Stasia Budrewicz - The Willow Foundation
Transcription
Stasia Budrewicz - The Willow Foundation
WF_042Newsletter_colour_Willow Newsletter 11-09-08 4:25 PM Page 1 Registered Charitable No. 86903 1385 RR0001 fall • winter 2011 STASIA BUDREWICZ Since July 2010, Stasia Budrewicz has lived at Post Inn Village in Oakville. However, throughout her amazing life, she has lived in many other places around the world! Her story is quite amazing. Stasia’s face lights up as she recalls her story. “I was born in a village in Poland – I had one brother and I remember we always sang.” Her father was a forester, “if he didn’t work at cutting down trees and planting more, there were no fires to cook on.” One day, when Stasia was eight years old and alone in the house, a fortune teller came to the door. “Don’t be afraid”, she told her “give me your hand.” As Stasia stood, transfixed at what was occurring and too terrified to scream, the woman told her, “you will go east, west, south and you will be very happy” and, “it all happened!” Stasia says, with a sense of wonder in her voice, “and I am very happy.” After the Second World War broke out, a work camp in Siberia was the next stop for the family. In the “cattle car” they were deported in “there were no seats”, she tells me. “It took five weeks”. For two years, the family lived in a one room wooden shack with seven other people and Stasia worked with her father as a lumberjack. “We were always hungry in Siberia, believe me, there was no teenage rebellion going on.” “Only when it was 45 below zero, did we stay inside.” When her father signed on as a Polish army officer under British command, the family was sent to Tanganyika, Africa for six years. “Tanganyika is called Tanzania now,” Stasia tells me, “they combined Tanganyika and Zanzibar”. With their father off fighting, and on their way to Africa, Stasia and her family were detained for three months in Tehran. They lived in a tent with many other families, slept on the floor, and were taken to the mosques to be fed. During this time, Stasia was a supervisor for meals and because of the spitting that occurred, has disliked large group meals to this day. Stasia learned English in Africa, and put that skill to good use daily as an interpreter and it was also here that her choice of career was born – that of a pharmacist, which she pursued (in Birmingham and Hereford) when she finally reached England. “Oh I loved that job”, Stasia says happily. It was in England that Stasia met her husband-to-be, Anthony, and they decided on their next move – to Canada. Anthony and Stasia were married for 60 years. They had two children, Gregory and Anne, and lived in High Park, near enough to walk over every day. Residing now on Birch at Post Inn, (and President of Post Inn’s Resident Council), Stasia, now 86, loves to work and can be found every afternoon at the front desk sorting the mail for delivery to the residents. Her parting words following the interview were “They say when you are born in the fall, you will be rich. I’m still waiting”. To that, we say… “See you tomorrow at the front desk Stasia; you’re an important member of our team!” Board of Directors Kristin Courtney ~ Chair Brian Dobson ~ Treasurer Shelly Font ~ Director Lisa Forbes ~ Director Katie Hrycun ~ Director Roger Lapworth ~ Director Scott McNabb ~ Director Jeff O’Rourke ~ Director Janice Sheehy ~ Director Enhancing the Quality of Life of Seniors and Disabled Adults in Halton Region WF_042Newsletter_colour_Willow Newsletter 11-09-08 4:25 PM Page 2 ♥ IN TOUCH: THE WILLOW FOUNDATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER ♥ Message from Regional Chair Carr On behalf of Regional Council, I would like to thank you for the support you provide to the Willow Foundation. Each year, volunteers at the Willow Foundation organize fundraising activities for the benefit of seniors in our long-term care homes (Allendale, Creek Way Village, Post Inn Village) and adult day programs (Milton Place, Friends Landing, Silver Creek Place). This year, over $87,000 has been raised by the Willow Foundation through their annual golf tournament and other fundraising ventures. In 2011 the Willow Foundation purchased equipment for a sensory cart at Allendale, two new barbeques for Post Inn Village and five television units for the long-term care homes. Funds were also used to support the creation of Willow Foundation Tuck shops at Allendale and Post Inn Village; to provide a built-in book unit for a resident home area at Allendale; and a bookcase/fireplace surround unit at Silver Creek Place Adult Day program. In addition, the Willow Foundation hosts annual events in the homes such as Strawberry Socials and Tree Lighting Ceremonies. Whether you donate your time or money, you are helping to enrich the lives of the seniors we care for in our Regional long-term care homes and at our Adult Day programs. Thank you for your generosity. