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Teacher And Students Together Again
Dr. Louisa Loeb Permit Teachers Of Manitoba 14th Annual Reunion - July 12, 2018
Text by Theresa Antoniuk (with some revisions) by Ed Arndt. Photos courtesy of Theresa Antoniuk and Ed Arndt
On July 12, 2018, some 52 permit teachers, guests and former students registered for the 14th Annual Dr. Louisa Loeb Permit Teachers of Manitoba Reunion at The Viscount Gort Hotel in Winnipeg, MB.
Building on the former years of success, the theme of the Reunion was once again, “Teachers and Students Together Again.” Former students and permit teachers were invited to attend.
The Registration Table was opened at 10:00 a.m. Welcoming guests to the reunion were Edith Alexiuk (Registrar), Karen Boughton, Vera McCallum and Lavone Lesperance-Caron. The attendees received a program evaluation sheet, pen and note pad, color coded meal tickets and door prize tickets. Andy Alexiuk, Ed Arndt and Ralph Trombo were the official “Wal-Mart Greeters” and greeted the guest as they arrived to register.
Before the program officially began, committee member, Karen Boughton, handed out an “Icebreaker” activity featuring towns and cities in Manitoba which challenged and kept the guests occupied until “The Call to Order."
Reunion Committee Chair, Theresa Antoniuk, called the attendees to order using an old fashioned school hand bell (very appropriate) which brought back a flood of memories to those attending. She called upon teacher, Marlene Anderson, to introduce her former two students, Irene Coleman and Shirley Walker. (It should be noted at this point while committee member, Vera McAllum was not officially introduced she was also a former student attending-guest of Ed Arndt, her former teacher in 1959-60 at Tartakiw School.)
The Guest Speaker, Sergeant Shawn Lowry, head of the Winnipeg Police Canine Unit, did a power point presentation and explanation regarding explosives. Shawn brought his lead dog, “ Nero,” to search for explosives. Fortunately, at this meeting of retired teachers, he could find no explosives! Committee Member, Bill Badiuk, thanked Sergeant Lowry for the interesting presentation. Although “Nero” had an important role to play as a Member of the Police Force, as he is also a great ambassador for his profession and he spent a lot of time “chatting” with the teacher! Sergeant Lowry was presented with a toke of appreciation by Bill Badiuk.
Before the luncheon, Committee Member, Karen Boughton, presented an “In Memoriam” followed by “Grace.”
Following a delicious lunch prepared by and served by the courteous and pleasant staff of the Viscount Gort Hotel, chairperson, Theresa Antoniuk, gave special recognition to several people attending. On behalf of the 14th Reunion Committee, Theresa thanked and honored Dr. Louisa Loeb (who was present at this Reunion) for starting the reunion 14 years ago.
Whenever Dr. Loeb (due to deteriorating health) could no longer chair or participate, she always made a point of attending the reunions chaired by other chairpersons. The Committee
The 2017-2018 Reunion Committee of the Dr. Louisa Loeb Permit Teachers of Manitoba. B.R. L-R: Andy Alexiuk, Ralph Trombo, Karen Boughton, Mel Bodnarus (Treasurer), Bill Badiuk (Vice Chair), Lavone Lesperance-Caron. F.R. L-R: Edith Alexiuk (Registrar), Wally Stoyko, Ed Arndt (Secretary), Vera Lesiuk McCullum (student representative), Margaret Lesperance.
kept in touch with her by sending the minutes of the meetings At the l4th Reunion, Chairperson, Theresa Antoniuk, honoured Dr. Loeb with a corsage. Gerald Loeb, Dr. Louisa’s son, spoke about his mother. Gerald always brought his mother to the reunions. He graciously thanked the committee for carrying on his mother’s legacy.
Special recognition was given to Artha Anderson from Libau, MB, who was the first person to register for the reunion. Also acknowledged for special recognition was Marlene Anderson who travelled the furthest to attend this reunion. Marlene came from Delta, BC. Both Artha and Marlene were recognized with a small gift, presented by the chairperson.
Committee Member, Mel Bodnarus, introduced Leo Gosselin who entertained the guests with the Grand Stick, a unique musical instrument. Leo played a variety of music in Latin. Jazz, pop, western and others. Mel presented an honorarium to Leo in appreciation of his wonderful entertaining music.
“Memories of Permit Teaching Years” (open mic), were moderated by Wally Stoyko and Mel Bodnarus. This provided an opportunity for attendees to share their humourous stories of their experiences while teaching in the rural oneroom schools.
Treasurer, Mel Bodnarus, presented a Financial Report summarizing the year’s financial activities.
Our thanks are extended to the many generous donors who donated the door prizes which were presented by Wally Stoyko.
The same Reunion Committee will remain to plan the 15th Final Reunion” scheduled for July 11, 2019 at the Viscount Gort Hotel. If you taught on permit and would like to attend, please phone Edith Alexiuk at 204-256-6484 and request a registration form.
