NEWSLETTER

Winter 2015

2014-2015 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Pres. Pam Coulthurst V.P.: Robert Majkut

Treas.: Marilyn Atherton Betty Talbot

Sue Doan Terry Sampson

Elizabeth Majkut Tom Kilner

Sharon Shilz Exec. Director & Secretary:

Maureen Brown

In This Issue

Thank you for your support through the

Scotia Employee Volunteer Program.

Through this valuable program you

have promoted the importance of

volunteerism and demonstrated the

power of corporate giving.

From the President and Executive Director

“The secret of change is to

focus all of your energy not

on fighting the old, but on

building the new”

~ Socrates

Maureen Brown, Executive Director

Pam Coulthurst,

President

We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and shared many

memories and made new ones during the past Holiday Season.

With three months remaining in this fiscal year we have

many areas to complete work on. Our new Strategic Plan will be

available towards the end of January. I hope you all will help us to

achieve our Goals and Vision for the next several years.

The Ministry of Community and Social Services continues to

allocate new funds to families and individuals. Hopefully this will

help to alleviate much of the stress and concerns you feel for your

family members.

We would also encourage all of you to view our new web

site. We are very proud of it and hope you will find it to be very

informative and useful.

Community Living Fort Erie continues to look at a variety of

ways to move our Inclusion agenda forward. If you would like to

share your thoughts on any of the areas we are involved in,

it would be much appreciated.

Our Organization is only as good as it Members!

We wish you all a prosperous New Year. All the best for 2015!

MAUREEN BROWN PAM COULTHURST Stakeholder’s

Meeting

2

Accessibility

Statement

2

Speaking Out

Conference

3

Bursaries Awarded 3

Cynthia’s Hair Story 4

Joe Kissmann

Returns to Cogeco

4

Welcome 5

Fundraiser Pictures

and Information

6-11

AIM 12

Membership

Application

12

Winter 2015 Page 2

On Thursday October 16th, 2014 over 80 people attended a

Strategic Planning Session. Under the leadership and guidance of our

Consultant, Paul Muldoon we broke into various groups, each dealing

with a specific focus and a variety of areas that the Association needed

input on in order to enter into our new Strategic Plan.

Many excellent recommendations, suggestions and thoughts for

future growth and development came from the evening. Paul has

compiled all the information and it will be used to develop the Plan.

Once it is completed it will be shared with all of our Stakeholders.

We so much appreciated everyone

taking the time to participate and share

their thoughts and ideas on how we can

improve our services and supports.

~ Accessibility Statement ~

Community Living ~ Fort Erie is committed to providing the best possible resources to minimize accessibility barriers. Accessibility is the extent to which a person can access a device, a service, a building or other various environments.

Barriers to service are defined as but not limited to:

Should you encounter any such barriers, please contact:

Jackie Sandelli at ☏ 905-871-6770 ext. 230 jsandelli@clfe.ca

• Structural barriers

• Environmental barriers

• Communication barriers

• Attitudinal barriers

• Financial barriers

• Transportation barriers

Page 3 Winter 2015

The Speaking Out Conference for 2014 was held at the beautiful Unifor (CAW)

Family Education Centre from October 17 -19, 2014 in Port Elgin, Ontario. Some

Advocates In Motion (A.I.M.) members were lucky enough to attend.

Each year, the strength of the event is clearly in the presentations self advocates deliver to each

other...about rights, community inclusion, effective advocacy, and language. Public Speaking workshops

give opportunity for self-confidence building. Great food and dancing to the Leask Brothers Band,

Karaoke, and Paul the DJ have always added to the satisfaction of hosting and attending these events.

When some of the members were asked what they will most remember they replied:

“I really enjoyed listening to Justin Hines.

He is a very powerful voice for ALL!!” Ste-

ve Farkas

“I learned that I have the right to get

married. The dancing at night was my

favourite!” Brandon McRae

“It gave me a new perspective on life!! I

really enjoyed meeting & getting to know

the other advocates.” Bobbi Paonessa

“I really enjoyed the conference & how I

could be independent.” Candace Somerville

Every year a student at our local High Schools receive a bursary.

The graduating student must be from the Greater Fort Erie area.

The student must exemplify our goal of

“An Inclusive Community That Only Sees Abilities”

The recipient may have been involved in volunteer activities

with our organization or peer tutoring in their school

We wish each of you the very best as you forward your education!!

Dalton Glover RCBHS

Kate Bailey LSCHS

Austin Anderson Fort Erie Secondary School

Winter 2015 Page 4

Cynthia Grant and her family decided it was

time to give back to the community. She donated 12

inches of her beautiful wavy brown hair to Angel Hair

an organization that provides wigs and hair loss

solutions to financially disadvantaged

children in Canada.

After a two month hiatus, Joe is very

pleased to be returning to his

position as production assistant at

Cogeco in Niagara Falls. Joe has

decided to concentrate on the high

energy demands of live television.

It is a perfect fit for him to be involved

with Kiwanis TV Bingo. This highly

successful charity endeavor has been

airing since 2002. Joe’s major

responsibility is quality assurance.

