New Community Programmer Puts Plans Into Action
Patterson brings much experience to her new role at the Township
“I am looking forward to our community enjoying a variety of new and old programs/events for the young and the young at heart.” says Shawna Patterson, Community Programmer with the Township of Manitouwadge.
MANITOUWADGE, ON – OntarioNewsNorth.com would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Township of Manitouwadge’s new Community Programmer, Shawna Patterson.
Recently, OntarioNewsNorth.com spoke with Patterson asking the questions readers have submitted, and a few of our own, about what she brings her new role, the opportunities it will present to work with residents, groups and organizations and how she will face the challenges it includes.
We asked Patterson to briefly explain the role of a Community Programmer and among the tasks and goals she listed were:
- Planning and implementing new programs and events;
- Maintain existing programs and events;
- Assisting in the administration and supervision of facilities and programs;
- Networking with community groups and organizations to provide information on and promote the Township’s programs and events;
- Assisting community groups/organizations with their own recreational activities and programs.
Patterson explained that included in her assistance of local groups or organizations with their own programming and events could be advertising, planning support, assistance accessing resources or facilitation of networking between local groups or businesses, she explained that each situation would be unique and therefore would be assessed individually.
Patterson emphasized that this is an overview of her goals and objectives though there did seem to be a reoccurring theme of ensuring opportunities for residents of Manitouwadge to enjoy active lives, celebrate community spirit and diversity.
A quick look at Patterson’s long list of qualifications would almost lead the reader to question if she had this position in mind when she began her post-secondary studies years prior. In addition to her university degree in Business Administration, the experience she gained as Special Events Coordinator for the Canadian Hearing Society and the experience and networking gained through her employment at Manroc where she initially worked in data entry and then in payroll, Patterson had an unplanned internship of sorts, employed as an assistant with the Township’s Leisure Services Department (the very same department now known as Community Services). In her role as an assistant Patterson benefited from a thorough introduction to the many functions of the Community Services Department; preparing the Forecaster, helping to get programs ready and preparing for events, were among the duties she originally enjoyed “I really enjoyed working in the department and was thrilled when the job for Community Programmer became available” says Patterson.
Though positive and confident, Patterson is not naïve to the realities of creating and facilitating programs and events in a community faced with employment uncertainties and a reduced population. “There is always going to be a challenge to face and I am confident that my business background and ability to work with Township Staff and all members of Our Community we will be able to problem solve anything” assured Patterson, adding “I am looking forward to our community enjoying a variety of new and old programs/events for the young and the young at heart.”
In a community where residents have become accustomed to enjoying a wide range of seasonal and annual, events and programs does she really plan to find original events and programs to offer while maintaining those traditional favourites which have become part of Manitouwadge culture? It would seem she is well on her way to doing just that, the day we communicated she was in the process of finalizing the upcoming week’s Summer Playground schedule before a meeting with staff to finalize details of Manitouwadge’s 1st Annual Summer Fest weekend which Patterson has planned for August 7th and 8th.
If you would like to communicate with Shawna Patterson, Township of Manitouwadge Community Programmer, she invites you to do so during her regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8am to Noon and 1pm to 4pm by phone at (807) 826-3227 ext. 237 or via email at Shawna@manitouwadge.ca