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Board of Directors of the Willow Foundation for your continued dedication to the seniors in our homes and Adult Day programs. Together, your efforts help to make Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire. Sincerely Gary Carr Regional Chair SMILES ALL AROUND FROM THE SMILE THEATRE Allendale residents always look forward to the clever and entertaining Smile Theatre which performs at Allendale three times a year. At the most recent presentation of “Patsy Cline, Entertainer”, faces lit up, smiles emerged and toes were tapping in time to the music as "Patsy" played out her life story, speaking of her childhood and the professional and personal challenges that she experienced throughout her adolescent years. The actress sang a variety of songs that explained the message behind Patsy’s lyrics. Residents were entranced and loved watching her portray a legend in such an entertaining light. Other productions that have been presented at Allendale include Anne of Green Gables, A Joyful Noise and the perennial favourite Christmas plays. Residents are often found hours after the events still singing the same tunes from the play and laughing about the performances that have encouraged them to relive their memories. The Willow Foundation is thrilled to bring this live theatre experience to Allendale, Creek Way Village and Post Inn Village three times each year. The productions are written by Canadians and feature professional singers, actors and dancers. A “WONDERLAND EVENING” AT ALLENDALE Last December Allendale hosted its first “Wonderland Dance”. The Bishop Redding School Jazz Band performed some much-loved Big Band tunes and residents, staff, family members and volunteers danced the night away. The Bar/Café at Allendale was all decorated for Christmas, which added to the wonderfully festive atmosphere. Partygoers got dressed up for the occasion and enjoyed delicious hors d’oeuvres served throughout the evening. Many residents and family members took to the dance floor for a turn or two and the entire evening was a splendid success. One family member recounted how he had tears in his eyes as he watched his parents twirl around the dance floor – something he knew they had really loved to do in their younger years and once again revisited on this “Wonderland” evening. Enhancing the Quality of Life of Seniors and Disabled Adults in Halton Region WF_042Newsletter_colour_Willow Newsletter 11-09-08 4:25 PM Page 3 ♥ IN TOUCH: THE WILLOW FOUNDATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER ♥ SWEET STRAWBERRIES One of the highlights of The Willow Foundation’s yearly agenda is the presentation of Strawberry Social events at all three long term care homes. Occurring in June, at the height of strawberry season, the event always features live entertainment, lots and lots of sweet fruit and ice cream. For some reason, Allendale has a special link with the weather forecasters. Each year the Allendale Strawberry Social has the best weather of all three residences, and this year was no exception! The blue sky, breezes, plentiful sunshine and live entertainment by the Escapade Trio was enjoyed by over 120 guests, family members staff and volunteers. Pink and white balloons (always a staple at any garden party), graced the gardens and everyone was reluctant to leave when it was all over! At Post Inn Village, residents, staff and volunteers filled two long tables, busily hulling and cutting countless strawberries in preparation for the party. Peter Baumann provided the accompaniment for the event and everyone participated in a sing-along to perennial Irish and Scottish favourite songs. “Seconds” of strawberries and ice cream were widely enjoyed! Creek Way’s event was held outdoors for the first time in three years! There have been drastically unfortunate storms and clouds in the past and everyone was thrilled to have the event outdoors. The balloons created an unmistakable party atmosphere and residents were