Published by Community Living Huronia / Sponsored by Community

Published by Community Living Huronia / Sponsored by Community Living Huronia Foundation
December 2007
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
November 18, 2007
A Board of Directors function, as the name implies, is to give
direction to an organization. The management team
manages that direction and the staff implements the direction.
However, the most important group in Community Living
Huronia is the people who are the reason for all we do.
Several years ago, ‘client’ was a commonly used, if somewhat patronizing, term. When asked for a better term, our
people’s answer was clear, ‘We are people - just people, who
happen to be served by CLH’. By changing a term, we change our way of looking
at things. By saying ‘people’ we accord respect and equality to all those we serve.
Likewise, the recommendation came from the people that we drop the use of terms
like ‘challenged’ and ‘handicapped’ and use exceptional instead. The reason is that
every person is exceptional in some way. Whether an exceptionality is a gift or a
hindrance or, makes no difference at all, is determined by a great degree by the
society in which we happen to live. For instance, my mother had almost no sense
of direction but that exceptionality rarely hindered her in this society of maps, signs
and straight roads. In another time or in another place where finding one’s way
through a trackless wilderness was important, her exceptionality could indeed
prove troublesome. In many historic societies, an inability to read, write or do math
was no handicap at all.
Today, there are niches within our society where specific exceptionalities do not
hold people back. It is our job at C.L.H. to create those niches and opportunities
within the broader society in which all our people can live unhindered lives – where
exceptionalities can flourish as gifts, like the exceptional love of music or the
exceptional ability to love unconditionally.
As we look into the future – as we restructure and we rebuild and we grow, the way
forward is clear, and that is to continue to be guided by the wonderful and
exceptional people we are privileged to serve.
Ken Thompson
FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As the Christmas season approaches, CLH gets ready to
welcome five people moving from HRC. A new house at 295
Christine Drive has been purchased and renovations are
almost complete. Three of the people from HRC will call
Christine home along with two people presently living in CLH
group homes elsewhere.
One individual from HRC will move into Park Street while one
will live at William Street. Both these homes are undergoing renovations to
better meet the needs of individuals. Everyone will be in their new homes for
Christmas. Drop by and say hello – I know company will be welcomed.
The first of 4 phases of renovations at 339 Olive Street is now complete and it
looks great. The second phase will see the renovations to what has fondly been
known as the “Supervisors area” will be complete in early December. The
Downtown day support will begin to move into their new digs, formally the
Supervisors’ area, in December. It’s quite an exciting time for everyone.
This next phases of renovations can only be accommodated by some staff
temporarily moving out of the main building at 339 Olive Street. The TD Bank
will be vacating their present bank building on King Street and moving into a
brand new location. The bank has generously donated the use of the old bank,
furnishings included, to CLH during this time of refurbishment. The TD Bank
led by the local manager, Mr. John Van Der Marel, are to be commended for
their foresight and support of their community. Eight staff will be moving into the
bank building again in late November or early December. A very busy time
indeed just prior to Christmas.
I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize the following people who this year
celebrate 25 years of employment with CLH.
Jackie Burgher
Jan Dobson Rose
Lucille Moreau
Congratulations to each and every one and thank you for your dedication over all
these years.
To each and everyone, Merry Christmas and all the best for 2008!
CLH Gets A Face Lift (Cont’d from Front Page)
CLH initiated a redesign of the agency in 2006. While part of the redesign process is the internal senior staff reorganization, by far some of the most exciting work is the
redesign of the space used to support individuals with a developmental disability.
Why change the day program space and why bring the individuals attending day program at the Downtown Center to Olive Street?
It has become evident over the past few years the individuals we support are being divided into three distinct groups. First is the aging group. Like society as a whole,
several residential settings supported by CLH now house seniors, some over 80 years of age. This is a primary group who can partake of activities both in the community
and at an appropriately designed 339 Olive Street.
The second group is much younger, many just graduating from high school but with high support needs. The increased prevalence of diagnosed autism within children
indicates the need for smaller support spaces with sound dampening capabilities and individual “work areas” as well as group areas. Additionally, specialized equipment
like a “Snoozelin” room will be required to support their needs. This younger group often comes with extended medical issues including specialized nutrition
requirements, mobility issues and the need for sensory stimulation. The present facilities at 339 Olive Street do not adequately support their needs.
The final group is also younger, transitioning from high school. These individuals and their families want supports in the community – support finding and keeping a job
and social recreational opportunities. Some simply want a “cool” area to hang out with their friends.
