Growing up in Alberta and experiencing the outdoors on family camping trips through western Canada and the United States established my love of the natural world and an appreciation for its incredible beauty and variety.
After post-secondary education at Red Deer College and the University of Calgary (focusing on Psychology and English) and a back-packing trip through Europe, I relocated to Ottawa, and then Orillia. My later studies through the University of Athabasca, Ryerson University and Georgian College included more English classes, Copy Editing, Grammar, TESL, and Literacy Tutor Training. I was employed for several years as a counsellor at a girls’ group home, Richmond House, then held supervisory positions with the MNR (in Provincial Parks), Casino Rama and Fern Resort. At Fern Resort I advocated for several green initiatives, some of which were successfully implemented! And, I love copy editing!
In Orillia, I was married and we had four children: three daughters and a son; I have five grandchildren. We purchased our house in 1980 (it is now a century home) and soon after began gutting the interior, making the walls thicker, reinsulating, and sealing with vapour barrier. Over the years, doors and windows were replaced: I have considerable first-hand knowledge of retro-fitting! In my spare time I enjoy drawing, knitting, off-loom weaving and re-reading classics. Hiking, snowshoeing, back-packing, tennis and camping our favourite outdoor pursuits.
I volunteered at our children’s nursery schools, joined a food cooperative, tutored at the Orillia and District Literacy Council and supported the campaign opposing the city’s consideration of an incinerator for local waste disposal. Later, after joining the Ganaraska Hiking Club, I was a board director, wrote articles for local publications, assisted with the hike schedule and newsletter, and earned Hike Leader certification—and did a LOT of hiking ☺
From an early age I was puzzled by the demands humans were placing on the earth’s resources—surely this couldn’t go on indefinitely! Over the years my concerns multiplied: plastic pollution; toxins poisoning air, water and soil; inequities in the distribution of wealth, resources and opportunities; greed that would casually log the last stand of old-growth forest or destroy the habitats of endangered species; and the guzzling of fossil fuels that has resulted in climate change.
I am continually examining my life choices, looking for ways to live more sustainably. I give my support to Green parties and environmental organizations and try to stay informed on pertinent issues. Sustainable Orillia is my antidote for frustration, anger and despair. With my SO colleagues, who are passionate and committed, I hope to contribute to initiatives that will engage the residents of our city in making improvements to the sustainability of our community. Giving up is not an option.
“It always seems impossible, until it’s done.”
—Nelson Mandela