serenaded by a steel band! The music evoked beaches and relaxed vacations and everyone was immediately in a party mood. The irrepressible Halle, as always, had been industriously working behind the scenes preparing the strawberries and they were extremely delicious! The Strawberry Socials signal the start of the summer season of programs and events at all of the long term care homes. CHIRP, CHIRP, CHIRP! CRAFTERS UNITE! The Willow Foundation funds many programs throughout the year, not only at the three long term care homes, but at the Adult Day Programs as well. These programs include Friends Landing and Milton Place at Allendale and Silver Creek, the newest program, in Georgetown. Early in 2011, The Willow Foundation was approached to fund a Chick Hatching Program! An incubator with 12 fertilized eggs was delivered to the Silver Creek site and the process took 4-5 weeks until the baby chicks were hatched. Participants numbered the eggs and were involved in the daily “turning” of the eggs as well as ensuring that the correct temperature was maintained in the incubator. Everyone participated in checking in on any daily progress and eagerly anticipated the arrival of the chicks. Hatching took two days and chicks were left at Silver Creek for two further days to allow residents to give each and every one lots of cuddles. In conversation with Tracy Faulkner, the Coordinator at Silver Creek, I discovered that the entire experience was extremely interesting and involved not only the residents, but family members and family members of volunteers as well! Tracy concluded with “the residents loved it and I would definitely do it again and recommend it for any group!” One of the Willow Foundation’s funded programs involved the crafters at Silver Creek Adult Day Program in Georgetown. A representative from Stampin’ Up, an extremely creative and innovative rubber stamping company, came to visit with the participants and show them how to create greeting cards using Stampin’ Up products. The residents loved the program. Many of the clients have had experience with making personal greeting cards for birthdays and special occasions and were thrilled with the range of new products and techniques that the representative was able to show them. A wide variety of stamps have been purchased for the Silver Creek program and clients are free to use them whenever they like or as a planned activity for the day. “It gives everyone a wonderful sense of personal fulfillment” reports Tracy. Perhaps we will see some of the creations for sale in the Willow Tuck Shops! Who Said That? 1. “Bachelors should be heavily taxed. It is not fair that some men should be happier than others.” 2. “The trouble with some women is that they get all excited about nothing – and then marry him.” 3. “Trust your husband, adore your husband, and get as much as you can in your own name.” 1. Oscar Wilde 2. Cher 3. Advice to Joan Rivers from her mother Enhancing the Quality of Life of Seniors and Disabled Adults in Halton Region WF_042Newsletter_colour_Willow Newsletter 11-09-08 4:25 PM Page 4 ♥ IN TOUCH: THE WILLOW FOUNDATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER ♥ GOLF ANYONE? The Willow Foundation wishes to gratefully acknowledge our very generous corporate sponsors at the 9th Annual Golf Challenge held Thursday May 26th, 2011 at Crosswinds Golf and Country Club in Burlington. Platinum Sponsor Gold Sponsor Dinner Sponsor Corporate Sponsor Raffle Sponsor Lunch Sponsor Bronze Sponsor Tournament Sponsor Silver Sponsor Hole in One Welcome Gift Beverage Cart Sponsor Thank you to the following companies who sponsored a hole: Our thanks to those who sponsored as a Friend of The Willow Foundation: Billings Court Manor BOT Construction Centric Health Cogeco Diversey Inc. D’Orazio Infrastructure Group Futuremed Gem Healthcare Halton Region Hampton’s Restaurant & Catering Glen Schnarr & Associates Inc. Knights of Columbus – Marian Council Homewatch CareGivers* Medical Mart Plasticap Retro Rock Lounge Stryker Ward Funeral Home Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. Whiz-a-Top Region of Halton Stryker Canada TransCanada * Premium Hole Sponsor Special thanks to the following companies who donated silent auction, raffle and golf prizes: Barcode Solutions Bernard Callebaut Chocolates Bernice Birch Brian Dobson Canon Castelyn Chocolates CN Tower Cogeco Cogniserve Group Aaron Courtney Delmanor Glen Abbey Donato Salon & Spa Elmhurst Resort