With this in mind, CLH commissioned Sue Anderson, an interior designer with many years of experience designing environments to meet the needs of special
populations while being appealing to the general public. She redesigned the program areas at 339 Olive Street in three phases.
Phase I was the redesign of the dining area, the kitchen and two small 1:1 rooms. These renovations have now been completed by CLH.
Phase II is the redesign of approximately 800 sq. ft. that was previously used by Supervisory staff. This area is designed to support the individuals presently housed at
the Downtown Centre. The area will be designed to meet the needs of the individuals and provide a separate sensory room and separate activity room. Phase II will be
completed in December, 2007.
Media Release – August 31, 2007
MHCP’s Nancy Pilon Wins
First Towns’ Award
Nancy Pilon is the first winner of the Fay Towns’
Award presented to someone “who has contributed
significantly to the improvement in the lives of
individuals with a dual diagnosis.” Mrs. Pilon is a
Registered Nurse and the Program Coordinator at the
Bayview Dual Diagnosis Program at the Mental Health
Centre Penetanguishene (MHCP).
MHCP’s Nancy Pilon (left) is the first recipient of the
Fay Towns’ Award (Towns is on the right) for
individuals who have contributed significantly to
improving the lives of individuals with a dual
diagnosis.
Dual diagnosis is a term used for individuals who have
a developmental delay and a psychiatric diagnosis. Both
Mrs. Towns and Ms. Pilon have spent most of their
careers working with individuals with a dual diagnosis.
“I honestly can’t think of two individuals I’d rather
name the award for and see it given to. Both are
leaders,” said Tony Vipond, the Executive Director of
Community Living Huronia, at the presentation
ceremony.
Mrs. Towns retired on August 31 from her position as
Coordinator of the Central East Community Network of
Specialized Care. She plans to spend some time traveling
and with her grandchildren. Mrs. Towns expressed
pleasure that Mrs. Pilon is the first to receive the award
that will be presented annually in her name.
“It’s overwhelming to be given an award in Fay’s
name,” said Pilon. “You have no idea of the significance
of that. She is being very modest about her own career.
She has graced the lives of everyone who worked with
her and has been a mentor to me.”
Mr. Vipond pointed out that, to his knowledge, this
new award is the only one specific to the dual diagnosis
population, so some recognition to exceptional
individuals working in the field is overdue.
Dan Parle
Mental Health Centre Penetanguishene
Our Terry Fox Team raised
$1613.50 !!
The team consisted of individuals we
support, volunteers and employees
Special thanks to the volunteers who
supported individuals on the walk
Since 2001 we have raised $11,692.95
WOW!
3
Starring Jim Witter
ROCKED
THE
HOUSE!
at the Best Western
October 27th
THANK YOU
PATRONS & OUR SUPPORTERS!
CORPORATE PARTNER
TD Canada Trust
A GIFT TO THE
COMMUNITY LIVING HURONIA FOUNDATION
Enclosed is a gift of $ ___________ from:
Name:
Address:
City:
Postal Code:
Official Tax Receipt will be provided
Please make your cheque payable to the:
Community Living Huronia Foundation
and forward to: 339 Olive Street, Midland, Ontario L4R 2R4
If this is a memorial donation please complete the following:
Name of Deceased:
The next of kin will be notified with a sympathy card, informing
them of your kind gift (amount of gift is not divulged):
Name:
Address:
City:
Postal Code:
If you would like more information on endowments and wills,
please call (705) 526-4253 Ext. 235
4
“Our Trip to the CN Tower”
By: Raymond Quesnelle and George Jackson
This past August, Raymond and George decided a trip to the CN Tower in
Toronto would be a fun trip. We decided the “All Access Pass” at around
$34.00 would be great to purchase.
We parked close to the Skydome at the CN Tower. It was really neat walking
around. We saw sculptures made out of concrete of fans sticking out of the
wall! We took a picture of Ray and George standing under them! We decided
to go in and see how much it would be to eat supper at the Hard Rock Café. It
was nice, but boy it was too expensive for this time around. We had a good
look at the Skydome though. We saw some people practicing baseball out on
the field. We also saw some neat guitars on the walls!
