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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday October 20, 2007 - 21 ATHENA Oakville Scholarship Recipient ELFIE ALTREE Thank you Athena, I feel such honor to have been awarded the Athena Scholarship by all these amazing, talented and respected ladies of Oakville. Each one is a shinning example of excellence and I can only hope to follow in these footsteps. The true value of these scholarships will be like throwing a stone into still waters. There will be many ripple effects over the next few years for me from such a generous gift. The timing was absolutely crucial for I was financially limited, and probably would not have been able to finish the course that I had started at Sheridan College. Now I will be able to finish the program, and graduate in the New Year. Not only am I grateful for receiving the scholarship, but I also have received wonderful encouraging comment that have given me the determination to try my best and be the best I can be. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you. Women in Skilled Trade Scholarship Recipients YVONNE WILLIAMS Prior to becoming a stay-at-home mother, Yvonne prepared customized surgical packages. Having taken shop and auto mechanics courses in her youth, Yvonne enrolled in the WIST program because she was excited about the opportunity to learn about construction techniques and how to use power tools safely and effectively ­ she wanted to know that she could handle anything related to construction and repairs on her own. She is currently working for a Burlington renovation company, and has started a part-time business that offers `Tool Parties' directed at teaching women how to use power tools. Yvonne hopes to grow her business to become a full-time renovation specialist, and to find ways to assist sole-support women to find affordable housing. Yvonne enjoys sharing her experiences with young women and is available to speak to groups of girls considering career options. SUSAN BRUCE Susan worked as a legal assistant to senior lawyers at a Toronto firm until twelve years ago, when she started her family; for the past 4 years she has been self-employed as a professional organizer. She describes her experience in the WIST program, saying "It gave me a real shot at getting involved in something I love, which is working with my hands and making better homes". Susan is now working with Monarch Homes as a Customer Care Service Technician, repairing any defects reported by new homeowners. Her longterm goal is to renovate homes, particularly kitchens and bathrooms. She has a keen interest in sharing her insights into careers in the construction trades with women of all ages. Congratulations to the 2007 Oakville ATHENA Award Winner! You inspire others with your leadership and determination. LORI RICHARD Prior to enrolling in the WIST program, Lori held two jobs; she worked part-time as a switchboard operator and McMaster University and as a Certified Personal Trainer with the Hamilton YWCA. The WIST program sparked her interest because it provided her the opportunity to learn construction skills in an all-female environment ­ she also liked the fact that the program combined in class and on the job training. For the time being Lori is working with a painting company and volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, but she is actively seeking a position with a renovation company so that she can start her Carpentry Apprenticeship. Her goal is to become a Licensed Carpenter and to eventually start her own renovation business and encourage other women to enter the skilled trades. Kevin Flynn, MPP Oakville Community Office 2330 Lakeshore Road W., Unit #2 Oakville ON L6L 1H3 Tel: 905-827-5141 Fax: 905-827-3786 kflynn.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org Congratulations to all Nominees our goall is WORLD OF THREADS FESTIVAL Oakville's Biennial Celebration of Fibre Arts Quilting . Weaving . Knitting . Hooking . Tatting . Embroidery Featuring: Common Thread International Juried Show Winner of Oakville's 2007 Spirit Award in the Arts Help Create the Magic for September 2009 Contact Jane Coryell - 905-844-0480 revisit Festival 2007 at www.worldofthreads2007.cachelan.com