A Bit O` Blarney - Claddagh Commission, Inc

A Bit O’ Blarney
Fall 2013
Halloween 2013 at Claddagh
Fall 2013 Issue
Save the Date
Sat. December 7, 2013
Friends and Family
Christmas Party at
Lucarelli’s Banquet
Center
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
Sat. March 8th, 2014
Friends and Family
St. Patrick’s Day Party at
Lucarelli’s Banquet
Center
1:00 pm-4:00 pm
See inside for more
important dates
Visit us at
www.claddaghcommission.org
Ghouls and goblins...sweet and scary...themes and screams: It must be the
annual Claddagh Halloween Costume dance!
On October 25th, the Evans Center Fire Hall was filled with amazing and
wonderful costumes. Dinner, music and dancing with our costumed friends
made for a perfect and fun evening. Below are the winners that tied for First
Place for the “Best Theme”. The people who live at Ennis House were dressed
as a picnic basket and the group from Kerry/Barrow houses combined to make
up the Harlem Globetrotters and their referees.
Other winners were: Molly from Rosslare for Scariest, as Chuckie; Rob from
Donegal for Funniest, as an Ostrich; Eric from Galway for Most Original, as the
Motorcycle Money Guy on the Geico Commercial; Dawn from Lismore as Most
Original Female for the Wolf dressed up as grandma from Little Red Riding
Hood. For more photos visit our website at claddaghcommission.org
Shannon Respite House
Our guests at Shannon respite had a great time participating in
Halloween festivities. They carved a pumpkin and took first place in the
contest. They shared a picture of the wall they decorated with all the guests
and staff names. Everyone feels a sense of being part of the home regardless
of the length of their visit.
From Our CEO
Barbara Lamoreaux
CLADDAGH
A place where
LOVE is felt
TRUST is earned, and
FRIENDSHIPS are formed
Dear Friends and Family:
As we enter the holiday season and the end of yet another year, I wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyous time.
I hope that you will consider joining us for our Family Party on December 7. If you have not had the pleasure of attending
this event in past years, I promise you will leave with a feeling inside of your heart that you have not experienced before.
The spirit of Christmas lives in the songs that you will hear by the Claddagh Angel Choir. On the back page of the
newsletter you will find ticket information.
In 2013 Claddagh lost its founder James P. English. Jim hired me in 1982 and I spent the early years of my career
here with him and Jean. I not only learned what the Claddagh standard was, but I lived it with the English’s. It was
during this time with Jim that I embraced the mission and a passion for the people at Claddagh. I will forever be grateful to
Jim for his vision and the opportunity that I was given to be a part of this wonderful organization.
There have been hundreds of people over the years who have contributed to the success of Claddagh. At this time I
want to recognize two people who have dedicated much of their life, given nothing but unconditional love and compassion
to the “folks”. Lucy Rogala was hired in 1979 as a direct care worker at Mayfield house. Lucy recently announced her
retirement and will move on to another chapter in her life at the end of this year. Lucy has been the longest standing
employee at Claddagh. There has been another hole left in the heart of the Claddagh family with the departure of Martha
Rose. “Marty” came to Claddagh in 1993 and became a member of our executive team. She had a caring and loving heart
for our folks and for all of our staff. On behalf of the people that we serve, I want to thank both ladies and wish them a
long life of good health and happiness.
One certainty in life is that “nothing will ever stay the same”. We are looking forward to 2014 and the new
opportunities that we expect will present themselves to the people who we serve and their families. We will maintain our
focus on person-centered services and assist people in exerting greater control over their lives. The state has asked for our
assistance in moving more people to “self-directed” services which involves an active role by individuals and their families
in the managing of one’s personal funding and hiring of staff. New people who are just coming into the OPWDD
system will be educated and presented with this option as they enter the “front door” to service.
In closing, I would like to commend Kerry Daniels-O’Brien for her work on our new and improved website:
claddaghcommission.org. The website contains current agency events, and general information. There will be features
on our services and people as well as regular updates from me on the direction of Claddagh and New York State. We will
be using claddaghcommission.org as our primary source of information. Happy New Year to all!
Barb
Congratulations Lucy!
Thank you for 35 years
of service!
Best wishes Marty for
many years of health and
happiness!
