Connecting Our Community

A Madawaska Valley Association for Community Living Publication June 2019

MAY IS COMMUNITY LIVING MONTH

MVACL kicked off Community Living Month

with a BBQ for our MVACL community.

Rainy weather did not prevent a great turn-

out., although we did have to go indoors.

“Better Together T-shirts were received by

all participants as a token of appreciation.

50 YEARS OF PARTICIPATION

Rose Baxter of Combermere was honored in May at

the first International Special Olympics games for

Youth. These were also the first games to have

both traditional and unified teams. The unified

teams included students with and without disability.

Rose volunteered this year with the Basketball

events.

These games coincided with the 50th Anniversary of

Special Olympics in Canada. Rose participated in

Track & Field events at those first games.

While running in a Sprint event in 1969, Rose was

well in the lead when a girl coming up behind her

fell. Rose stopped to help her & the two crossed the

finish line together in last place. This year, Rose’s sister Catherine shared the tale of

Rose’s kindness with a Toronto Police officer who was also volunteering. He made

arrangements for Rose to receive a 50 Year Gold Medal to honour her generous spirit.

CEDAR RIDGE CAMP

SELF-ADVOCACY LEADERSHIP GROUP

Lavina Prince has been hosting a “Self-

Advocate Group” once a month for the past

year .

On Friday May 24th to Sun May 26

th Lavina re-

turned to Cedar Ridge Camp in McArthurs Mills

to attend another self-advocacy leadership

weekend.

Lavina was involved in a variety of group activi-

ties which promoted team work, communica-

tion, self-reflection and self-confidence. She

walked away feeling very inspired and satisfied

that she was able to challenge herself and go

beyond her initial expectations of herself.

It was a fun filled weekend with a variety of activities for everyone who wanted to

step outside their own comfort and test their boundaries. Lavina participated in ar-

chery, canoeing, kayaking, and a country Ho-Down dance party. To save the best

for last, she joined the 8 am Polar Bear Plunge both Sat. and Sun. morning along

with other people who dared to jump into the freezing cold lake. Lavina surprised

herself and others who sat back and watched her achieve new personal challenges.

Lavina would like to spread a message to others who may refrain from speaking out

loud, taking risks or setting new goals for themselves. Lavina said, “Don’t be afraid

to try new things and remember everyone has a voice and deserves to be heard!

Lavina Prince

CONGRATULATIONS MINDY!

Mindy joined the MVACL team in June 2008. She became a DSS in 2010, and in June 2012 completed the Developmental Service Worker Program through Loyalist College. She gained experience in a number of residential homes be-fore being transferred to the Community Partici-pations Support Program at Sweet Memories Candy Store in April 2013. There, she ordered products and brought new ideas to increase sales. Most importantly she assisted volunteers to work on skills they would need to find jobs within the greater community.

In 2015 she was moved to The Learning Centre as the Community Participation Sup-ports Facilitator where she organized training for people supported, staff, and commu-nity members. Her work also included completing Individualized Service Plans for people living at home with their families and helping people complete Passport forms.

In April 2018 she came on as the interim manager of the Supported Independent Liv-

ing and Community Participation Supports Programs. We now welcome Mindy as a

permanent manager here at MVACL!

Bill was well-liked by the people he supported. He was a ‘regular guy’ who treat-

ed others the way he liked to be treated; taken seriously, joked with and valued.

He will be sorely missed by many, but perhaps most of all, by Tom, who Bill sup-

ported almost daily, for the past number of years.

Each of us have stories, jokes, and memories of Bill; too many to do justice here

on this page. Let’s share with each other, and remember.

On June 9th the MVACL community lost

an important advocate, friend, and col-

league; Bill Green. For many, the news

is still sinking in.

Bill, Billy, Sir William, Billy Bob. No matter

what you called him he’ll always be re-

membered for the caring, and fun-loving

guy that he was.

The local papers have covered his com-

mitment and dedication to minor hockey

well. Those of us that knew him, knew he

was passionate about kids and hockey.

We also knew he was equally passionate

about his work as an advocate and sup-

port worker.

Members of MVACL share

appreciation with Community

partners, by gifting homemade

treats.

PERSISTNECE = SUCCESS

We all seem to have barriers that can make ac-

tivities we would like to participate in frustrating

at times. It is important to find ways to do the

activities that we love so much. When we do

persist , despite setbacks there can be great

personal rewards.

Mack has really enjoyed going to Bowlarama in Renfrew with some of his roommates over the winter. He has been encouraged by his friends and not a single one of his shots goes unno-ticed by them during the game. People have come to know his name in Renfrew and he en-joys people watching as well. One of the best parts of the weekly trips is that there are always a lot of smiles and laughter.

You make the Difference! The following staff are recognized for their years of service:

Achieved in 2017

10 years 25 years!

