Hopes Notes - Center of Hope

Hopes Notes
July 2012
In This Issue Charlton Woods Summer Camp
Articles:
Summer Camp-new location
Stars & Stripes Fun Facts
Special “O” Summer Games
Quick! Save the Parks!
Remember All Aboard The
Arc?
Awareness:
legislative Update
Sandwich & Social
On the Air Waves
Breaking the Silence
Building Bridges
Fundraising Events:
Crafter’s Closet
Golf Tournament
What’s New In Their Shoes?:
Southbridge Day Hab
CoH/Quinebaug Day Hab
West Street Day Hab
Featured CoHF Business:
Yards of HopeNeed a Helping Hand?
We have moved! Same great activities, just a new location. Our beloved
Summer Recreation Program will be held at Charlton Woods Recreation Center
(Formerly Camp Bement) at 73 Jones Road, Charlton MA.
Program Dates:
June 25th - August 31st.
Program Hours:
Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Program Options:
Cubs: 6 - 12 years. Focusing on
interaction with peers with fun
summer activities.
Lions: 13 - 21 years. Social and
recreational activities paired
with a prevocational component,
offering older children the opportunity to participate at volunteer sites. Both programs are
open to all.
Picture: 2011 Summer Camp
There is still time to sign up, but space is limited, so for more information
please contact Ryan Thompson today at 774-230-0440.
Legislative Update - by Cindy Howard
The hard work of many people, including those of you who took the time to call
or write your legislators paid off. Most of the budget items that were in jeopardy were restored. Thank goodness, as it would have meant almost a million
dollars in cuts just to our agency!! We can never take it for granted and now it
is time to THANK them! Follow the Take Action link in the Arc Mass website to
use the automated system. It is easy! Written letters and calls work too. If you
need ANY help, Cindy will be glad to give you a hand!
The money restored:
• $20 Million to fund the first annual raise for direct support professionals
earning under $40,000 per year in years.
• A $15 million cut to Mass Health Day Habilitation Programs that may preserve the six hour service day.
• Increased funding of Family Support Programs, restoring $5.5 million cut by
Governor Patrick’s House Two Budget and some prior year’s cuts.
• A $2 million cut by the Governor from DDS Transportation programs.
THANK YOU! Vital work will continue because you care!
Sandwich & Social
Once a month the Center hosts a lunch networking event that invites local businesses to learn the history of the
Center and tour the many small businesses created by the Center. This past social brought representatives from
three different Arc Chapters, two self advocates, two local businesses and a college professor who is on the board
for RRI. This group of individuals were eager to share ideas, and collectively agreed to steal a few others, which
was jovially accepted and encouraged by Cindy Howard, Center of Hope Foundation’s Public Relations and Administrative Director. Jim Howard explained how a “peer philosophy” creates balance between staff, participants, and
community workers within our agency and small businesses. Also, the desire to find diversified funding starts the
collaboration of researching, and executing a plan of action that will benefit the Center of Hope Foundation and it’s
participants as a whole.
If you or your place of business is interested in attending future “Sandwich and Socials” please contact Jennifer
Grammatic at (508) 764-4085 ext 656 or e-mail jgrammatic@thecenterofhope.org. Our next “Sandwich and Social”
will be held on July 10, 2012, at 100 Foster Street, Southbridge, MA, from 12-1:30 p.m.
On the Air Waves
The Center of Hope Foundation gives a “Live Shout Out” on WESO 970 AM radio every other week at 8:30 - 9 a.m.
on Tuesdays. Listen in on what is new with the Center. Current hot topics are showcased about our programs, small
businesses, legislation and fund-raising events.
Breaking the Silence by Mark Carron
“Could of, should of, would of.” Remember thinking that to yourself after reading the results of an election?
Remember complaining about cuts to our budget and/or elimination of valuable programs, and being mad at those elected
individuals responsible? Well the GOOD NEWS is, you don’t have to be mad at them any longer. If you are not a registered voter or didn’t vote... IT’S YOUR FAULT! You see, in OUR world, voters are DOERS and can demand, non-voters are
then BEGGARS, and as the saying goes “Beggars can’t be choosers.” Who are you? Who will you be?
✓ VOTE!
If you are 18 years or older, visit your Town Hall or local Registry of
Motor Vehicles, or if you are computer savvy- check out http://www.
registertovote.org/ and become a registered voter. That is half the
battle. Next is to voice your opinion by voting. Program members
are welcome to join the Center’s self advocacy group Building Bridges. Leader Steven Etzweiler will help you have your voices heard.