One of the first things that George noticed in Toronto was all the different people. There were Italians and Chinese people, all
speaking in their own language! It was neat listening to them! Raymond also noticed a group of blind people. We all had our
picture taken before we got on the elevator to go up the tower. George stood close to the window on the way up. Raymond
and Tina chose to stand close to the back! George really liked the ride up. He says it was “an excitement going up”. It
seemed to take a long time to get up there. Raymond and Tina were a little scared, that was funny! Once we stopped, we
walked around the tower. At first Raymond said “it was a little scary looking down!” But then once he got used to it he said
that things on the ground looked like “teenie tiny toys!” George also tried to get used to being so high up! “We noticed how
small things really are! He said: It’s like seeing a small ant farm! You can see things happen that you didn’t know were going
to happen!” Raymond said he saw “a lot of old parts of the city. He said “the cars and airplanes were as thick as the air!” It
was neat watching the planes take off from the Toronto Island Airport. They looked so small!
We then went to the glass bottom observation floor. George walked on the glass. He said “it was like walking on
air!”
Raymond looked at it from afar. He said he liked watching George “make of fool of himself” as he was lying on his
stomach on the glass floor. We took a picture of George standing on the glass, then one of him actually lying on his stomach
on the glass! George said “It felt like I was flying without wings…..what a rush!” Raymond said he was afraid to stand on it,
that he “would go straight through!” He said “George you’re going to go straight through that glass”, however George, was
having a ball floating in the air! He said he wanted to stay, to “live up at the top of the tower”. “It was so quiet, you could
watch TV from anywhere in the world. It would be fun to live up there and get a free ride everyday!”
When we decided to leave, it seemed like everyone else did too. It felt like we had to wait all day to get an elevator to get
back down. It was very crowded, people were standing right up against us. On the way down, George was able to get right
at the front of the elevators glass door again. He loved the ride down, though it was shorter than when we went
up!
Raymond and Tina again went straight to the back! Tina looked at the back wall and Raymond held her arm!
We saw a movie about super trees at the tower. It was really interesting. The new trees would take less time to grow and
give us more oxygen! We also saw a movie about how they built the CN Tower. That was really interesting! George says
“the CN Tower has passed the test of time. It has stayed standing through wind storms and everything! It must have been
hard to build it!” George says he was in Midland at the time they built the CN Tower.
We sat outside under the CN Tower to have a nice cold drink! The tower looked pretty big as we looked up to the sky! We
could see the glass bottom where George had flown on thin air! Wow!
We had supper at a restaurant in Etobicoke called “The Q”. It was a nice restaurant that served chicken and hamburgers! We
had a great meal at a great price and it was close to the highway! Then off we went for the trip home. John called us to let us
know about an accident to be careful of. When we got home, we saw it on the news!
Raymond says it was “a good trip and “I would like to go back again with George!”
5
Katie, The Love of My Life
I have a new friend, her name is Katie,
often referred to as Sweetie Katie. My
last dog was a yellow lab named Kim,
but this is my first chocolate lab. She
is 3 years old. Everybody loves her
especially me. She is the love of my
life! She greets all with a waging tail
and rolls over to have her belly
rubbed. She loves the water and goes
swimming. She makes our home
special. She is the perfect fit at William
Street.
"I had a great day today! I got lots of belly rubs and got to lie
down on 'staffs' lap! After supper, I went for a van ride. I sat
in the middle seat next to my buddy Frank. I couldn't WAIT to
get to 'Tims' to get those 3 round balls. I think they call them
'Tim Bits'! YUM!
Then we went to Balm Beach! My eyes got as big as saucers
when I saw the water! I ran as fast as I could to get to it! All
the way through the sand my ears were flying behind my
head! The rocks were a little uneven, but boy when I got in
that water, was that ever fun!!!! I licked it all up! The 'others'
showed me a safe place to run where there were no rocks in
the water! The water and sand feel so good on my feet. We
had the whole beach to ourselves too!
I found some nice juicy sticks on the beach. They are so
much fun to chew, my teeth sink right in to them. Sometimes I
just want to be chased with the stick in my mouth! It was
hilarious watching the 'people'. I discovered that as soon as I
ran into the water, they would stop chasing me! Ah ha! Now I
know a neat trick to play on them! Wag! Wag! You can't get
me!!!!
Okay, okay, I'll let them throw the stick
sometimes! They seem to enjoy throwing. Must be good
exercise for their arms or something. So........I'll play along
with them.
Then the 'others' decided it was time to go. I ran after
Raymond, but........you know what.......it would be sooooo nice
to go for one more dip! Yah! See you later guys! Just one
more dip!
The ride home was too short, but I was tired. What a great
day! I wish everyday was the weekend! I love my new
house. Thank you Raymond. I love you!
Story as told to Tina by Katie Quesnelle.
