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Endorsements for the Carol Shields Memorial Labyrinth
"Carol's family is thrilled with the idea of a labyrinth in Winnipeg
in celebration of her life and work. Complex, creative, challenging, surprising,
embracing - a labyrinth is a perfect symbol of Carol."
The Shields Family
"Not only as her publishers, but as her friends, all of us at Random
House of Canada are delighted to contribute to such a tangible, apt and
intriguing memorial to Carol Shields. We can't wait to be able to walk
in it, in the wonderful city of Winnipeg, which featured so prominently
and warmly in Carol's art and her life."
Anne Collins, Publisher, Random House Canada
"A Memorial Labyrinth in honour of Carol Shields would be an excellent
addition to our city and a fitting tribute to one of Canada and Manitoba's
foremost literary figures. Carol Shields found inspiration in our city
and province, and it is only fitting that we in turn be inspired by her
incredible contribution as a writer and a friend. Carol immortalized the
labyrinth in her novel, Larry's Party. It's our turn to immortalize Carol
Shields in a labyrinth in her honour right here in Winnipeg."
Gary Doer, Premier of Manitoba
"A Labyrinth Memorial to celebrate the contribution of Carol Shields
to literature, to Winnipeg, to Manitoba, and to Canada is a most fitting
tribute for a woman who made us proud. A link to her most celebrated work,
situated in the City that nurtured her incredible gift, is a wonderful
idea and will leave a lasting legacy of a dear friend."
Glen Murray, former Mayor of Winnipeg
"Let me take this opportunity to offer my support for your endeavours
to establish a Memorial Labyrinth in recognition of the contribution that
Carol Shields has made to Winnipeg. Her prominence in the international
literary community has certainly helped spread the word about our wonderful
City. A Labyrinth would be a fitting tribute. If plans have not yet been
finalized, I would certainly welcome this project in the St. Norbert Ward.
The tranquil setting of Kings Park close to the University of Manitoba
would be an ideal location and a labyrinth would be a wonderful addition
to Park amenities."
John Angus, former City CouncillorSt. Norbert Ward
“Shields had a profound impact on the people of our city. . . one
of our most recognizable citizens. This is a great fit for us.”
Justin Swandel, City Councillor, St. Norbert Ward
"I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to Carol Shields, one
of Canada's most beloved authors, than a memorial labyrinth. Original
, inspiring, yet understated - like the author herself - it s a fine way
to recognise the remarkable contributions Ms. Shields made to the cultural
fabric of Canada. I strongly support this endeavour."
Reg Alcock, P.C., M.P. , President of Treasury Board
and Minister Responsible for Canadian Wheat Board
"I strongly support the proposal for a Carol Shields Memorial Labyrinth.
Ms. Shields was not only a gifted writer and grand story-teller but also
a strong supporter of Winnipeg where she made her home for more than 20-years.
We were proud to call her one of our own and she will be long remembered
for her contributions to the arts and culture communities of Winnipeg."
John Harvard, P.C., M.P.
"This project is an excellent way to pay tribute to a literary icon.
Carol Shield's incredible talent was fostered in Winnipeg and there is
no place more fitting for her to be remembered. The building of a Labyrinth
to memorialize her will provide people with a space to enjoy nature, to
contemplate life, to nurture their soul, and encourage them to spend time
dreaming."
Marilyn Brick, MLA for St. Norbert
"The Playwrights Guild of Canada extends whole-hearted support
for the Carol Shields Memorial Labyrinth. The labyrinth has a rich history,
and is found in ancient and modern cultures around the world. The feature
of making the labyrinth wheelchair accessible, adds inclusiveness to this
ancient and enduring form. It is a most fitting way to honour a Canadian
novelist and playwright whose works have gained international acclaim."