Building Bridges- Self Advocacy
by Steve Etzweiler
Building Bridges is a self-advocacy program that meets at the Center of Hope Day Hab program located at 1 North Street,
Southbridge, MA from 4 - 6 p.m. typically on the first Tuesday of the month. We discuss how to advocate for more funding for programs, how to speak with legislators, and how to respectfully stand up for human rights. People are empowered to make decisions for themselves, and if they need help, we discuss it. The next meeting is September 4th from 4 - 6
p.m. We will be having pizza and wings. If you would like to come, please contact Steve Etzweiler at setzweiler@thecenterofhope.org or call 508-764-4085. If you would like to discuss how to stand up for yourself, and the things you believe
in, come and join us on September 4th! It would be great to see you there!*
*Dues are $3.00 per month or $25.00 annually. No transportation services provided.
2.
Crafter’s Closet
Limited Stock
Assorted Samples
Help the Center of Hope Foundation raise money by purchasing pre cut, assorted
colors and style bags of Rag Roll, Ribbon, Lace, Rick Rack, and Tassels.
$4.10 Rag Roll: 2lbs - widths varying 1”- 4”
$1.00 Ribbon Bag: (25) 1 yard lengths, assorted colors and widths.
$1.25 Lace & Trim Bag: (22) 1 yard lengths, assorted colors and widths.
$1.50 Rick Rack-Asst. Bag: (20) 1 yard lengths, assorted colors, and widths.
$1.75 Rick Rack-Chenille Bag: (16) 2 yard lengths, assorted colors and widths.
$1.00 Tassel Bag: 11 sets of 2 - assorted tassels.
For more information on ordering please contact Judi Nelson at 774-402-0098.
6 th Annual Golf Tournament
Save the Date-August 15, 2012
Benefiting Sports & Recreation/Holiday Giving Programs
Your participation, whether through playing, donating, or sponsoring this event will provide uniforms, equipment
and services to participate in Special Olympics sports program events, which includes unified Volleyball, Softball,
Basketball, Flag Football, Cheerleading, Track & Field, Weight Lifting, and Fishing.
All too often families go without during the holiday season and through donations and fundraising the Center of
Hope can help provide a holiday treat for children by providing presents to children during the holiday season.
Heritage Country Club, Charlton MA
8:30 a.m. Registration
9:30 a.m. Shotgun Start
2:30 Dinner & Awards Ceremony
Contact Marie Barse 508-764-4085
Registration and Sponsorship Opportunities.
All donations are tax deductible
3.
What’s New in Their Shoes?
Picnic for All to Enjoy
Precision Testing Labs will be hosting another free, fun filled picnic on the Southbridge Common for everyone who attends the Center of Hope programs on July 12, 2012 (rain date July
19, 2012) from 12 -2 p.m. Last year there was great food and excellent company. Everywhere you looked
people were dancing to music, playing frizbee or tossing the football. Thank you Precision Testing Labs for
offering another great day to have fun in the sun!
Southbridge Day Hab
On June 13, 2012, Officer Campbell from the Southbridge Police Department
came to visit with his partner Dolly. Dolly is a working K-9 who has the
right kind of nose for the job- she is a Bloodhound! Bloodhounds have been
known for hunting because of their strong skills in tracking a “scent.” Although
the soft, wrinkly skin folds may make them look adorable, they actually help hold the scent
particles while they search. Their noses are so superb that it is hard for them to not wander off after an interesting scent. Bloodhounds are able to follow any scent, even human a rare ability in a dog. This breed has been said to successfully follow trails over 100 hours
old. They are also very determined and have been known to stay with the trail for over 100
miles. The Bloodhound is such a sure tracker that the breed is used worldwide for rescue
and criminal searches and the Bloodhound’s evidence is admissible in the court of law. I
guess she “nose” best!
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/bloodhound.htm
Coming soon in July will be a special story time reader named Jonathan Hall from Brimfield, MA. Jonathan will be
reading his original written book about a cat named Toto. Toto is a cat who was rescued after being displaced from
his home during the June 2011 tornados. Further information on day and time will follow.
Center of Hope Day Hab - Quinebaug River Day Hab
On June 18, 2012 the Center of Hope and Quinebaug River Day Hab took part in transfering many starter plants
grown as program projects to the Community Garden located on Worcester Street, Southbridge, MA. Many hours of
careful tending will continue throughout the months to ensure healthy growth of our vegetable and flower plants.
The town, in partnership with the Center of Hope, provides a planter box, soil, water barrel, and compost bin to create 4’ x 8’ Community Garden plots to Southbridge residents to plant flowers, fruits and vegetables on a seasonal
basis. Plots are free and are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The plots are available from May 26, 2012,
to October 31, 2012. For information contact the Southbridge Health Department at 508-764-4252, ext. 2.
picture: http://thinkreduce.com/southbridge-ma/node/338
4.
