PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

I am pleased to introduce this current issue of our newsletter and in so doing wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year.

While 1999 promises to continue the consequences of radical change occurring in all areas of society and particularly for those involved in adult education. I hope that there are some shining opportunities for you. For the Alberta Association for Continuing Education. the new year brings a few key initiatives. The Spring Conference, "Looking Back, Looking Forward: Visions for Today and Tomorrow" will be a unique opportunity for us to review the history of our membership, the events that have shaped us, and a vision of the world where that history has taken us. I encourage all members and any individuals who have ever had an involvement with AACE to come and participate. It will be a good opportunity to meet others who have been a part of AACE over the years and hopefully reestablish those networks that we may have lost in the radical changes of the past years. The Conference also offers us an opportunity in having a glimpse into what the world tomorrow will bring for adult educators in the province of Alberta. I encourage you, if you have particular insight into what the future holds, please plan on submitting a response to the Call for Presentations mentioned later in the newsletter.

Another initiative that AACE will be looking forward to in 1999 will be the response to a survey being conducted by Peter Cookson, of the AACE board, on the role AACE can play for its members. I encourage you to let the Board know your issues and your concerns. In addition, 1999 will see the continued preparation of newsletters and the AACE Journal that are sources of communication for those interested in adult education in the province of Alberta.

Although it has yet to be finalized, the AACE Board has contacted the Minister's Office to continue our opportunity to meet with the Minister on a yearly basis to relay issues and observations as understood by the AACE membership.

So. AACE like every other organization in the province will be exploring how best to realize its role for 1999. As a reminder, at the Spring Conference in 1999, a new Board will be elected to continue the definition of AACE's role as we move into the new Millennium. I strongly encourage all those who have an interest in adult education and lifelong learning in the province to seek out a role to play, either as a Board member or as a volunteer with AACE. If you have any questions or ideas, I ask you to contact me directly.

In closing, on behalf of the AACE Board, I wish you and your families all the best for 1999.

Alberta Involvement in
INTERNATIONAL YEAR of the OLDER PERSONS

October the first was the official federal and provincial launch of the International Year of the Older Persons. Health Minister Allan Rock, Minister Responsible for Seniors announced that Canada's theme, "a society for all ages" would give Canadians the opportunity to recognize the important roles seniors play in society today. He also announced that the "Alberta Council on Aging will receive $120,000 to develop a Senior Friendly Community Guidebook to encourage the creation of senior friendly communities and programs across Canada". He was joined by Don Herron, co-chair of the IYOP Canadian Coordinating Committee, who observed in his address that "far from 'retiring' from life, Canadian seniors are breathing new life into all areas of our society on a daily basis"...as volunteers, as contributors to charity, and as a powerful consumer force in the Canadian marketplace. (Continued)