Stargazer – Fall 2012 - UCP of West Central Wisconsin
Transcription
Stargazer – Fall 2012 - UCP of West Central Wisconsin
United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin Stargazer FALL 2012 Introducing – Dr. David M. Piltz, UCP Executive Director INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 2013 Telethon CoChairs 2 Harley Raffle Recap 3 2013 Feature Child 4 Spotlight on Success 5 Groups and Events 6 Recent Events 8 A Note from the Executive Director 10 United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin would like to welcome its new Executive Director, Dr. David M. Piltz, to the UCP family. Dr. Piltz is a seasoned nonprofit administrator, fundraiser and educator, with over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising, most of it working with organizations serving individuals with disabilities and their families. Dave conducted the bulk of his nonprofit work with Accessible Space, Inc., a St. Paul, Minnesota based national nonprofit providing accessible, affordable housing and supportive care services to individuals with severe physical disabilities, traumatic brain injuries and non-disabled seniors in 31 states. Dave’s other significant experience has been in higher education. Dave has taught at the college level for over 30 years and served in administrative capacities for schools in the Twin Cities Metropolitan Area. Dr. Piltz received his Doctorate in Business Administration in 1995 from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderale, Florida. He also holds Master’s Degrees in Public Administration from the University of Arizona and Management & Administration from Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Dave is married to Mary Kay Piltz and has two adult children, Margaret and Rebecca. With the kids living in Garden Grove, California and Colorado Springs, Colorado; Dave and Mary Kay spend their weekends touring the country on their Harley-Davidson motorcycles and taking care of their three dogs and two cats. David (Dave) Piltz and wife Mary Kay Starfest 2013 Telethon’s VIP Chairman Has a Long History of Service to UCP The first person Gene Amann, UCP Campaign Director contacted to discuss the idea of asking Mark Phillips to be the VIP Chair for the Starfest 2013 Telethon was 2012 VIP Chair, Kathy Wright. "I think Mark would make an excellent choice, Gene!" Kathy stated emphatically. "Having been VIP Chair myself, I know what it takes to be successful in this commitment and Mark Phillips would be terrific!" With Kathy’s sincere recommendation and encouragement, Gene contacted long time UCP Advocate, Mark Phillips of Phillips Properties, Inc. Continued on page 2 VIP Chairman, from page 1 Mr. Phillips, a local businessman and dedicated UCP volunteer for many years, enthusiastically accepted the 2013 VIP Chairmanship. Along with campaign staff and volunteers, Mark will lead 45 community volunteers in VIP responsibilities that include seeking community pledges, taking on-air pledges and showcasing 2013 Telethon sponsorship opportunities. Funds raised during the Starfest 2013 Telethon are used to support the variety of services provided to children, adults and families by United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin. "I am very pleased to announce that Mark Phillips will be leading, and working side by side with, many committed ‘Very Interested Persons’ (VIP’s) dedicated to assisting our efforts at the UCP Telethon," said Gene Amann. "Mark’s entire family, especially Mark himself, has a long history of distinguished service and generosity to UCP. Mark has always found time to return a call, attend an event, or review a proposal over the many years we have known him. UCP is honored that Mark Phillips will be leading the VIP charge this year." New Telethon Co-Chair, Jim Theisen, echoed Kathy Wright’s endorsement when informed that Mark would be the 2013 VIP Chair. "An excellent choice for VIP Chair," said Mr. Theisen, "Mark is known as a ‘can do’ person, and I am sure that he will bring a special level of dedication to the VIP Program. In fact, knowing Mark as I do, I would not be surprised if we broke a few records along the way!" Once informed that Mr. Phillips had accepted the challenge of this year’s Telethon effort, 2012 VIP Chair Kathy Wright echoed the sentiments of everyone with a resounding "Go, Mark, Go!” Telethon Co-Chairs Named for 2013 Telethon United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin (UCP) is pleased to announce that Jim and Mary Theisen of Eau Claire have accepted Co-Chair duties for the Starfest 2013 Telethon to be held on January 26 to benefit UCP. The announcement was made recently by UCP Executive Director, Dr. David M. Piltz, and fully endorsed by the UCP Board of Directors at the recent monthly meeting. UCP Board President Connie Werlein said, "We are pleased to share that both Jim and Mary Theisen