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Gaetanne Says Goodbye After Two Years As CLCO
by Gaetanne Séguin
This will
be my final RAWQ report because after almost two years with the Regional
Association of West Quebecers, I have decided to leave my position as Community
Liaison and Communications Officer to pursue personal endeavours, including
home-schooling my children, writing a novel and working together with my husband
to produce a film.
Although I am eager to launch into these new challenges, there is certainly
some sadness about leaving this association. I have greatly enjoyed working here
over the last couple of years; it has been a productive time of transition and
preparation to ensure this association is positioned to make the most of future
opportunities that will best serve the English-speaking population of West
Quebec. I am pleased to have been able to play a part in the many achievements
on which RAWQ can continue to build.
It was such a pleasure to be involved in the first annual RAWQ Community Awards Banquet. Preparations are now underway for the 2006 banquet which will be held on Friday June 2nd at Camp Fortune. Unfortunately I won’t be there, but I hope you will help ensure that deserving community volunteers from throughout West Quebec are honored by nominating individuals and organizations you believe deserve to be recognized for their volunteer service, achievements and leadership. Find out more on the RAWQ website at www.westquebecers.com.
The last couple of years have also seen some positive progress in strengthening our community partnerships & fundraising. We are doing this through our annual golf tournament in partnership with the D’Arcy and Symmes School communities; and the new residents program, which helps Anglophone individuals and families who move to West Quebec adjust to life here and access services in English. RAWQ is also developing strong partnerships with The Wakefield Players and The Pontiac Players aimed at birthing a new community theatre group in the urban center of Gatineau; the Outaouais Health and Social Services Network for the English-speaking population, which RAWQ helped to establish, to improve access to English health and social services; and the City of Gatineau, with whom RAWQ hopes to set up a task force in 2006 aimed at improving English services in all sectors.
As you can see, the last couple of years have been very productive, and the association’s future is bright indeed. Although I am leaving, I have every confidence that RAWQ will continue to strengthen its community partnerships and grow in its mandate to effectively serve the English-speaking residents in West Quebec. I would like to thank RAWQ Executive Director Brian Gibb for making this office a pleasant environment in which to work and for the board of directors for their support. I also hope you will welcome my replacement Joyel Singfield as she takes over my duties as Community Outreach and Communications Liaison Officer.
I encourage you to get involved in your regional association by sharing your ideas and time. Until life brings us together again, I wish you a fond farewell and a peaceful, prosperous and healthy 2006! Au revoir.