West Street Day Hab
picture: Judy Couture being assisted by Sturbridge Firefighter Brian Townes
Watch for the splash because West Street Day Hab has control of the
hose! On June 12, 2012, Captain John Marinelli of the Sturbridge Fire
Department organized an exciting and fun day for our friends at West
Street Day Hab. With the assistance of several firefighters, our folks
literally got to “walk in their shoes” by trying on the gear. Did you
know that the average weight of a firefighter’s gear is approximately
60 to 70 lbs? And that is not including what they may need to carry,
such as a fire ax or fire hose! Because of the large amount of weight
and cumbersome protective outerwear, cadets must spend many hours
training in the full gear. A typical exercise may be to crawl through a
large attic or crawl space in full bunker gear while wearing the SABC
(self-contained-breathing-aparatus). This SABC is filled with oxygen
and delivers the oxygen through a tube. The bunker gear consists of
boots, trousers and a jacket; all of which is made of fire-retardant
material.
Thanks to the Sturbridge Fire Department, West Street Day Hab learned valuable safety tips, interesting, fun facts
about the gear and what it takes to be a fire fighter. Thank you Sturbridge Fire Department for letting us walk in
your shoes.
(details about gear research from http://www.ehow.com/about_4760940_much-does-firefighter-gear-weigh.html )
Vocational Department - Employment Supports
Everyday the Vocational Department participates by volunteering in the community. Now we can add the Eco Tarium of Worcester, MA to the destination list. If your place of business is in need of volunteers please contact Jennifer
Williams at 508-764-4085 or e-mail jwilliams@thecenterofhope.org.
Also the consignment store, Hope’s Treasures, continues to attract more customers and currently has
over 180 consignors. Follow us on Facebook for daily updates and pictures of what is new in the
store. Great summer deals and collectable baseball cards are now available. Stop in and say hi at
100 Central Street, Southbridge, MA, located next to Books and Beans coffee shop.
Stars & Stripes Fun Facts
(True or False)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The first flag on the moon was made of Teflon.
There are 15 stripes on the American flag.
The current American flag was designed by a teenager.
Using a stars and stripes napkin is “flag abuse.” Puerto Rico may become the 52nd star on the American flag.
Answers on Back Cover-
6-14-12 http://glo.msn.com/relationships/flag-day-made-fun-8315.gallery#!stackState=5__%2Frelationships%2Fflag-day-made-fun-8315.gallery
5.
Special “O” Summer Games 2012
- by Rachel Reyes
Special Olympics has been an important part of the Center of Hope’s services
since 1987. This year alone, our programs have provided over 120 athletes and
partners with a wide range of athletic and recreational opportunities, culminating in the Boston State Games in June. The Center of Hope Special Olympics
Program brought 70 athletes, partners and coaches (plus 3 swimmers from our
local YMCA Tri-Y Swim Team) to Boston on Friday, June 15th for a weekend of
sports competitions, dancing and exploring Boston. All team members were
housed in Boston University Dorms, which was a herculean feet, as a hundred
bags, coolers, snacks and backpacks made their way from vans to the correct
dorm rooms.
On Saturday, our seven Power-lifters hit the gym at Harvard University to show the audience their skills including the Bench Press
and Dead Lift. Coaches Matt Lefevre and Ryan Harding ensured
all the athletes competed to the best of their abilities. Jacob
Soper wowed the audience when he completed his final Dead
Lift, dropped the weights and leapt into the arms of his coach.
The crowd went wild!!
Coaches Ryan Thompson, Rachel Houghton, Josh Key, Katie Huff,
Jamie Messina and Melissa Palmer coached the Track and Field
Team in a variety of running and power walking events, shot put
and softball throws, with numerous athletes bringing home the
Gold Medal. Many a Track and Field athlete commented this
“This is the best vacation ever!”
The Center’s two unified Volleyball Teams had two days of
highly competitive games, culminating in the Ducks taking
the silver after losing by a couple points to Shrewsbury
Park and Rec in the Gold Medal Round. Meanwhile, the
Spiders battled back from a one set loss to win the Gold
Medal in their division after highly competitive competitions. Coaches Rachel Reyes, Steve Etzweiler, Martin
Dawson and Steve Houghton had to refrain from biting
their nails as their teams fought their way through the
medaling rounds.
The Center of Hope Special Olympics is most grateful to
the families who came to support their athletes in Boston
and to the 30 Center of Hope staff who spent the weekend in Boston supporting our Athletes. For information
about all of the Center of Hope Special Olympics Programs
contact Martin Dawson at 508-764-4085 or mdawson@
thecenterofhope.org.
6.
Save the Parks!
Over the past three years, the Center of Hope has run a series of youth grants aimed at providing employment experiences to low income youth. Most recently the Center was awarded a Community Block Grant from the town of
Southbridge to provide internship and work experiences for low to moderate income Southbridge Youth. During the
first phase of the grant, 30+ youth participated in Internships at local companies, as well as work readiness trainings. The youth then moved into a community service phase where they built the Community Gardens in Southbridge.