will be lending us with their enthusiasm, dedication, and expertise in community leadership, as Co-Chairs of this year’s Starfest Telethon. This is a wonderful opportunity for both UCP staff and Telethon volunteers to work with this talented and dynamic couple." The Theisens have invested over 25 years working on behalf of the children, adults and families served by UCP throughout West Central Wisconsin through their work supporting the Friends of UCP Foundation, the VIP Telethon program, Celebrity Waiters events, and recent leadership roles building the new Wissota Winter Classic; the UCP community ice fishing festival at Lake Wissota. "We are honored to have been asked and thankful to be in a position to lend organizational help to this great cause" said Jim. I am especially thankful that my best friend and life partner, Mary Theisen, will join me as this year’s telethon co chair. We will do our best to lead this special event helping families challenged by cerebral palsy in West Central Wisconsin and we want to thank everyone in advance who will help us accomplish this goal!" This year’s Telethon will be shown on WEAU TV 13 on Saturday, January 26, 2013, and marks the 33rd consecutive year of this important community event. Funds raised from the Starfest 2013 Telethon will be used to support the programs and services provided by UCP to children, adults and families in the area served by United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin. Page 2 2012 Win-A-Harley Rolls Out Another Success Story! With the Starfest 2013 Telethon dead ahead and the wintery sounds of SnowBiz soon to be heard, everyone involved with UCP would like to take a minute to thank Sport Motors HarleyDavidson for their ongoing support of the annual "Win-A-Harley" summer fundraiser, which culminated with a huge celebration on Saturday, September 8, 2012. Once again, the team consisting of Jane, Roy and Gary Gotter, owners of Sport Motors Harley Davidson, as well as Marketing Director John Berman, watched over the six month Harley raffle supporting the services to children, adults and families served by United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin. As in the past, Sport Motors helped to inspire, showcase and advise UCP campaign staff on the best strategies to raise money to benefit the agency, while helping the lucky winners take home a brand new 2012 Harley Davidson Street Glide or the super second prize from Gordy’s County Market: a $1,000 gas or goods gift card. Not only did the event produce two excited winners, it raised thousands of dollars in support for UCP. UCP staff would like to recognize Bauer Built, Inc., Miller Lite, Royal Credit Union, Sacred Heart Hospital, Gordy’s County Market, Sport Motors Harley Davidson, B-95, Franzwa’s Catering, Vinopal and the Eau Claire Leader-Telegram for their ongoing sponsorship of the Win-A-Harley Raffle. Tom Giles of Giles Photography, Mike McKay of B95, and General Chairperson Kathi Rice of Bresina’s Hometown Bar & Grill in Tilden, Wisconsin must also be thanked for a summer of selfless work on behalf of UCP. Kathi and UCP also salute the members of the Raffle Committee including Mona Rondeau-Eau Claire, Doug Bresina-Chippewa, Travis Borreson-Dunn and Judy Thunberg-Barron County. Last, but not least, UCP would like to acknowledge the outstanding dedication to raffle ticket sales by staff at the Corral Bar & Riverside Grill in Durand, Wisconsin, who won the coveted Harley Davidson traveling trophy, won in 2011 by Bresina’s Hometown Bar & Grill in Tilden. "Just wait ‘til next year!" exclaimed Doug Bresina who offered his sincere congratulations as he handed his favorite Harley barstool over to Sharon Berger, of Corral Bar & Riverside Grill in Durand, knowing that UCP and the children, adults and families served were the real winners. To all of the sponsors and participants! Page 3 Introducing Kainen Neitzel: 2013 UCP Feature Child Kainen Neitzel, age 7, is interested in cars, tractors, motorcycles, and big trucks. He likes computers and making friends at school. Kainen is a happy child, the son of Tracie and Chris Neitzel, and younger brother of Sydnee. Sounds pretty typical, right? Oh, by the way, Kainen happens to have cerebral palsy. Kainen was born three months prematurely and weighed 2 pounds 3 ounces. Tracie and Chris’ first impression was how small he was! Kainen’s parents knew before his birth that there would be some medical complications. Not knowing exactly what that could mean, they prepared themselves as a couple and family to be ready for whatever that might look like. The care of this tiny baby for the first year was at times overwhelming. During time in a Neonatal Intensive Care unit, the support of medical staff and families of babies in the same unit allowed for the initial interaction with others to establish a support system. Kainen had support at Sam Davey School, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, through specialists in occupational and physical therapy, adaptive Physical Education, and learning specialists. Kainen also had accommodations made so that his power chair would fit up to his desk. Kainen uses different equipment at school and at home to help keep his muscles as strong and flexible as possible. One of Kainen’s biggest challenges in his young life was when he had hip surgery on both hips. This put him into a cast from his chest to his toes for six weeks. Kainen’s biggest complaint was that he couldn’t do anything! Tracie and Chris looked at ways to adapt his power chair so that he could have a tray table attached, making it possible for Kainen to use his computer. Kainen was back in school one week after surgery. The Neitzels have used services from United Cerebral Palsy, including contact with Nancy Meyer, the UCP Children’s Services Coordinator; borrowing equipment that had been donated by other families; being part of a parent support group; and using both the Respite and Respitality programs for needed time to support Kainen’s care when Tracie and Chris needed to be away. Tracie has served on the Board of Directors for UCP. Kainen also has been involved with the P.R.I.D.E. program through University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire’s Kinesiology Department, and S.P.O.T.S. House through St Joseph’s Hospital, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. Tracie and Chris have tried to parent Kainen with the same expectations for both of their children, including manners, rules, and time outs if needed. Big sister Sydnee is protective, nurturing, and affectionate toward her brother. She reads to him, gets him after school snacks, and helps him with his homework. Tracie related that Kainen does not see himself as having a disability. While it is recognized by Kainen’s family that others have helped pave the way for many programs and buildings to be accessible, there still are struggles and uncertainties. Kainen has an internal drive that will serve him well. It is the hope of this agency that the larger community will embrace and support any person challenged with a disability by continuing to provide and improve supportive services. Page 4 Spotlight on Success: Brent Thunberg Brent Thunberg is a young adult who has been involved with United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin (UCP) in a variety of ways since age four. Brent is the youngest son of Judy and Bruce Thunberg of Rice Lake, Wisconsin. Brent also has a sister, Jessie, and two brothers, Rusty and Brian. When he was born, his mom, Judy, said that she had no idea how cerebral palsy would affect Brent’s life. The family decided to just take one day at a time. This has been a successful attitude, especially when needing to deal with surgeries and the family’s decision to have Brent fully involved with family and community activities. Brent started riding (lead line) horses when he was about four. By third grade he was riding and showing horses independently through 4-H and open shows. Riding seemed to have a positive impact on Brent’s coordination. 4-H also gave him experiences with archery, trap shooting, photography, and even the opportunity to refurbish a tractor! Brent became a Youth Leader for 4-H when he was in high school. Brent’s family always included him in their farm, home, business, and recreational activities. Judy and Bruce wanted to help Brent understand both his challenges and possibilities. Judy felt that including Brent in a variety of things gave him a lot of stimulation and motivation. Brent always looked up to his older siblings and he wanted to do everything they were doing. Having a very determined attitude, Brent realized some things would be harder but he could always try. With more successes than not, Brent wanted to be part of the football program during junior high school. When this didn’t work out, Brent stayed involved with the team by helping out on the sidelines during practices and games. Brent is now involved with Fishing Has No Boundaries, Rice Lake Rod and Gun Field of Dreams, UCP Ambassador (riding his horse in many local parades), working as a cashier, and working in the family business, Bud’s Tool and Party Rental. Another dream Brent had was to own and ride a motorcycle of his own someday, so he could share the experience with other family members who also enjoyed motorcycle riding. The problem was that although Brent has a valid Wisconsin driver’s license, the challenge of cerebral palsy would not allow him to simply get on a regular motorcycle and pursue his goal. Brent’s solution to this problem was to find a trike, to overcome the challenge of balance, and to enjoy the fun of motorcycling! After an intense search, Brent found a very nice converted Honda Silver Wing trike that his family purchased; now Brent