A few colleagues are either retiring from Algonquin College or moving to other things this winter. To them, we wish much happiness on the next chapter in their lives.
To us, we are left with a few parting thoughts . . .
(Thanks to Val Sayah for the guerilla video work!)
Bob Rayner taught at the college for 39 years. Bob was in Career and College Preparation and in the General Arts and Science program where he taught Sociology.
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Sharon Cameron has been with the college for 30 years. She taught Life Skills and Employment Preparation in CCP for 22 years(Job Readiness Training, Focus for Change, INTO, and BET). She taught one semester in the ESL department where she co-developed a program called Career Pathing for English Second Language students. Sharon was seconded to the Center for Students with Disabilities and worked as a counsellor for 2 years at Colonel By and Rideau Campus. She has been with General Arts & Science since 2001 teaching Employment Preparation, Group Dynamics, Human Relations, and Essential skills.
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The Peach Flame Drum Circle
Sharon has been a member and has provided a lot of fun and energy to the Peace Flame Drum Circle.
This Drum Circle has existed as an aboriginal hand-drum group since 2006, although they adopted the name "Peace Flame" only in 2008. Members gather out of an interest in First Nations culture, especially music, which they share and teach each other. Gatherings are fairly informal.
Each drum is hand-made, with a round wooden frame, over which is stretched raw deer hide; often it is made by the person who plays it. No two drums sound exactly alike. They also use a variety of rattles, usually of raw hide or horn, which provide a very different sound to accent the song. Our songs are handed down from people who have been gifted with dreams or visions. Songs can be sung in celebration, to record history, or for personal strength and prayer. Songs with great respect, and we learn the meaning behind the song as well as the words. Some songs are comprised of simple chants and "vocables," while others have elaborate vocabulary and they come from many tribes, languages and traditions.
Many of the members belong to more than one Drum Circle, or have regular contact with other sources of First Nations culture, and who share new songs and new teachings. Peace Flame Drum Circle honor the aboriginal traditions of respect for the Creator, all fellow humans, and all creatures and elements in the world. They do not restrict members to those of native heritage or those of one nation, nor do they draw lines between genders, ages or colors. Everyone is welcome to join!