He is right in the thick of things in the

studio during the live production on

Sunday nights.

“Sometimes it gets really intense …I

have to keep my eyes open for any mistakes…that’s my job” says Kissmann. “The staff of Cogeco are all

friendly, talented pros who expect the best of me. That’s why I’m always early” Joe has caught the

broadcasting bug and plans to propose

an idea for his own show in the future.

Winter 2015 Page 5

Christine Bogar joins our organization as a student placement through the Social Service Worker Program at Niagara College. Christine is a second year student, she will be graduating from the program in June 2015. She attended Ridgeway Crystal Beach High School and has lived in the Fort Erie community most of her life. Christine enjoys gardening, hiking and reading. We will be offering Christine a valuable placement opportunity with the people we support from January to April of 2015. We look forward and appreciate the skills that Christine brings to our organization!

Pam Gorham met Brandon at the Boys and Girl Club in Niagara Falls and a connection was made!! Pam came to Community Living Fort Erie through the volunteer program requesting the opportunity to spend more time with Brandon in hopes of developing a friendship. Pam attended Brock University and obtained her Bachelor Degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies. She also attended Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville Alabama for the Exercise Science and Wellness Program. Pam enjoys outdoor activities, sports, reading and going to the movies. She hope to pursue a career in Developmental Services! Please join me in welcoming Pam to the Community Living Fort Erie Volunteer Team!!!

Chris Wolfe met his Leisure Buddy in October when he visited one of our Residential Locations. Chris felt that there was a positive connection with the gentleman and knew that he wanted to make a difference in this gentleman's life through his volunteerism! His background in coaching basketball, love of sports and music made him a good match for a person we support with similar interests. We welcome Chris to our volunteer team and know that his passion to make a difference will truly be an asset to our organization!

New Student Placement: Welcome Christine!

A Very Welcome “Buddy”

Making a Difference Through Volunteerism!

CHRISTINE BOGAR

PAM GORHAM

CHRIS WOLFE The membership form on the previous page

can also be found on-line at

http://www.clfe.ca/get-involved/become-a-member

Winter 2015 Page 6

Winter 2015 Page 7

尼亚加拉多元文化艺术团 Niagara Multi-Folk-Arts

Song & Dance Ensemble

Violinist: Yuchen Xu pictured here

with Sandy Annunziata

Singer, Joe Green, pictured here with his parents.

The Wushu Project wowed our guests with the Lion

Dance. Many of our guests commented on the

authenticity of the evening.

Over $15,000.00 was donated in prizes and services.

We truly appreciate the generosity of our

community and the support they show!

Winter 2015 Page 8

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR

2014 FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE. THEY WORKED VERY HARD TO ENSURE A

WONDERFUL EVENING FOR

OUR GUESTS & A SUCCESSFUL

FUNDRAISING EVENT!

NEXT YEAR’S EVENT CELEBRATING

CHRISTMAS IN ITALY

WILL BE HELD

NOVEMBER 21ST, 2015.

Back Row (left to right): Sherry Houser, Andria Willick,

Margaret Fidler (chair), Sandy Pedersen,

Sandy Miskolczi, Lisa Glover, Linda Beach.

Front Row: Pauline Wilson, Elena Polko,

Dianna Hayslip and Sue Doan (lower front).

Our 2014 “ Christmas Around the World Fundraiser” celebrating the “Chinese New Year”

was held November 15th, 2014 and was a very successful event

hosting over 300 guests and raising over $24,000.00

This evening would not be possible without the generosity of our Community Sponsors.

Patterson Chrysler Patterson Chrysler Patterson Chrysler --- Dodge Dodge Dodge --- JeepJeepJeep 527 Garrison Road, Fort Erie ON L2A 1N3

Phone: (905) 871-4461 * Fax: (905) 871-6080 Toll Free: 1-877-866-8770

Email: info@patersonchryslerdodgejeep.com

Winter 2015 Page 9

Atrium Spa

Beatties Basics Office Supplies

Black Diamond Hair Studio

Buffalo Sabres

Canadian Tire

Chakra Spa & Fitness Inc.

Cherry Hill Club

Community Living Board of Directors & staff

Creative Supply/Maureen DeRose

Crystal Chandelier

Crystal Wines

Cuts “n” Stuff Hair Salon

Davids Chevrolet Corvette Buick GMC

Donelly Wines

Dr. Ray Ordinario

Elite Hair Fashions

Fort Erie TimBR Mart

Friendship Trail Bed & Breakfast

Garrison Sub & Taco Grill

Grand Niagara Golf Club

Grapes on the Ridge

Headshapes Barbershop & Family Hair Salon

Heavens Hair Studio

Ilio DiPaolo Scholarship Fund

John Scibetta

Jesse & Kelly’s No Frills

Keith Financial

Kartek Automotive

Kirkpatrick Monuments

Lennox Financial Group Inc.