In Memory of our Friend and Founder
Jim English
February 2, 1930-August 8, 2013
Jim was born February 2nd, 1930 to Loretta and Carlton English. He was ushered
into the presence of the Lord on August 8th, 2013. Jim is survived by his loving wife
Jean and his six children, Carol, Susan, Terrance, Carl, Judy and Patricia, as well as
thirteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He has a sister Joan, two
deceased brothers, John and Tommy.
In 1976, by all accounts, Jim was a successful well-respected businessman but he just completed several
difficult years in his life that left him hurt, confused and carrying a heavy burden. He decided he needed to
go on a spiritual retreat for a time for soul searching, repentance and personal reflection. This personal
time with the Lord brought him to his knees and to a personal relationship with a loving God.
Jim decided that, from that moment on, he wanted to do something meaningful with his life. God
brought him to the place where he decided to build a home for men and women with developmental
disabilities.
On May 11th, 1977 after much prayer Jim took a step of faith and purchased the former Kellogg estate at
7200 Lake Shore Road. A day of rejoicing turned into a year of opposition from a few powerful neighbors
that did not want to see a home for the “mentally retarded” in their neighborhood. This was a very
discouraging time for him and then he heard a sermon by Dr. Robert Schuller in which he said “if you are
working on a cause that you believe in with all your heart and it’s beginning to look like it will fail, dedicate
yourself to continue all the way to failure and somewhere between where you are now and absolute failure
you will find victory.” He got down on his knees and dedicated himself before the Lord to see it through.
On May 8th, 1978 the Lord answered his prayer and the dream of Claddagh became a reality on June 29 th,
1978.
On September 30th, 1978 he married his beloved Jean Campbell. She was the first program director of
Claddagh. Together they forged a partnership that has literally touched the lives of hundreds of people that
have become known as the Claddagh Family, many of whom are with us today.
The uniqueness of Claddagh is embodied in the Claddagh symbol. It served as Claddagh’s philosophy in
1978 and it continues to serve as Claddagh’s philosophy now. Claddagh truly is a place where LOVE is felt,
TRUST has been earned and FRIENDSHIPS have been formed. Jim set out before the Lord to do something meaningful in his life and hundreds of us can attest that he accomplished that goal.
Eulogy by Patrick Guerin former Executive Director of Claddagh Commission
Day Hab News
Meals on Wheels
A decade of dedicated and hard work culminated with award winning recognition. The Claddagh
Day Hab Meals on Wheels program has earned the prestigious “Corporate Volunteer of the Year”
award.
During the award ceremony held at Salvatore's on September 24, the Claddagh volunteers were
cited for ten years of outstanding service and for the wonderful effort made at engaging the seniors
they serve into meaningful friendships.
Without Walls Program
The Angola Day Hab WOW program is bringing some ‘wow’ to an old favorite for the folks at the
Orchard Brook Living Center on Armor Duells Road in Orchard Park. The WOW volunteers are running
“Action Bingo’ at the center. Action Bingo follows the rules of regular bingo but has exercises
incorporated into it each time a number is called.
This is becoming a favorite of the WOW volunteers. They enjoy staying after bingo has ended to
encourage the seniors with their chair exercises. Friendships, laughter and smiles fill each session.
Pictured above is Jeremy demonstrating
how to “Climb the ladder”
Pictured above are Betty & Doug in action
at “Action BINGO”
Making Strides for Cancer
It was a bright and sunny day in downtown Buffalo for the annual American Cancer Society ‘Making
Strides for Cancer’ walk on Saturday, October 19th. The walk was attended by more than ten thousand
people and over $160,000 was raised. Although the weather was chilly, it was great day to show support for
those we care about. Many of us from the Claddagh Family joined in support of two of our friends who are
currently fighting this battle. Our team name was “Denise & Paula’s Army”. Team members were family and
close friends, including people from Mayfield, Dublin, the MSC Department, and Administration.
Live Theater Comes to
the New Angola Theater
The Charles Dickens classic “A Christmas
Carol” comes to life at the New Angola Theater
on Saturday, November 30th. Buffalo’s own
Mike Randall brings a one-time performance
starting at 7 pm. This performance has received
rave reviews all over Western New York and we
are very excited to be a part of this holiday
presentation.
The evening starts with a 6pm sing-a-long.
Pre-sale tickets are available. Please refer to the
flyer for the details.