On behalf of President Vern Thiessen and the Playwrights
Guild of Canada, Gail Nyoka, Vice President
"The Labyrinth Society, which has many Canadian members, strongly
supports the building of labyrinths in community settings. Labyrinths
play a part in communities worldwide, as they have done for centuries,
combining an enduring symbol with a playful and spiritual significance
that reflects the nature of life itself. Many of us have been influenced
by Carol Shields' book, Larry's Party. A memorial labyrinth in a beautiful
garden in Winnipeg would aptly commemorate both the book and its author,
and would be a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman."
The Labyrinth Society, New Canaan CT, Kimberly Lowelle
Saward, Ph.D., President
"Carol Shields was a literary beacon in Winnipeg for over twenty
years. The idea of a labyrinth to celebrate and memorialize her life and
work is a fitting one. Carol would have loved it. We shall walk the meditative
paths of a living garden, Larry's Party in hand."
Holly McNally, McNally Robinson Booksellers
"We are delighted to honour Carol Shields and contribute to Winnipeg’s
architectural heritage with this innovative design. Accessible to all,
this amphitheatre-like garden labyrinth will create an inviting destination
and sense of place. The dynamic interplay of flowing pathways, cozy nooks,
expansive spaces and ever-changing views and vistas offers something for
everyone."
Rudy P. Friesen, Friesen Tokar Architects
"A memorial to Carol Shields in her home town of Winnipeg will
be a tremendous asset to Winnipeg and Manitoba. Being in business in Manitoba
for nearly 80 years, the Murray family supports the commemorative labyrinth
for Carol Shields. We are very pleased to be on board as an initial corporate
sponsor and are committed to the success of this worthwhile project."
Dan Murray, MURRAY CHEVROLET HUMMER
"I am delighted to endorse the proposal for the "Carol Shields
Memorial Labyrinth". I can think of a no more fitting tribute to
Carol than a labyrinth with international appeal and located in her adopted
city of Winnipeg where she wrote most of her literary works."
Emoke J.E. Szathmary, President and Vice Chancellor University of Manitoba
"A Canadian literary treasure, Carol Shields will always have a place
in Manitoba's writing and publishing community as one of its best, brightest
and most talented authors of our generation. She will be remembered for
her generosity with new and emerging writers, her dedication to the art
and craft of writing and her wonderful books, which are a significant
part of her legacy. The Carol Shields Memorial Labyrinth will be an important
city landmark for those seeking inspiration, creativity and encouragement."
Robyn Maharaj on behalf of the Manitoba Writers Guild,
Prairie Fire Press and the Winnipeg International Writers Festival
"Carol Shields made an enormous contribution to The University
of Winnipeg during her time as Chancellor, enriching life here in all
of its aspects, and representing the University to itself and to the world
with profound humanity. We miss her and will always remember her. We are
pleased to endorse the Carol Shields Memorial Labyrinth.
Patrick Deane, Vice-President (Academic) and Acting
President University of Winnipeg
"She was a prominent figure in the Arts and Culture communities
of Winnipeg. Her books were often set in Winnipeg and she was a staunch
promoter of Winnipeg as she traveled around the world At the time of her
death, the city--and the whole country mourned. This memorial would be
a lasting indication of the vital, prominent role she played here and
also the wealth of love and respect she inspired."
Marjorie Anderson, former professor at the University
of Manitoba, communication consultant through her company, Wordwise,
edited the two Dropped Threads books with Carol Shields.
"What a fitting tribute to Carol Shields a Labyrinth would be,
reflecting, as it does, one of her particular interests and her great
sense of fun. For the people of Winnipeg who knew her personally or through
her work, it would be a living, growing testimonial to the love shared
between Carol and her chosen city. For future generations it would be
a reminder that there once lived among us an exceptional writer, an outstanding
citizen, and a person of great warmth and humanity."
Bill Neville, former City Councillor , Winnipeg Free
Press columnist, and Head, Department of Political Studies, University
of Manitoba
"This project will combine culture, recreation, and spiritual awareness.
It will remind Winnipeggers, and the world, of the incredible talent that
is nurtured here. Combining the inspiring profile of Carol Shields and
the grandeur of a locally designed garden labyrinth will attract people
from all over the world to our city."