Lino’s Pizza & Beer Parlor

Lococo’s

Maureen DeRose of Creative Supply

Nino D’Ambra Hair & Aesthetics

Palmwood Waterfront Dining & Patio

Papa’s Pizza

Patricia Teal Cosmetic Laser Aestetics

Petro Canada of Fort Erie

Rick Smit

Robert Shanahan

Russell’s & Salvatore’s Grand Hotel

S & G Automotive

Salvatore’s Italian Restaurant

Scuttlebutts Tap & Eatery

Stevensville Clothing Exchange

Stevensville Garden Gallery

Vincor International Wines (Roger Ball)

Willix Boot Camp

Wines With a Twist

YMCA of Niagara

Yoga Joy

We can’t wait for the

2015 Annual

“Christmas Around the

World Fundraiser”

celebrating

CHRISTMAS IN ITALY!

NOVEMBER 21ST, 2015.

Winter 2015 Page 10

A Sincere Thank-you to our Many Corporate Table Sponsors….

YOU Made Our Fundraiser a Success!!!

ALL SEASONS PROPERTY MAINTENANCE FORT ERIE

BRAD HOUSER

BRIDGMAN & DURKSEN

CHERRY HILL CLUB

CIRCLE P PAVING

CRESCENT FLOORING

GLENNY INSURANCE BROKER LIMITED

HARRY ROSETTANI

THANK YOU TO OUR SILVER LEVEL SPONSORS

JOAN HAIST

INTERCEDE INTERNATIONAL

MARGARET FIDLER

PAM COPELAND

PAULINE WILSON

PENFINANCIAL CREDIT UNION

IN MEMORY OF BARRIE GOLDING

THANK YOU TO OUR BRONZE LEVEL SPONSORS

A1 APPLIANCE CENTRE

BEATTIES BASICS

CROWN LANDSCAPING

EXPRESS PLASTIC SUPPLY

FORT ERIE NATIVE FRIENDSHIP CENTRE

FYKE TRADING AND LOGISTICS

HEALTH SOURCE PLUS

IBEX

JACK SHAW SERVICE & GARRISON PETRO-CANADA

JESSE & KELLY’S NO FRILLS

MAUREEN BROWN

MAVRON TRANSPORT

PENINSULA PLASTICS LIMITED RAY ROSETTANI /REMAX NIAGARA REALTY LTD.

REGIONAL ROOFING AND SIDING CO. LTD.

THE GLASS COMPANY

TIM & AMANDA VELEMIROVICH

CHERRY HILL MEMBERS

CATHERINE BARKER

ERNIE MASKELL

FRANCES WILLICK

JOHN SCIBETTA

JIM TUMMILLO MASONRY INC.

LOCOCO’S

MARY SCIBETTA

PAUL SCIBETTA

PAULINE WILSON

RICH PRODUCTS

RICK SMIT

ROBERT M. BROWN

WALMART

Winter 2015 Page 11

Thank You to Everyone

for attending and making Our 2014

Christmas Fundraiser So Successful!

P.O. Box 520 615 Industrial Drive Fort Erie, Ontario L2A 5Y1

Ph: 905.871.6770 Fax: 905.871.3339 www.clfe.ca

Winter 2015 Page 12

From the Desk of Terry Sampson...

Remember we are Leaders in Inclusion and Equality. We need to demonstrate this at all times.

Let’s Challenge Ourselves and Find Ways to “Improve” &“Demonstrate” our Vision and Mission

I hope everyone had a nice Christmas and New Year’s and just a reminder the first

A.I.M. meeting of the New Year is January 15th, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. at the Community

Living Office, 615 Industrial Drive, Fort Erie, Ontario.

~ Terry Sampson,

President, Advocates in Motion

CCCOMMUNITYOMMUNITYOMMUNITY LLLIVINGIVINGIVING MMMEMBERSHIPEMBERSHIPEMBERSHIP AAAPPLICATIONPPLICATIONPPLICATION

NAME:

STREET:

CITY: POSTAL CODE:

TELEPHONE: EMAIL:

YYYESESES! I ! I ! I WILLWILLWILL SUPPORTSUPPORTSUPPORT CCCOMMUNITYOMMUNITYOMMUNITY LLLIVINGIVINGIVING~F~F~FORTORTORT EEERIERIERIE!!!!!!

Categories: □Individual $10 □Corporate $50 □Associate $2 □Self-Advocate $2

PLEASE DESIGNATE MY DONATION TO: □ Adult Services □ Children’s Services □ Respite/Summer Camps

ONE TIME GIFT OF: □ $25 □$50 □$100 □$250 □Other :____________

Please make cheque payable to the order of COMMUNITY LIVING~FORT ERIE.

Tax receipts and a free one-year Special Membership will be granted to people donating $100 or more, up to $499.99.

Tax receipts and a free Life-Time Membership will be granted to people donating $500 and more.

Mail to: Pam Copeland

Community Living ~ Fort Erie

615 Industrial Drive., P.O. Box 520, Fort Erie, ON L2A 5Y1

Phone: (905) 871-6770 Fax:(905) 871-3339

As a registered non-profit organization, Community Living issues official tax receipts for donations.