OUR NEW WEBSITE IS HERE! PLEASE
TAKE A MINUTE TO VISIT US AT:
CLADDAGHCOMMISSION.ORG
We are very excited and hope you will visit
it often to read our news stories, keep track
of upcoming events and activities or to
locate contact information.
There are many pages filled with
information, videos, pictures and plenty of
stories. Please recommend our website to
your friends and family.
National Night Out
A night out for friends, community and fun! Tuesday August 6th was the 30th
Annual National Night Out.
The Southtowns Community Action Organization of WNY Angola Office along
with the Town of Evans Police Department invited people out to Centennial Park in
the Village of Angola.
The evening was filled with fun, community events including
food, parades, music, car shows, and a very special performance
from Claddagh’s very own ‘Singing Angels’. We look forward to
their next performance at the Claddagh Family & Friends Party on
December 7th at Lucarelli’s. See the back page for details.
Special Olympics Update
Bowling
The bowlers have started their training to prepare for the Annual Special Bowling Tournament. Practice
started September 14 at the American Legion Lanes on Memorial Dr. in Hamburg. The teams alternate
weeks every Sunday at Noon.
The tournament will be held at the Thruway Lanes on January 26, 2014 at 11:30. For further
information please email the coach, Joe Gura at joseph.gura@claddaghcomm.org or watch for updates on the website. claddaghcommission.org
Basketball
The Claddagh Special Olympics Training Club began their basketball training on October 14th. The club
trains on Tuesday evenings at Erie Community College South Campus from 7:00-8:30 pm. The tournament
date will be announced in March 2014.
A Very Happy Ending
To Serve and Protect is the police motto. Norma learned just
how true that was at the Connor’s 5K run on September 14th.
Norma had misplaced her purse. Fortunately Officer
Tubinis, of the Town of Evans Police Department was able to
locate the purse and return it to a very happy and grateful
Norma.
New Garden for Monaghan
Maria Bianchi joined the Claddagh Family in
September of 1998 when she moved into the large
Mayfield Home. She shared that home with many of
her friends. In December of 2005 she decided to
move into the smaller Monaghan home with three of
her friends. Maria loved Monaghan. She passed on
August 19, 2008.
This year on the fifth year of her passing, Maria’s
family came to Monaghan, where they planted and
dedicated a garden in Maria’s memory. It is a lovely
garden in the front of the home with plants,
butterflies and a cozy place to sit and relax. What a
beautiful gesture and a special way to remind us of
Maria everyday.
Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party at Lucarelli’s
March 8, 2014 1-4pm
More information to follow at claddaghcommission.org
Claddagh Commission’s 8th Annual Golf Tournament
at Gowanda Country Club June 16, 2014
More information to follow at claddaghcommission.org
Claddagh Commission ‘s Chiavetta Chicken BBQ @ Mayfield Grounds
June 29, 2014
11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (or until sold out)
COME JOIN US FOR A FUN FILLED DAY BY THE LAKE
Chicken Dinner, Music, Dancing, 50/50
More information to follow at claddaghcommission.org
Claddagh Family Support Group
If you currently do not receive announcements from the Family Support Group and would like to be
added to the mailing list, please feel free to contact Cindy Theurer at 438-9449 or at 645-5609. All family
members, guardians and advocates of the people we support are invited to attend the meetings. In addition
to the meetings the group actively volunteers at Claddagh events. Meetings are normally held on the 2nd
Monday evening of each month.
Claddagh Commission’s Friends & Family Christmas Party
Lucarelli’s Banquet Center
1830 Abbott Rd., Lackawanna
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Use Back Entrance/Parking Lot
Doors open at 12:15pm – 4:00 p.m. Lunch (1:00 p.m.)
Tickets are $13.00 each
Soup, Chef Salad, Boneless Breaded Pork chops Au Gratin Potatoes, Vegetables, Rolls,
Coffee, Tea, Pop & Dessert
Mail this portion of this page and payment to (Checks made payable to Claddagh Commission, Inc)
Kerry Daniels-O’Brien, Claddagh Commission, Inc, PO Box 266, Derby, NY 14047
Name: _____________________________________
# of tickets: __________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________
PLEASE NOTE: All reservations must be made prior to Friday, November 29th.
Claddagh Commission, Inc.
7030 Erie Rd, PO Box 266
Derby, NY 14047