Fern Resort Gem Healthcare Golf Town Homewatch CareGivers HSI Inc. Julie Broadbent Photography Kerr Norton LaserQuest Lifestyle Essentials Lululemon Magnum Dynalab Ltd. MC Event Planning MEDIchair Halton Nordic Pole Walking Canada Optical Trends 4U Pasquale's Trattoria Pfizer Canada Pro Life Hockey Quality Suites Region of Halton Parks and Recreation Retro Rock Lounge Serenity 2000 Size Wizer Starbucks Surefit Tabangi Electronics Taylormade The Dam Pub, Thornbury The Golf Club at Lora Bay, Thornbury The Keg TransCanada TSI Woodbine Entertainment Group Enhancing the Quality of Life of Seniors and Disabled Adults in Halton Region WF_042Newsletter_colour_Willow Newsletter 11-09-08 4:25 PM Page 5 ♥ IN TOUCH: THE WILLOW FOUNDATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER ♥ Willow Foundation Ninth Annual Golf Challenge - May 26th, 2011 We hope to see you all at the 10th Annual Golf Challenge Thursday May 31st, 2012 Crosswinds Golf & Country Club, Burlington CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNING FOURSOME! Michael Paralavos, Samir Patel, Harish Patel, Kevin Slean Tournament Jackets donated by Crosswinds Golf and Country Club CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CONTEST WINNERS! John McLaughlin Closest to the Pin - Mens Davorka Vujanovic Closest to the Pin - Womens Ron Merpaw Beat the Pro Phil Collier Longest Drive - Mens Enhancing the Quality of Life of Seniors and Disabled Adults in Halton Region WF_042Newsletter_colour_Willow Newsletter 11-09-08 4:25 PM Page 6 ♥ IN TOUCH: THE WILLOW FOUNDATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER ♥ THE ARTISTS’ CORNER There is a wonderful new addition to the Allendale Bar Café! The Life Enrichment Staff have encouraged residents to create an “Artists’ Corner” Exhibit for everyone to enjoy. Residents were invited to create a piece of art that meant something special to them or that appealed to their “artist within”. All of the creations are wonderfully displayed in groupings on the wall. Every type of art has been encouraged and portrayed in the exhibit, from pastels, to acrylics to watercolours – many mediums have been explored and it makes a striking addition to the venue. Their efforts are to be applauded and greatly enjoyed. The creation of art is a joyous thing and as the artists create further items, the exhibit becomes an ever-changing, life exploring effort. Be sure to drop by and have a look! FAMILY DAY BBQ AT POST INN VILLAGE The Family Day BBQ has become an extremely popular annual event at Post Inn Village and this year was no exception. On a perfect, sunny summer Sunday in June, over 300 people attended this year’s extravaganza - a wonderful opportunity for residents, family members and staff to mingle and enjoy themselves. There were activities for the children too – balloons, a kids’ craft station, popcorn and a magician. Guests enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs (expertly prepared by the Post Inn Life Enrichment Staff) salads, watermelon, desserts and freezies. Everyone had a marvelous time – Thank you Post Inn Life Enrichment Staff for a wonderful day! The Willow Foundation purchased two new BBQs for this and future events for residents and family members to enjoy for years to come. FRIENDS OF THE WILLOW FOUNDATION Donations to The Willow Foundation enable us to continue supporting and enriching the lives of seniors and disabled adults in Halton Region. We would like to take this opportunity to gratefully acknowledge and thank the following individuals who have generously made donations in memory of or on behalf of a friend or relative currently residing in one of Halton Region’s long term care homes or participating in an on-going program. We apologize for any inadvertent omissions. Please feel welcome to contact us if your name should appear on the list below. Karen Aikman Theresa & Joe Amodeo Dorothy Anderson Rosie Banting Kay Bartnik Joanne Bauer Carla Biasulti Bernice Birch Pat & Ian Birie Bill Blom Ian Bold Louis Bourgeois Jan Boxall Burlington Community Foundation Canada Helps Evelyn Chapman Diana& Gregory Christie Christmas with Friends Ken Connors Xavier Cormier Donna & Norman Coulter Jane Craig Lena Dal Bello Tony & Lori DalBello Mr. and Mrs. DelNin Al Denich Al & Nicolina Denich Margaret Dennis Nancy Dickson Sue Doucette Leslie Dragan Louise & Norm Eidt Mr. & Mrs. Faggion Jim Fahey Edmund Fennell Bruce Filman Kim Forgeron Ernesta Gaetan Ruth Goulet J.D. Green