6
Boating Adventure to Delawana Inn—August 30, 2007 with Gary & Linda Dicks
In August we were invited on a boat trip to the Delawana Inn. We went in Gary and Linda Dick’s boat. We were very lucky to
have the first ride ever in it. We met them at Midland Town Dock. There was Andy Laroque, John Bakondi, Allen Carter, Jesse
Healey and Mary Mosley.
Our ride up to the Delawana was fun and adventurous. We had a good laugh when Jesse and Andy got pretty wet from the
waves. We saw a couple of loons, a beaver and some nice houses. We picked out a nice house for CLH to buy us some day.
We met Greg Rice, Lisa Maloney, Jim Armstrong, Vern Mayer and Alan Methot at the Delawana for a beautiful dinner. They
arrived in Greg’s boat. Everyone got what they wanted and it was good.
Jesse and Mary played a game of chess, the chessmen were about 3 feet tall, it was neat. After dinner we got back into the
boats and had a bit of a race back.
We are all very thankful that we had a chance to meet such nice people and they welcomed us into their boats / lives.
Hopefully, we will do this again next year. Some beautiful pictures were taken that we will treasure forever.
THANK YOU, from Jesse, Allen, John, Andy, Mary, Alan, Jim, Vern and Lisa
October 3rd CLH participated in
the World Record Walk.
This was an attempt at breaking the
active Guinness World Record for
the largest number of people to walk
1-kilometer distance concurrently.
People all over the world walked at the same time
we did. We had 88 people participate. 83 were
walkers and 5 people in wheel chairs.
Congratulation everyone!
I will let you know if the record was broken.
By Sue Charlebois
7
Resource Teachers Update
It has been a busy season for the RT program and once again we have settled into the
routine of supporting the children and families. At this time of year we also say
goodbye to a number of children we have worked with over the year as they move on to
“big school”. This can be a big change for their parents too and a time where parents
have the opportunity to share information with the school staff about the
developmental progress of their child. The Resource Teachers were pleased to
recently participate in a training event called “Parents as Partners” to assist the
families with the transition to school process. The focus of this training was to assist
parents of young children with special needs to develop effective partnerships with
their school. The workshop gave us the opportunity to network with other Early
Intervention workers throughout the county.
The Resource Teachers have been involved in the Triple P Positive Parenting Program, a
province wide initiative that aims to enhance the knowledge, skills and confidence of
parents. Two Resource Teachers have been fully accredited to practice Triple P. Triple
P provides information on several levels including tip sheets, parent workshops and an in
-home intensive parent training program. This program is beginning to roll out across
the county. It also provides the RT’s an opportunity to work in partnership with other
agencies and to connect with other Triple P service providers through a professional
Triple P user’s group.
The RT’s have also participated in province-wide autism training provided by the Geneva
Centre for Autism. We came away from this training with a wealth of strategies to
support children on the autism spectrum and a wonderful resource kit of activities to
use with the children.
In partnership with the Children’s Treatment Network (CTN), the Resource Teachers
have been trained in the use of the “Single Plan of Care” model and the computer
software program. This process allows service providers working with a family to work
together to provide seamless supports for the child and family. Two families supported
by our program are participating in the CTN research project. The RT’s working with
these families are experiencing quite a learning curve with the CTN process and are
doing a great job!
As Halloween approaches this fall, the Resource Teachers will continue to upgrade
their skills and adding more knowledge to their bag of tricks.
8
MY NEW WHEELS
My usual mode of transportation is my
bicycle or my electric bicycle. Now I have a
shiny new candy apple red electric scooter
which gets me around with great ease. It is a
little easier on the legs.
I enjoy my new toy but not looking forward
to putting it away for the winter season.
Next closest thing to having a car!!!
Christopher Bennett
VOLUNTEERING AT GALA 2007
One of my wishes has been fulfilled! I’ve always wanted to volunteer at the Community Living Huronia
Foundation’s Gala. This year it came true!
I got to do the coat checks and it was fun working with the other
volunteers. The music was great and I got to meet the whole band.
I took a lot of pictures so I can remember the good time. I even got
up to dance.
I want to thank the Community Living Huronia Foundation for
having me volunteer and making my dream come true.
W h a t
a
g r e a t
t i m e !
Jim Moreau
SURPRISE OF A LIFETIME
AT WEEKEND GET AWAY
What they thought would be a very secluded holiday playing
board games on a rainy Saturday, at a cottage in Parry Sound,
turned out to be the surprise of a lifetime.
The weekend of September 20th left many smiles upon the faces
of a few of the people supported by Community Living Huronia.