Anne Nesbitt, Executive Director of the Manitoba
Labyrinth Network
"Creative Retirement offers numerous Labyrinth courses each year
as part of its broad spectrum of lifelong learning opportunities for seniors.
A recent community development project co-ordinated by Creative Retirement
resulted in a"Lifelong Learning Labyrinth" Mural on the north
wall of our building. The mural includes an image of Carol Shields. We
believe the memorial labyrinth would be a very fitting tribute to this
remarkable woman while providing a place for people of all ages to walk
the meditative pathway in an outdoor setting."
Creative Retirement Manitoba
"I am writing to endorse the building of a labyrinth to memorialize
Carol Shields, whose novel, Larry's Party, had a labyrinth as an integral
part of the story. Labyrinths in public places are becoming more and more
popular because they appeal to so many different kinds of people. Children
love to run them, older folks like to walk them meditatively, but mostly,
they are a way of having a number of people, who might not ordinarily
mix, walk together on a path that leads to peace and remembrance. "
Sig Lonegren M.A., Glastonbury, England, Founding
Member of The Labyrinth Society, author - Labyrinths: Ancient Myths
& Modern Uses - www.geomancy.org
"Having built more than 800 labyrinths in the past nine years, including
a number of public labyrinths, I strongly endorse the inclusion of labyrinths
in public places. Labyrinths are beneficial in many ways, fun for the
children (who usually run the circuits), calming for the adults, balancing,
meditative, focusing. Labyrinths can take us past our surface concerns
to wells of deep creativity. What could be more fitting as a memorial
to Carol Shields? Labyrinths help organize the site, visually, and our
experience of the site (directing our walking). This offers an added and
interesting aspect to a public park in addition to open spaces, sports
facilities, or picnic areas. I congratulate all involved for having the
insight and talent to bring this project to fruition. "
Robert Ferre, St. Louis, MO, Labyrinth Enterprises,
author - The Labyrinth Idea Book and The Labyrinth Revival - www.labyrinth-enterprises.com
This proposal for the installation of a Carol Shields Memorial Labyrinth
in Winnipeg will create a fitting and lasting memorial to a woman whose
book "Larry's Party" is one of the greats of modern Labyrinth
Literature. The creation of labyrinths in public spaces is a custom that
stretches back across the centuries, around the world. The construction
of this Memorial Labyrinth in Winnipeg will forever link the city and
the memory of Carol Shields to that tradition."
Jeff Saward, Thundersley, England, editor of "Caerdroia
- the Journal of Mazes & Labyrinths " and author of "Labyrinths
& Mazes - A Complete Guide to Magical Paths of the World" (Lark
Books, New York, 2003) - http://www.labyrinthos.net
"I can think of no greater tribute to Carol Shields and the City
of Winnipeg than to honor her in this way. By creating a labyrinth in
her name, will be to literally walk into one of the themes of her books,
which have brought so much enrichment to readers everywhere."
Lea Goode-Harris, Ph.D., Santa Rosa, CA ,The Santa
Rosa Labyrinth Foundation www.srlabyrinthfoundation.com
"The Toronto Labyrinth Community Network is pleased to endorse
the establishment of a labyrinth in a Winnipeg public park to honour the
memory of beloved and internationally acclaimed Canadian author Carol
Shields. We believe that labyrinths in public spaces can have a beneficial
effect in bringing people together and improving urban life."
Toronto Labyrinth Community Network
"We on the executive of the Edmonton Labyrinth Society heartily
endorse the proposal to construct a labyrinth in a public space as a memorial
to Carol Shields as well as a contribution to the quality of life for
citizens and visitors in Winnipeg."
Charles Bidwell, President and Susan Carnahan, Secretary,
Edmonton Labyrinth Society
"The new labyrinth would be a place of peace and tranquility for
those reflecting upon life and grieving lives lived; it would also provide
a source of quiet inspiration and energy renewal for our volunteers who
support those who are grieving or who are facing an advanced illness."
Hospice & Palliative Care Manitoba
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