FROM THE BRANCHES
ARTA Volunteer Award : Laura McNaughton
FROM THE BRANCHES
• Joined the Taoist Tai Chi Society in 1995 . Three years later she began teaching the beginner program , still Lavila ’ s favourite activity ;
• Joined TOPS in 1999 losing 40 pounds and continuing with the organization through KOPS ( Keeping Off Pounds Successfully ) to maintain her weight loss . Lavila facilitates exercise sessions and has served as leader with the Red Deer branch ;
• Helped with Red Deer ’ s special events such as the Scott Tournament of Hearts , Skate Canada , the Curling Briar , and Festival of Trees .
ARTA Volunteer Award : Laura McNaughton
BY EDNA WARRINER
Born in Bluesky , Laura Lancaster McNaughton was the sixth of seven children . She began her teaching career in the rural Buchanan Creek School near Manning , then attended the University of Alberta in 1956 , completing a Bachelor of Education degree majoring in English . Laura has taught in Lacombe , Athabasca , Burwyn , Peace River and Red Deer — mostly high school English .
Laura and her husband Gordon , whom she met in a horticulture class , have been married for 57 years and have lived many of those years in Red Deer . They are especially proud of their four children and seven grandchildren .
While Laura enjoys quilting , weaving , and her book club , she also exemplifies the definition of volunteering . The following are some of the organizations she assists :
• Girl Guides . As an adult member for 50 years , she has led Sparks , Brownies , Girl Guides and Pathfinders , serving as Camp Advisor , District Commissioner , Deputy Area Commissioner and Provincial Trainer ;
• Red Deer College Arts Centre . Laura has volunteered for front of house since the Arts Centre opened 27 years ago and has contributed by ushering , ticket taking , and coat checking ;
• Red Deer Food Bank . She packed food hampers until she was unable to lift them ;
Lavila received Red Deer Mayor ’ s Recognition Award in Citizenship for Continuous Voluntary service in 2014 .
Lavila is also an active member of the Central Alberta Retired Teachers ’ Association .
To conclude , Lavila is dedicated to her family , to her community and to the organizations dear to her heart , especially those that involve children . Lavila has gained many long-term friendships from her volunteering activities .
• Red Deer Hospital Cancer Clinics and Flu Clinics . Laura volunteered for 15 years ;
• St . Leonard ’ s Anglican Church . Laura has served on the Altar Guild for over 40 years and has taken an active part in preparation and serving of meals sponsored by the Anglican Church Women . The Anglican Sunday school has also benefitted from Laura ’ s efforts ;
• Red Deer Royals Band . Laura has chaperoned parade events in Red Deer , Camrose and Calgary . She presided over one of the band ’ s groups while it toured in Britain in 1976 , and she marched proudly with the band when it played in Edinburgh at Princes Street Gardens and the Royal Mile ;
• Sorrento Centre in British Columbia . Laura and her husband volunteered at Sorrento Centre for workshops and study weeks . They assisted in the kitchen and with housekeeping , and led tours of the Shuswap area .
Laura received the Red Deer Mayor ’ s Recognition Award in Citizenship for Continuous Voluntary Service in both 2005 and 2014 . She has been a member of the Central Alberta Retired Teachers ’ Association for 21 years serving on committees , particularly the Phoning Committee . Laura Lancaster McNaughton credits family and friends for support on her volunteer journey .
news & views SUMMER 2015 | 11