enjoys riding as much as possible. Brent also is involved with therapeutic horse-riding as a leader, giving instructions and helping wherever he is needed. Brent’s involvement in the community, especially with 4-H, has helped break down barriers for younger kids with disabilities who also want to be involved. Stepping Stones Bowling League Began in St. Croix County, Oct 2nd! Are you ready for some BOWLING?? If you live in St. Croix, Pierce or Polk County, you are welcome to join the Stepping Stones! We bowl every other Tuesday, from 3-5pm at Gibby’s Lanes in New Richmond at 546 W. North Shore Drive; #(715)246-2695. **Cost of each bowling game is $1.50. We usually have time for 2 games per afternoon = $3 per meeting. This includes shoe rental too!** Oct. 2 16 30 Nov. Dec. 13 11 27 (Christmas Party) Jan. 8 22 Feb 5 19 Mar 5 19 April 2 16 May 7 21 30 (End of Yr Party!) If you have questions or know someone who would like to join us, please call #715-832-1782 or ucp1traci@sbcglobal.net Page 5 *Groups and Events *Groups and Events *Groups and Events *Groups and Events* Barrier Busters Announce Fall/Winter Schedule! It’s time to begin the fun and camaraderie of a new season of the Barrier Busters. If you are new in town, or are curious about who we are, we invite you to check us out! We are made up of people with varying abilities and ages. There are two separate groups: 1) Business = Advocacy or 2) Social = Fun (**A person may choose to just be in one of the groups or both.**) The Business Group talks about important issues, such as accessibility, transportation and advocacyrelated topics. The Social Group is more activity focused, with “meetings” being filled with lighthearted fun, games, and snacks. Each group meets separately of the other, at Lake Street United Methodist Church at 337 Lake Street in Eau Claire. There is no annual cost to be involved, but sometimes we ask that people pay a small charge to help off set our expenses! We also sponsor other activities throughout the year, such as a Weekend Camp at Luther Park, Bowling Tournament and Formal Dinner Dance! Anyone may participate in these, for a small fee, which is discussed prior to the event. Check us out! Have questions? Please contact Traci Bauer at 715-832-1782 or ucp1traci@sbcglobal.net Schedule: Business Social September 18 (4pm) 25 (6pm) Welcome Fall! October 9 (4pm) 23 (6pm) Halloween Party November 6 (4pm) 20 (5:30pm) **$5 per person Thanksgiving Meal December None 18 (5:30pm) **$5 per person for gifts to be donated to charity Christmas Party January None None February None 12 (6pm) Valentine’s Party March 12 (4pm) 26 (6pm) Easter Celebration April 9 (4pm) 23 (6pm) Spring Has Sprung! May 14 (5:30pm) 14 (6:15pm) Birthday Party Page 6 *Groups and Events *Groups and Events *Groups and Events *Groups and Events * Project B.R.I.C. (Building “R” Inclusive Community) Gets Ready for Another Busy Year Do you like to eat? Do you like to laugh? Do you like to be creative? If you said “yes” to at least one of these, then we would like you to join us! Project B.R.I.C. meets every 3-4 months to have an activity or event that its members have brainstormed, planned and carried out. For all ages and abilities, we especially like it when the high school, young adult and 30-something crowd gets involved! Our activities range from a Cooking Club to picnics or attending sporting events, building projects, caroling, and everything in between. We like to meet new people, socialize with old friends and to see YOU at our next function. We’re free, friendly and fabulous! If you would like more information about our next big thing, please “like” us on Facebook; email Traci Bauer at ucp1traci@sbcglobal.net or call (715) 832-1782. It’s our world, let’s enjoy it! Children’s Services “F.Y.I” For parents of children with special needs, I believe one of the best tools you can have is current and relevant information. As I hear of workshops or conferences that would be helpful to your families, I will try and pass the information along. For October, here are some valuable opportunities to attend programs developed by parents…for parents and families with children with disabilities of all ages. October 22, 2012 @ North High School-6:30 to 8:30 p.m. “Celebrate Calm…Are You at Wit’s End??? October 23, 2012 @North High School-9:00 to 11:00 a.m. “Celebrate Calm…You’re Not the Boss of Me!!!” October 27, 2012 @UW-Stout in Menomonie. “Keys to Success… providing resources and information for parents, caregivers, educators, and service providers of children with special needs, ages 3 to 21.” http://www.cesa11.k12.wi.us/home/special-education/parent-educator-consultant All events are free. Please call me for registration information for any of these events. Nancy Meyer-Children’s Services Coordinator (715) 832-1782 Parent Leadership Hub Weekly Updates This week’s update is provided by WSPEI and WI FACETS to share statewide information regarding parent leadership and family involvement. Please visit the Parent Leadership Hub webpage of the SPDG website at: http://www.wispdg.org/pl.html for the current and archived weekly updates and to find information on these topics: WSPEI website: http://dpi.wi.gov/sped/parent.html WIFACETS website: http://www.wifacets.org Resources: product order form, educational materials for parents Calendar of events Multi-media resources: workshops online, video series, and webcasts. Parent Leadership Hub supports parents/family members, educators, and other community partners to build capacity regarding meaningful family involvement. The Hub serves three primary purposes: 1. 