Jason Blain and Aaron Lines were playing at the Stockley Art
Centre. We were so thrilled to actually meet the stars in person.
Aaron was a very kind man and made sure he took his photo
with everyone. Jason Blain was the introduction act for Aaron
Lines.
Jason is an up and coming music star who now lives in Nashville with his wife and their two year old daughter.
Aaron and his wife are expecting their first child in two months. He has just written a brand new song for the child
he hasn't met. It is called. "I haven't even heard you Cry".
Aaron has many hits such as, "Cheaper To Keep Her", "Somebody's Son", "Turn It Up A Little Louder", "The Lights
of My Hometown", and "Living Out Loud". He lives in Alberta, but also has a home in Nashville, Tennessee.
In the photo are Aaron's Band Members, Mel Hahn, Michelle Lesperance, Margie Maguire, Keith Sandy, Volunteer,
Meagan Forget, Carl Maloff, and Wendy Argue.
Everyone was thrilled, not often you meet two wonderfully genuine music stars.
9
Submitted by Recreation and Leisure Activities
The Joyce Hamelin Award for 2007
The Joyce Hamelin Award for Volunteer of the year
was first presented in 1998 in honour of Joyce
Hamelin upon her retirement from
Community Living Huronia.
My New Tooth
By Allen
Carter
This Award is presented annually to a volunteer who
we feel truly represents the goal and mission
statement of our organization.
It all started when Tony and Jean got the
money together. I went to Dr. Sorgini about it
first. Then I went to see Dr. Michael Jackson.
He put the implant in then I went back to
Dr. Sorgini and he put my new tooth in.
I feel a lot happier now that I have my new
tooth.
Thanks to Mary. We talked about it for a few
months first.
The following volunteers were nominated for the
award: Penny Campbell, Marion Carnduff, Bev
Cavanagh, Ruth Faulkner, Carolynn Fishleigh,
Arlene Heywood, Grace Holtforster, Danny Howell,
Vikki Henderson, Violet Kennedy, Loreen Lingard,
Janet Raikes, Jeanneke VanWesenbeeck, Yvonne
Young
The winner of
The Joyce Hamelin Award for 2007 was
Marion Carnduff
“Marion has been a faithful volunteer in the Lifeskills
Program for many years. She works with Patsy
reading, writing and matching. She teaches line
dancing and assists with special events.
Marion is happy, friendly and
dependable and shows that
she truly loves
individuals at CLH.”
Dale King,
Lifeskills Instructor
Adaptive Rowing Program
I really loved rowing! Shelly and I went on Wednesdays after work.
Shelby offered to help out. It was a really good workout and we felt it; we were
sore. We had to bring the boat and paddles out. It took about 4 people to
carry the boat because it was really heavy.
Cora Eisenfeller & Shelly Tremblay
For the 2nd year in a row, the Georgian Bay Rowing Club has kindly offered
an Adaptive Rowing Program. Frank, Cora, Shelly, Greg, Adam and Rick
participated this year finishing off with a mini regatta on August 19th.
We would like to thank the staff and volunteers of the GBRC for sharing their
passion of rowing and their genuine kindness to al the participants.
Michelle Verburgh
10
339 Olive Street, Midland, Ontario L4R 2R4
Phone: (705) 526-4253
Fax:
(705) 526-8299
E-mail: clhmidland@clhmidland.on.ca
Visit our Website
Mission Statement
Community Living Huronia is a
partnership of caring people, working together to facilitate our
community’s acceptance, inclusion, and support of people with
exceptionalities as valued citizens.
Community Living Huronia strives to
ensure the availability of supports and services, which address
the needs of the individuals and their families.
For more information on services available in Simcoe County and
for information on Respite please visit:
www.simcoedevelopmentalservices.ca
www.respiteservices.com
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Supporters really do make dreams come true!
Please Renew Your Membership
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
$5.00 per person, per year
•
Your active annual membership gives you:
• CLH’s Newsletter
• CLH’s Membership Card
• The right to vote at CLH’s Annual Meeting
The opportunity to acknowledge your support of CLH
Name:
Address:
THE PULSE is published by Community Living Huronia /
sponsored by the Community Living Huronia Foundation
Postal Code:
Phone #:
(
)
Editor ................................................................ Penny Moreau
Layout & Design…………………………………Nancy Ramsbottom
Please enclose a cheque or money order
with your application and mail to:
Committee ........................................................ Allen Carter
Sue Street
Jan Dobson Rose
Lisa Maloney
Community Living Huronia
339 Olive Street, Midland, Ontario L4R 2R4