Joanne Guarini Barb Guglielmi Malcolm Gunter Halton Regional Police Association Beverley Hilton Holland & Crosby Roy Honda Cheryl Hooper Olive Horvath William & Susan Hunt Dr. Ivan Hunter Ronald Jay Margot Johnson Cin & Kip Johnston Merla Johnstone Randy Jonas Sheila Kaposy Susan Kokorudz Christine Kostiw Alan Lakeman Lynne Limpert Joseph Loewith & Sons Maria & Rinaldo Lorenzoni Rose Low Donna Lussier Lu-Anne Lynde Mose Mazzaroto S. McCarroll Joan McGonagle McKenzie Smith Bennett Jodi Moskoske Phyllis Mougenot Christine Pearson Katie Pellizzari R. Pellizzari Rene Petroski Gertrude Poland Diana & Steven Price Nikola Radjenovic Wanda Murray Region of Halton Marilyn Richards Ernest Ritz Jean Ritz Archbishop Romero Royal Bank S. Salvaterra Bonnie & Ed Saunders Pamela Servos Paul Severin Martha Shire Terry Singleton James & Barbara Snow Foundation Patricia Sokic Brian & Carole St. Louis Luciano Stancich John & Barbara Staton John Stonehouse Ross Switzer Katherine Thompson Kosta Tutunovsky Pauline & Frederic Watkinson Neil Whitlock E. Whitlock Douglas Williams Sheldon Wolfson In memorium gift cards are available at all Halton Funeral Homes as well as at the Foundation office Post Inn Village, 203 Georgian Drive, Oakville, Ontario, L6H 7H9, Tel: 905.825.6000, ext.4049, Fax: 905.257.0042, andrea.gossmann@halton.ca. Enhancing the Quality of Life of Seniors and Disabled Adults in Halton Region WF_042Newsletter_colour_Willow Newsletter 11-09-08 4:25 PM Page 7 ♥ IN TOUCH: THE WILLOW FOUNDATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER ♥ Annual Spirit of Giving Campaign I would like to share in the Spirit of Giving with my Holiday Gift in the amount of $___________. Please use my information below. Signature _______________________________________ HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT THE WILLOW FOUNDATION? The Willow Foundation is a non-profit, registered charitable organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Funds are raised through community initiatives as well as donations from individuals, service clubs, community organizations and businesses to further enrich the quality of life for seniors and disabled adults in the Halton Region’s three long term care homes. These include Allendale in Milton, Creek Way Village in Burlington and Post Inn Village in Oakville, as well as the Adult Day Programs in Milton and Georgetown. Through the kindness and generosity of our donors, The Willow Foundation is able to provide financial support for annual life enriching social events, education, equipment, special needs and various building projects. respect to hosting, participating in, sponsoring, or donating to an event. Be sure to watch for our new website where our donors will be able to donate online. We offer a number of opportunities to support The Willow Foundation including: Planned Giving Annual Fundraising Events Our annual fundraising events include our Charity Golf Challenge and our Spirit of Giving Campaign during the Christmas season. We are also very thankful to benefit from third party fund raising events that take place in the community where funds raised are donated to The Willow Foundation. These events not only raise funds to assist The Willow Foundation, they also provide an opportunity to involve family members and others within the community in a meaningful way. We welcome suggestions with Annual Giving Annual donations are vital to The Willow Foundation and provide the majority of our funds. In Memorium Giving In Memorium gifts to The Willow Foundation make a tremendous difference in the lives of many seniors and disabled adults in the Halton Region. A memorial card is sent to the next of kin to acknowledge the In Memorium gift. We continue to expand our planned giving donor base through the generosity of those who donate on a continued basis. Planned giving allows a donor to make a substantial gift and at the same time provide valuable tax benefits. Methods of planned giving include pre-authorized giving programs and charitable bequests. We appreciate the kindness of the many individuals who support The Willow Foundation and would like to take this opportunity to thank our supporters very much for their generosity which ultimately benefits the lives of many seniors and disabled adults. We simply couldn’t do this without you. DONATION FORM Registered Charitable No. 86903 1385 RR0001 Allendale & Adult Day Programs (Milton) Post Inn Village (Oakville) Creek Way