords.com

Karl Schwonik – Drumset

kschwonik@hotmail.com (403) 991-1361

www.karlschwonik.com

 

 Biography

 

"...one of Canada's most brilliant musicians..."

- Dr. Jeremy Brown - University of Calgary Department of Music

 

"...one of Canada's 3 up and coming drummers…"

- Peter Hum – Ottawa Citizen

 

Alberta born, award-winning drummer Karl Schwonik grew up on a farm near Gwynne where he was exposed to countless musical situations ranging from polka to jazz. Fresh out of high school, Schwonik embarked on a tour with 2-time Canadian Country Music Award Nominee Heather-Dawn. This was followed by an invitation to study at the Banff Centre where Schwonik was the youngest artist ever to be a part of the long-term career residency program.

        In 2008 Schwonik became the President and Founder of the Wetaskiwin Jazz Society in Wetaskiwin, AB, and Artistic Director of the Wetaskiwin Jazz Camp. Still in his mid-20's, Schwonik has an extremely active touring/recording schedule; he has completed over 10 substantial tours throughout North America (including performances at Carnegie Hall and The John F. Kennedy Center) as a leader and released 3 CD's on Chronograph Records. Two of these recording have been nominated for a Western Canadian Music Award in the 'Jazz Recording of the Year' Category. Among the many awards and distinctions Schwonik has garnered in his career is the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta's Emerging Artist Award, the VSA Arts International Young Soloist Award, the AFM International Diversity Award, the Queen's Jubilee Award, multiple DownBeat magazine Awards, and being the youngest ever named one of Calgary's 'Top 40 Under 40' (2009) by Avenue magazine.

Alberta Arts Days celebration September 30-October 2

September 30-October 2


September 29, Thursday: PIDA Printing (Print Information in Daily Activities)

September 30, Friday: Schools (MK)

October 1: One Book One City launch - City Hall (PM)

October 2: Sunday @ the library (Art Celebration begins at 1:30 p.m. Hands on, participate, create artwork/cards, draw, and paint. Please come dressed to participate and do art activities.) 

1. Art Journaling
2. Touchstone to drop off art work for display
3. Horizons Centre to display Cardmaking, Woodworking and art display
4. Weaving and Knitting by Kristi and Marg
5. Let's Make Books by Artist Librarian Wendy from Westlock Public Library
6. Tisket Tasket Clothes, Cultural Prints, and Treasures from around the world. Dress up and take a picture.  (Jamie))
7. Stampin demonstration by Carmen 
8. Perspectives techniques workshop by Betty Dragon
9. Art Walk
10. Meet & Greet the artist
11. Register for a art workshop

First 30 visitors will receive a art kit on Sunday @ the library.


and a Poetry, Photographs and Painting Show (details to follow) - Live demonstrations, Spinning an Weaving demonstration (Mahatma Gandhi's birthday) and Walk and Talk tours.
Library CALLS: Creative Arts. Language. Literature. Lifelong Learning.
Read more at http://copiibrasov.wordpress.com/2011/07/12/library-calls/

For more information, please visit  http://albertaartsdayslibraries2011.blogspot.com/

August 27 Arts and Agriculture Fair on the main street Liquor Bag Campaign

Lori is showing us the messages written on the envelopes by the visitors and a lady is holding the FASD baby. View more pictures at http://fasdday9september2011.blogspot.com/

Photoshots of our editor shopping at the book sale on August 26

Essential Skills use in our life - at work, home and community

We have set up a display and created an 'Tell us how have you used your Essential Skills' contest. A draw will be conducted on September 24.  All results will be collated and posted on our website. The travelling essential skills road show will move to community and business organizations. At every communication point; the target segment is welcome to take the handouts. View details at http://essentialskillshomecommunitywork.blogspot.com/

Read more at http://essentialskillshomecommunitywork.blogspot.com/

Promotion of essential skills at the Parade of Programs on September 7 at the drill hall. View pictures at
http://paradeofprograms7september2011.blogspot.com/2011/09/essential-skills-draw.html

FASD Gathering Public Invitation

Join Us September 9^th, 2011 for Special Guest Speakers, Mocktail Tastings, Games and A Chance to Network With Others in the FASD Community Ceremonies Begin at the Wetaskiwin Public Library 5002 – 51^st Street Wetaskiwin at 1:30.
 Come Help Us Recognize This Important Day. RSVP 780 361 4447

View details at http://fasdday9september2011.blogspot.com/

Help us by writing messages on liquor distribution paper bags

Together let's all raise awareness about FASD.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder  (FASD) Slogans for Bag Decoration

1.     Addictions and Substance Abuse Hotline- 1- 866  - 332  - 2322

2.     Think before you drink, your future baby will thank you

3.     Alcohol hurts unborn babies

4.     When you are pregnant the best drink is no drink at all

5.     If you are pregnant don’t drink, if you drink don’t get pregnant

6.     A pregnant pause..... Fetal Alcohol Syndrome...One drop lasts a lifetime

7.     Drink a beer, damage something dear

8.     Virgin drinks for your baby

9.     A bottle of wine can end your baby’s time.

10.  Community awareness is the first step to help with alcohol

11.   If you drink and are pregnant, don’t be afraid to ask for help

12.   Be a man! Stay sober with your partner and support your baby.

13.   Hey Guy! Be a part of your baby’s life! No Alcohol for 9 months  x2!

14.   I’ m a mama to be -no drinks for me!

15.  Luv yr baby   Luv yourself   Work to stay alcohol free! (use hearts for luv)

16.  Men! Help your Women Avoid Alcohol during pregnancy!

17.   Friends caring for pregnant friends

18.   Everyone helps for a Pregnancy

19.   Plan your pregnancy to be alcohol free

20.   Be kind to my future baby brother or sister (trace your hand on the bag)

21.   If you’re thinking about your drinking—ask for help

22.  Community awareness is the first step to help with alcohol

23.  Brain damage from alcohol affects everyone in a community.

24.  Pregnancy and drinking do not mix. 

25.  Stop and think. If you're pregnant, don't drink.

26.   Not a drop—ask for help to help your baby

27.   Work for Zero Alcohol during Pregnancy

Come, join the Slogan Writing Campaign. Please pick up the bags and slogan list from the library.

      Read more at http://fasdday9september2011.blogspot.com/