Beatrice Spidel was one of the founding members of LLC. She is currently retired and residing at the Mahone Bay Nursing Home in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. On Wednesday, October 8^th, I was invited to Beatrice's 100th year birthday party.

The first Laubach tutor training workshop was held in Bridgewater in 1970 during a snow storm. Despite the weather, the ladies of the Lutheran Church came out for tutor training. As a result of their efforts a much needed service was provided in our community. Because of outstanding individuals like Beatrice and her friends, Laubach Literacy of Canada had its start in Canada.

Beatrice was the 13^th child in her family. She started her formative years of education in Conquerall Mills, Hebb's Cross, then on to Bridgewater High School and concluded her formal education at the Maritime Business College in Halifax. Beatrice's worked as a stenographer / secretary at Mount Alison University, La Have Creamery and Hollingsworth & Whitney Christmas Tree Company in Bridgewater.

Beatrice was married in 1931 and has two daughters. You will see Beatrice's daughters in the photos, Margaret Hutchinson on her right (wears a bun) and Barbara Morley.

Over her lifetime, Beatrice has been a very active person in her community. She has been a Returning Officer at Elections, Secretary for Home and School, Red Cross Volunteer, Cancer Society Worker, St. John Ambulance Worker, Hospital Canteen Volunteer, Women's Institute Member, Sunday School Teacher, Council Member, Church Treasurer, Alter Guild member, Bowling League Statistician and Tutor (Learn to Read Teacher).

Beatrice and her daughter, Barbara Morley	Beatrice and her daughter, Margaret Hutchinson

Last summer the nursing home hooked Beatrice and several other residents up with a student that came to work at the home. The student, Beatrice and the other residents were all blind and between them they organized a audio book club group. Beatrice has also been responsible for organizing a Spelling Bee at the home. Needless to say, she has a zest for life.

Volunteers are the backbone of many organizations. I consider individuals such as Beatrice to be the backbone of not just our communities, but also our country. Fewer individuals are involved in community efforts these days and kudos to people like Beatrice, may she be an example to us all.

Andrea Haines
LLC Provincial Training Officer – Nova Scotia