Village (Burlington) Silver Creek Adult Day Programs (Georgetown) Thank you for your donation of $ Date: In Memory/Honour of: Name: Address: City: Postal Code/ZIP: Province/State: Country: Email: Master Card ❒ VISA ❒ Card # Expiry Date Signature: ❒ I would like information on pre-authorized donations. ❒ I would like to sign up for The Willow Foundation newsletter. Please forward a condolence letter to the following address: Name: Address: City: Postal Code/ZIP: Province/State: Country: Enhancing the Quality of Life of Seniors and Disabled Adults in Halton Region WF_042Newsletter_colour_Willow Newsletter 11-09-08 4:25 PM Page 8 ♥ IN TOUCH: THE WILLOW FOUNDATION COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER ♥ LIFE ENRICHMENT SUPERVISOR ~ MELISSA DARASKA Hi there! I’m Melissa Daraska, and I am excited to be the Life Enrichment Supervisor at Creek Way Village while Emily is away on her maternity leave. I have an honors degree from Brock University in Sport Management and a bachelors degree in Inclusive and Therapeutic Recreation. engagement in meaningful activity is what makes our days so bright and encourage everyone to find what makes them happy and pursue it. I have been fortunate to work with many wonderful teams in a variety of settings including many long term care homes throughout the Niagara Region. I am excited to begin this new journey with such a wonderful team, whose energy, commitment and creativity have made such a positive impact on the people they serve. I look forward to sharing this year with everyone here at Creek Way! I began teaching therapeutic aqua-fit for seniors while I was in high school, this is where my passion for helping others began. I enrolled in Sport Management to develop my skills in leadership and continued with my second degree to further my knowledge on the benefits of leisure. I believe that RUBY ROSE 100 YEARS YOUNG! Residents, family and friends were on hand July 4th, 2011 to help Creek Way resident Ruby Rose celebrate her 100th birthday. Ruby looked wonderful in her pink outfit and beautiful smile. RALEIGH GIRL It is very sad for me to tell you that our beautiful, amazingly delightful pup Raleigh passed away suddenly in early February. She had, unbeknownst to us or the vet, a hole in her heart. She is profoundly missed not only by us, her family, but by her family at Post Inn Village. She will be in our hearts forever. PENNY THE HOOLIGAN PUPPY P.T.H.P., as she is affectionately known at our house, is our golden retriever puppy. Personally, I had been angling for a lapdog, but the men in my family vetoed that in a hurry. When I picked her out of the litter, she was a sleepy, adorable, quiet girl and since we were hoping for a calm puppy we decided that she was the one. On the day we took her home, the breeder casually mentioned that Penny had weighed more than any other puppy in the litter, coming in at 12 pounds,and that should have told me that Penny was going to be BIG right there! But of course, we were already smitten with her and away we went. At four months, she is growing straight up from her feet and I predict my puppy hugs will soon involve her paws on my SHOULDERS when she greets me. Currently, she weighs in at 30 pounds and is a happening, ever-moving little bundle of energy. One of her favourite tricks is making “Lake Penny” in the kitchen, (where she is still corralled for the most part). Leaving any water down on the floor results in wild pawing at the water dish to see how big a lake she can make. We tried putting a towel under the water dish only to find that she thinks towels are wonderful toys to drag around and great fun to take out from under the water dish! We have just about given up taking things out of her mouth because that would be a constant and futile exercise. Sticks of any variety are a huge treat for her. She is very adept at holding the stick between her paws and tearing off the bark for a tasty treat. It is great fun to watch her! Hopefully, Penny will step into Raleigh’s “shoes” as a visitor to everyone at Post Inn Village – time will tell! Upcoming Events Post Inn Village Casino Night Extravaganza Trip to Blue Jays Game Allendale Drum Workshop Alice Hwang BBQ Creek Way Village Mariachi Band and Ice Cream Floats Monthly Culturally-Themed Events Enhancing the Quality of Life of Seniors and Disabled Adults in Halton Region COMING SOON! Watch for o ur new websit e!
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