This past fall the program began its last phase of the grant, where Center of Hope Staff paired with qualified
youth to renovate the Joe Capillo Skate Park on Central Street. With a small amount of money left in the grant this
spring, the agency, in conjunction with the Town Manager Christopher Clark and Police Chief, Dan Charette, developed a plan to renovate the remainder of Joe Capillo Park and Henry Street Park. On June 20th and 21st in 90+
degree weather, staff from the Center and over 25 local volunteers took to the parks.
The Center of Hope Foundation was most pleased to be able to help their local
community by renovating these parks and providing safe places for youth and
families to enjoy sports and recreational activities. As this grant is completed
we are about to launch our fifth youth program – Youth Works, in partnership
with the Central Mass Workforce Investment Board. This summer the Center
will offer subsidized employment to 25 Southbridge Low Income Youth over
a 6 week period. The program is open to youth ages 14-21. Interested youth
should contact Martin Dawson at 508-764-4085 to apply for positions. Positions are limited to 25 qualified applicants.
Remember “All Aboard The Arc?”
April 29, 2012 offered the Massachusetts community an opportunity to ban together
and celebrate in the abilities of individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. Arc chapters worked hard at creating excitement with a wide range
of activities leading up to the main event.
Luis Bachman, Executive Director of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport Arc, passed
on the torch to self advocate Joe Canto, who gave an inspiring speech of the importance of advocating for individual’s rights, an incredible piano performance from Evan Taylor,
dancing from The Arc Brockton dance team, and the dynamic performance from our
featured performer, Justin Hines, made for a memorable day. Justin Hines is donating
$5.00 for every CD that is sold. CD’s are $15.00
and are still available by contacting Marie Barse at
the Center of Hope Foundation - 508-764-4085 or
mbarse@thecenterofhope.org.
April 29, 2012 may have passed us by, but the continual
effort of becoming “All Aboard” still applies. Becoming
all aboard is more than riding a bus to a destination.
That is just a way of celebration for all the hard work.
Picture: Evan Taylor, Piano Performer
Picture: Justin Hines, Featured Performer
Being “All Aboard” is recognizing that every day, positive, effective, advocacy must take place for people with disabling circumstances. Join us on the effort of empowering
individuals with intellectual disabilities and offering them an opportunity to live more fulfilling lives.
7.
P.O. Box 66
100 Foster Street
Southbridge, MA 01550
Save the Date
August 15, 2012 - 6th Annual Golf Tournament
September 28, 2012 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Dinner Dance
October 26, 2012 6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Halloween Dance
November 9, 2012
6:30 - 9:30 p.m.
Thanksgiving Dance
(Dinner Dances are held at CoHF Day Hab, 1 North Street, Southbridge, MA)
November 16, 2012 - 12th Annual Talents & Treasures Charity Auction & Buffet Dinner
November 18, 2012- Gobble, Gobble Road Race- start time 10 a.m.
December 14, 2012- Christmas Party
Stars & Stripes Fun Facts Answers: 1. False. On July 16, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin placed the first American flag on the moon. It was made of nylon, not so different from the
flags sold at mass retailers today. 2. False. The 13 stripes on the flag honor the 13 British colonies that declared independence from the United Kingdom, thereby becoming the first states in
the Union. 3. True. After Hawaii and Alaska were inducted into the Union in 1958, Congress had to create a new flag. It chose a design by Robert Heft, a 17-year-old student who originally
made it for a high school project. 4. True. One of the many rules outlined in the extensive Flag Code states that the American flag cannot be used on anything intended to be discarded after
temporary use. For information on flag code visit http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagcode.htm 5. False. Aha! Trick question. If Puerto Rico becomes a state; which looks likely with an initial
referendum to be voted upon on this coming November. The flag will have to accommodate a 51st star. 6-14-12 http://glo.msn.com/relationships/flag-day-made-fun-8315.gallery#!stackSt
ate=5__%2Frelationships%2Fflag-day-made-fun-8315.gallery
The Center of Hope Foundation has 13 small businesses. Our maintence department operates our Yards of
Hope, Move Out- Clean Out, and Construction, Renovation and Building Improvement Enterprise.
To schedule an appointment for an estimate please
contact: Maintenance Department- Judi Nelson,
100 Foster Street, Southbridge, MA.
T (508) 764-4085
F (508) 765-0255
Our services are an affordable resource, not only for your
personal property, but also for second home properties
such as rentals and aging family member’s homes.
Realtors find our services a way to help maintain sellable
properties while on the market.
Our Yards of Hope services includes lawn mowing, weed
whacking, and gathering and removal of debris; perfect
for seasonal preparation and cleanup projects such as
fall leaf raking and removal. Additional services may be
discussed and priced per project.
CoHF Small Business- Need a helping hand?