2. 3. To support parents of children with disabilities between birth and 26 years of age to participate as partners in the professional development activities of each of the other Statewide Initiatives as they design, deliver, and support professional development experiences; To facilitate opportunities for parents/family members to build leadership skills; and To provide content-focused technical assistance concerning family involvement. Page 7 16th Annual UCP Family Picnic The 16th annual UCP Family Picnic was held on Sunday, September 23 rd and was a huge success! Thanks again to the wonderful staff at Ayres & Associates for sponsoring this event. Ayres offered their building’s terrific conference room for the picnic. The large room, with floor to ceiling windows, provided a cheery, easily accessible environment for the festivities. In addition to the traditional Cake Walk, Fish Pond and Bingo; some new activities were added. Patty Stangel from Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release, Inc. of Colfax, Wisconsin, brought her owl “Owlivia” and explained to the group her love of working with wildlife. In addition, Greg Raymond, an employee at Ayres & Associates, brought his hawk and talked about his work with “Falconry”…defining what this means, and the use and care of his bird. A great picnic lunch was provided and the event was culminated with the traditional piñata…this year’s was “SpongeBob”… bulging at the seams with candy. Everyone at the picnic got the chance to meet UCP’s new Executive Director, Dr. David Piltz who greeted everyone and helped them sign in and register for the drawing. Most importantly was that everyone left with prizes, baked goods, and the opportunity to make new friends. Looking forward to next year’s event, we welcome any ideas for the program, as well as questions. (If there is a Packer and/or Brewer game scheduled that day, there will be viewing arrangements for each. This is Wisconsin after all!!!!) Please contact Nancy Meyer at United Cerebral Palsy of Western Wisconsin (715) 832-1782. Thanks for coming and we’ll see you next year! Teen Group 2012 With our mission to provide young adults with cognitive/ physical disabilities fun things to do during the summer with their peers-this year’s Teen Group was a big success. Last year’s schedule included bowling (always a big favorite!), a trip to the Wise Nature Center, and the chance to make candy. In order to try some new adventures this summer, the group went to the Chippewa Valley Museum/Paul Bunyan Camp, a movie “Diary of a Wimpy Kid-Dog Days”, had a Game Day…as well as going bowling and having an art project day. Our group ended with a fun picnic at Carson Park and a chance to look back at our weeks’ activities and to write out “thank-you’s” to people who helped make our fun possible. Special “shout outs” to Trisha Kuehl (who did our art project group), Janine Scharlau and Theresa Levenhagen; who helped to supervise and assist with some of the groups. As always, we want your input to help us continue to meet your needs. If you have any suggestions, comments on things you liked, or just want to tell us that you are interested in your child participating in our Teen Group for next summer, please let us know by contacting Nancy Meyer @UCP (715) 832-1782. Thank you and we’ll see you next summer! Page 8 Core Strengths for Caregivers By Larellyn Micheau, Respite Care Coordinator B Hope is the backbone of positive meaning for a caregiver. eing a caregiver is a tough job, filled with stress and frustration. According to the Caregiver Alliance, 44 million people ages 18 and older provide unpaid assistance to older adults and adults with disabilities that live in their communities. Most report that caring for another person holds its own emotional rewards. Yet to be a high-quality caregiver requires several core strengths. It is popular recently for exercise experts to recommend core strength training, developing the back, pelvis, and abdomen muscles around the trunk of the body to help the body to stabilize. Just like developing physical core strength, a caregiver’s core strengths can help stabilize an individual while care giving. The