“WOW” IS much more than a terse exclamation of wonder and awe for the handful of young North Vancouver stu- dents participating in the pilot run of the federally-funded Work Orientation Workshop (WOW). For the 10 students involved in the program this summer, co- sponsored by the North Vancouver Recreation Commission, participa- tion means nine weeks of paid jobs, and a chance to pick up on valuable work and social skills — personal tools necessary 10 cope with the future. Although similar programs have been available in the province for the past two years, the North Van- couver program was initiated earlier this year when the North Vancouver Recreation Commission approached the federal governm- ent for funding of a program in North Vancouver. GOVERNMENT GRANT The federal government delivered with a $19,000 grant via Employment and Immigration Canada. The grant covers the cost of a program coordinator and monies paid to the participating students in the form of honorariums and minimum wages. The participating students, aged 15 to 18, were recommended by school counsellors and community workers for the program geared for potential carly school leavers. The framework for the program, which began June 29 and runs to Aug. 28, includes two, three-week stints in two separate workplaces and workshops featuring guest speakers at the program’s home base in the Lynn Valley Ecology Centre. The workshop portions of the program feature guest speakers from the community including small business, union and social service representatives. 27 - Sunday, July 12, 1987 - North Shore News What’s going on in the community SEE PAGE 33 Program coordinator Gina Bell, 24, is currently lining up local employers interested in providing workplace experience for the stu- dents. “Employer response has been fairly good. All of the people con- tacted have been enthusiastic,”’ said Bell, a recent sociology grad- uate from UBC. “The employers we're looking for are small businesses, people in the hospi- tality industry, trades, restaurants — basically anything that would provide a rounded work experi- ence.” Although there are other youth-oriented work programs available in the community, WOW places equal emphasis on helping participants develop social skills. “Most job-entry programs focus on developing particular skills for jobs, but we include lifeskills like stress and time management, goal setting, financial management and small group skills,"" said Bell. Employers interested in par- ticipating in the program can call Bell at 980-1920 or 984-9341. Seniors honor Canada’s past JGIN IN celebrations of Canada’s yester-year. The West Vancouver Seniors Activity Centre invites the public to visit the centre at 695 21st St. on Thursday, July 16. At 4 p.m. the lounge will open with demonstra- tions and displays of preserved arts and crafts of the past, including the Canadiana Costume Society, spinners, lacemaking and quilting. Participants can relax over a ecuntry chicken dinner and the fiddle and harp of Jill Everson. Freshwater. a musical duo, will follow with B.C. heritage songs dating back tc the early 1800s. For further information call the centre at 926-4375, NEWS photo Terry Peters NORTH VANCOUVER youth worker Neil Huestis talks (o local students ensolled in the North Vancouver Recreation Centre’s Work Orientation Workshop at the Lynn Valley Ecology Centre. The program, launched on 2 $19,000 grant from Employment and lamigration Canada, is helping 10 students develop life and work skilts for future employment, * custom foam packing * crates for art & industry * packing boxes © shipping, land, sea, air * post office parcel drop Compare the Value The leading European music magazine did! DIAPASON invited leading technicians and concert artists to independent- ly judge 21 pianos from Korean, European and Japanese manufacturers. Yamaha pianos were rated No.1 overall and awarded DIAPASON'S GOLD MEDAL. “Yamaha has the best quality/price ratio. A fine sound bringing to mind that of the Steinways.” DIAPASON October 1986. Invest in the very best quality and value. ‘Can you afford anything less? : We'll guarantee the safe delivery of your custom foam packed parcels... ANYWHERE!! Take advantage of our PARCEL DROP SERVICE and avoid Past Office line-ups. The Keyboard Centres at 22 Wordumd: YAMAHA 1887-1987 TOM LEE MUSIC CO. a 952 Granvitic (Between Nelson & Smythe) 685-8471 ° fown Square Centre 10068 K. George Huy, (Opposite Sursey Place} 589-1344 Oakridge 261-3311 Guildford 586-2111 Lansdown 270-3322 (One block east of Capilano - Open Sat. 10-4)