Meghan Bush

Melissa Craftchick

Charlotte Dextraze

Laura Evans

Simon Fero

Melissa Gogolin

Karen Hawthorne

Kelly Norlock

Janet Paplinskie

Achieved in 2018

5 years Elisha Brotton, Coralie Dupuis, Jay Fabian, Bonnie Kluke,

Angie Pecarskie

10 years Kim Aide, Mindy Brotton, Jenny Currins, Nancy Dombroskie,

Charmaine Hudder, Marilyn Kuehl, Shelley Limlaw, Amy Millar,

Eric Visneskie, Bernie Voldock

In future, years of service will be recognized the following year at our Community Liv-

ing Month celebration. People achieving 5, 10 or 15 years if service in 2019 will be

honoured in May 2020. Sincere thanks to ALL our staff for your commitment.

Linda Dombroskie

1ST ANNUAL COMMUNITY LIVING MONTH BASEBALL GAME

We had a great turn out for our ball game. Thanks to Jimmy Kluke for being our

umpire, and students Curtis Fabian and Lucas Brotton for rounding out our line-up.

Coming soon ComVida CVC51

This major upgrade features a new look and feel with a focus on enhancing overall usability and accessibility, and informing and empowering users.

In honour of Community Living Month

MVACL would like to sponsor

MEET AND GREET NIGHT!

SIBLING SUPPORT GROUP

Thurs. May 23rd 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Activites +

19491 Opeongo Line, Barrys Bay

Do have a sibling with a disability?

You are not alone!

Come out and meet us so together we

can help each other make a difference

For further information please contact

Wendy Brotton (DSW), 613-757-3271

wabrotton@hotmail.com

Refreshments will be served

On May 23, Wendy and a

small group of siblings met

to determine the appetite for a

Sibling Support Group.

It was decided that the group will meet

again in the fall at a time that enables

more people to attend.

If you, or someone you know might

benefit from partipating in this group

contact Wendy.

Message from our President

Hello everyone.

It appears that at long last summer is threatening to happen. It felt like winter was never going to let go of it's nasty grip.

Congratulations to Monica and her team for a positive outcome with the collective bargaining unit. Have a great summer and many relaxing sun drenched days.

The Board has been busy reviewing the fiscal audit for operational and the associa-tion. We also preparing for a review of the strategic plan.

Once again the Board is happy to recognize a graduate of the Special Education program. Well done Calvin Nettermann.

It was with great shock that we all learned of the sudden death of Bill Green. Bill was very dedicated to and a great supporter of the community living movement. The Board extends their deepest sympathies to his family, friends and co-workers.

On a personal note I would like to give a huge nod to my fellow members of the Board of Directors. A more committed, supportive and harder working group would be hard to find. May your summer be happy, healthy and sunny!!

Bridget

Directors/Officers

President: Bridget Gutoskie Vice-President: Corinne Higgins Honorary Vice-President: Lavina Prince Treasurer: Jane Visneskie

Other Directors

Edna Yutronkie Joanne Hartwig

Rosemary Miller

E.D.’s Message

The past 3 months have been packed with emotion. Anticipation of the provincial budget

in April and our ratification vote(s) in April and May, the fun and gratification of sharing dur-

ing Community Living month in May, and sadness and grief over the loss of a dear col-

league this month finds us thankful for the sun and carefree days of summer.

This year in May, our goal was to find ways we could contribute to our community and pro-

mote participation. We kicked off the month May 1st, with a well-attended BBQ lunch for

all members of our MVACL community. Throughout the month members baked and deliv-

ered tasty treats to many of our friends, allies and supporters as a token of our apprecia-

tion. A Baseball game, and Sibling Support group were among other activities that culmi-

nated with Music in the Park, on Friday the 28th. Many helping hands and positive feed-

back leave us looking forward to next May!

Equally important, on May 1st, members of our union, OPSEU Local 473, voted to ratify

our Collective Agreement. I would like to thank all members of our bargaining team who

worked diligently over the past year to put together this 3 year agreement that included a

little something for everyone, despite these lean times. Thanks to all members we can

move forward doing what we do best; support people.

Our new Strategic Plan is now in the works. Stay tuned for further information and dates when you can participate.

We continue our recruitment efforts with some success. MVACL is proud to say that 57% of our employees have been with us over 10 years. 75% have been here over 5 years. This year we have 6 people who have been with our agency over 20 years. Please take time to share with your friends and neighbours the benefits of choosing a career in a help-ing profession. Encourage someone looking to make a difference, to give us a call.

In honour of our Chief Union Steward, co-worker, and friend Bill Green, I hope we can all remember that we truly are - Better Together. Despite disagreements, late night calls and long hours at both MVACL and with Minor Hockey, Bill always showed up ready to give. Each day was a new one. Problems were meant to be solved through collaboration, nego-tiation and compromise. Bill was a team player. He will be missed and remembered with great fondness.

I continue to look forward to the myriad of challenges that await us. I know that with the special group of people I am so fortunate to work with every day - our entire MVACL Team - we will continue to do what we do best; support others.

Have a safe and wonderful summer!

With sincere gratitude to our Board of Directors, the management team, our administrative team and most importantly to our support workers,

Monica

Live as if you were to die tomorrow; Learn as if you were to live forever. - M. Ghandi