core strengths are qualities of personality that can be developed over time to enhance the caregiver’s life. Several theories have been developed to explain resiliency in children. It is believed that the same characteristics to resisting, adapting and strengthening when a person encounters adversity are universal. However, three main strengths stand out for resilient caregivers. The first and foremost strength is developing positive meaning as a caregiver. This means that the caregiver does not see themselves or their carereceiver as a victim. Becoming aware of feelings of helplessness, passivity and negative thinking will help to resist them, leading to a more positive outlook on life. Hope after all is the feeling that something good will come of everything. Hope is the backbone of positive meaning for a caregiver. The second strength is the ability to reach out and find external support. Developing resourcefulness to find out everything possible about the disease your loved one suffers from, and everything that can be done to adapt or counteract it. Talk to doctors and go on a fact finding mission on the internet. Call us at United Cerebral Palsy and ask for resources and support groups. Another part of resourcefulness is looking to the community and family members for help in shouldering care giving responsibility. Finding a voice and asking for specific help will facilitate helpers for those times when you need to take a break and care for yourself. And the third strength is humor in everyday situations, even the negative ones. Erma Bombeck once said, “If you can laugh at it, you can live with it.” If you can laugh at the world you can put problems in perspective and diminish them. Laughing is in fact an exercise and has quite a few unexpected health benefits. It reduces pain, reduces blood sugar levels and helps your blood vessels function better. It also releases endorphins in your brain and strengthens the immunity system. A good one minute belly laugh is said to be equivalent to 3-10 minutes in the gym. One hour of laughter will burn up to 500 calories. Cultivate a regular laughing time by reading a humorous book out loud or watch a funny movie with your loved one. Developing your core strengths as a caregiver will stabilize yourself and your care-receiver. Developing the qualities of positive thinking, external support and humor will enhance your life as a caregiver. One person caring about another represents life's greatest value. -- Jim Rohn Page 9 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID United Cerebral Palsy of West Central WI 206 Water Street Eau Claire, WI 54703 Permit No. 1090 Eau Claire, WI 54703 Life Without Limits Current Resident or: Find us on Facebook! Help us “go green”: email our office at ucpwcw@sbcglobal.net to receive this newsletter via email, or read it online at http://www.ucpwcw.org/helpful-links/newsletter A Note from the Executive Director I want to start out by thanking all the staff and supporters of United Cerebral Palsy of West Central Wisconsin (UCP) that I have met since starting in my position as the new Executive Director. I appreciate the sincere welcome that I have received, along with the support and enthusiasm of UCP staff. I have been impressed by the commitment by staff to making this organization great, and the loyalty of the people and organizations in the community that support UCP. We truly do great things here at UCP and serve a range of children, adults and families across our twelve-county service area. Through our programs, we provide much needed support services to these people. UCP of West Central Wisconsin has been serving the area for over 50 years working to strengthen the ties between those we serve and the community. UCP looks to provide information throughout the area, letting people know how the community is enriched by the diversity and involvement of all individuals. In the coming months, I hope to further strengthen the organization both financially, and in terms of the number of people that we serve. This will be done through continued development of the Board of Directors, improved technology, improved outreach in the counties that we serve, and the continuous mining of new fundraising opportunities locally, regionally and nationally. This is an exciting time for UCP of West Central Wisconsin and a chance for the organization to move to the next level in terms of who we serve and how to best serve those in need. I look forward to this challenge, and thank you for your ongoing support and involvement with UCP. Sincerely, Dave Piltz Dr. David M. Piltz Executive Director
Similar documents
Stargazer - UCP of West Central Wisconsin
annual events such as a Weekend Camp experience at Luther Park, which are sponsored by the St. Croix Valley Disability Coalition. These offerings are open to members and either free or very low cos...
More information