The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
SheÕs following in the a similar path as her previous jobs, but this time Courtney Whitmore is coordinating the programs for Creighton Community School. Though there are some similarities to working at the Youth Resource Centre, or as a school mentor, Whitmore says there are some differences she has noticed as well. ÒThey (her previous jobs) all carry the same theme,Ó says the new Community School Recreation Coordinator, noting that she is responsible for getting the youth active. ÒIÕm also a positive role model for the youth.Ó But itÕs the other side of the job that shines new light into the recreation world for Whitmore, as she has never catered to the needs of the community for her work. ÒIÕm encouraged to get the seniors out as well, whereas before it was just programs to do with the youth,Ó she says. And though she has only been at the school for two weeks now, Whitmore is already seeing things she likes. ÒItÕs nice to have variation as well,Ó she says, referring to the seniors and students she work with. The previous worker at the school had organized a few gym nights, which Whitmore says she plans to keep around. ÒThe Grade 4-6 students really wanted to come in and use the equipment,Ó she says, adding that at some point in the year they hope to have some of the Flin Flon Bombers come out and participate in the activities. As well, Whitmore is putting together a GirlÕs Group, which is geared toward the females in grades 4-6. ÒItÕs to try and increase self-esteem,Ó she says. ÒIÕm hoping to get in touch with Dove. They do this Campaign of Beauty....and at the end they have a Beauty sleep-over.Ó With those ideas and programs rolling around, Whitmore has also found herself planning a Toddler Time, which gives children from ages one to four a chance to come with their parents to a fun exercise program. ÒWe try to coordinate learning with movement,Ó she says. And as of yesterday, the doors of Creighton Community School are open once a week at 7 a.m. for those interested in walking. ÒItÕs for anyone willing to walk in a warm place,Ó says Whitmore, as the colder air takes center stage. ÒItÕs always on the news how inactive people are, and since October is National Walk to School Month...we thought we would start it now.Ó The program runs every Thursday morning. If enough interest is shown, it is possible the doors to the school could open later on in the morning and allow people to walk through the hallways. ÒThe previous worker ran a walking clinic and it was successful,Ó says Whitmore. ÒWe started (Thursday) because it was Senior Week and we hoped to target them.Ó With only a handful of walkers, Whitmore says the program didnÕt go over as well as anticipated yesterday, but she hopes as that as the word gets out, more will show.
