Link to Fall Newsletter, 2015 - Casa Allegra Community Services

NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SAN RAFAEL, CA
PERMIT NO. 150
City of San Rafael
Mayor Gary O. Phillips proclaims
August 27, 2015
Casa Allegra
Community Services Day!
35 Mitchell Blvd., Suite 8
San Rafael, CA 94903
Return Service Requested
40 Years of
Innovation
Possibilities
Opportunities
Send in your reservation right away!
Invitation Inside
15th Annual Benefit
Bocce Tournament
Sat. Oct. 3,
Join the fun!
Bocce play, courtside lunch,
silent auction, raffles
Inside: Making a Difference – Looking to the Future
Looking to the Future by Chris Bonfiglio........................... 1
IOU Business Owners’ Events ........................................... 5
ADA 25th Anniversary Celebration - Dusty Dutton......... 1
2015 Human Race Memories.............................................. 6
Cathy Adams – A Modern Woman Adapts to
Life Changes by Carrie Bossaller........................................ 2
Out & About, Slide Ranch, MOS with Mia........................ 7
Meet Hollie Jones, Human Resources................................ 2
You’re Invited! 15th Annual Bocce Tournament............... 9
Meet Graham Saltonstall – Exploring Community Life... 3
Grants & Donations, In Honor & In Memory ..................10
Students Visit Microenterprise Business Owners........... 4
Volunteers, Wish List, #GivingTuesday............................11
Partnerships Can Work for Organizations & People Too!
featuring Julia Pozsgai by Dale Dutton............................... 5
Staff Appreciation – Over 15 Years of Service................ 8
2015 Vol. 11 No. 2 • [email protected] • www.CasaAllegra.org • (415) 499-1116
40 Years of
Innovation
Possibilities
Opportunities
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
L
et’s be real – The world is changing and life can be hard,
especially for 99% of us. At a recent board meeting,
I presented my director’s report and spoke about the
challenges we as an agency were facing with a huge transition
in management over the past couple of years spurred
by people retiring, moving, or transitioning to different
positions within the agency. And all at a time, when the
people we support are aging and requiring closer monitoring
and care. The antiquated, broken system by which we receive
our funds is collapsing. There have been no rate increases for
up to 15 years . Yet, there are more and more demands being
placed on providers from the federal and state government –
great ideas but with no financial backing.
I recently had an exchange with a colleague of mine
about being so discouraged; how we have lived our lives in
service to our clients and how we wondered if we can keep
doing this. However in spite of the ongoing struggles, my
motto has always been “Never say we can’t but rather how
can we.” And so I am confident that we will.
Who knows what the future will bring but I am proud
and honored to be able to say I am a part of the Casa Allegra
Family. For 40 years this agency has persevered, guided by
Richard Nicholson & Chris
the mission to make a difference in the lives of people with
intellectual and developmental disabilities. And, we have
done a damn good job because at the center of everything we
do is the person we support.
I, personally, thank each and every one of you for your
part in this journey – past, present, and into the future.
A board member recently sent this quote I leave you with
from John Henry Newman:
“To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have
changed often.” And, so we move forward knowing and
embracing the change that is inevitably coming.
Namaste
~ Chris Bonfiglio, Executive Director
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act - The ADA: Past, Present & Future.
Co-hosted by County of Marin Disability Access Program & Marin Center for Independent Living. 7.26.15, Marin Civic Center Supervisors Chambers.
In a panel conversation about what has changed since the passage of the ADA. Dusty Dutton, as an
invited panelist, said that the ADA helped others see that people with disabilities are “Important members
of the community and can do very good things.” The ADA helped bring about wheelchair accessible public
transportation, bus pads, ramps, adaptive cars, curb cuts, push button automatic doors and improved
program access.
Panelists said: “The ADA expands opportunities for everyone.”
“Disability rights are civil rights; civil rights are human rights.” “Much
has been accomplished; the work continues.” “Good, safe design is
human design.” “Reasonable accommodation is now expected and
supported.”.
Expert guest speakers discussed plans to address shortage
of affordable housing in Marin County, accessibility issues in
recreation, health care, accommodations at work and living sites
– building accessibility into every aspect of design. Eli Gelardin,
Executive Director of MCIl ED said, “When people with disabilities Panelists Ron Lopez, College of Marin Accessibility Rights Club past president; Renee Pollard,
MCIL Registry Specialist/Independent Living Advocate with Dusty Dutton. With Casa Allegra’s
have access, everyone benefits – including aging seniors, veterans,
support, Dusty lives in the community and has owned Dusty’s Puppets, a microenterprise, for 10
families with strollers...It’s the right thing to do.”
years. Photo courtesy Marin County.
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CACS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit,
based in Marin County, providing
individually designed services
and supports for people
with intellectual and other
developmental disabilities around
community living, family, daytime
activities and employment
opportunities since 1975..
Casa Allegra Community Services Proudly Celebrating 40 Years
Cathy Adams – A Modern Woman Adjusts to Life Changes
by Carrie Bossaller
Tax ID #94-2775979
35 Mitchell Blvd., Suite 8
San Rafael, CA 94903.
Board of Directors
Pauline Basaran, President
Allen Peters, Treasurer
Jane Scurich, Secretary
Mia Brown
Dale Dutton
Cyr Miller
Mary Quinlan
Finance Committee
Allen Peters, Chair
Chris Bonfiglio
Al Farbstein
Michael Scurich
Development Committee
Mary Quinlan, Chair
Pauline Basaran • Theresa Eisenberg
Elsa Jimenez • Jeanne Santangelo
Patti Somers
Consumer Advisory Committee
Mia Brown, Chair
Cathy Adams • Donna Celestine
Elijah Gonzalez • Caitlin Lannon
Scarlett Murphy • Kevin Peak
Gavin Reimer • Robin Sloan
Krystal Tremblay
Staff
Chris Bonfiglio, Executive Director
Eny Campos, Director Supported Living
Elsa Jimenez, Director Residential Services
Daniel Reichling, Director Day Services
Jeanne Santangelo, Development Director
Al Farbstein, Financial Advisor
Kelly Moritzburke, Bookkeeper
Carrie L. Bossaller, RN
Hollie Jones, Human Resources
Jayne Verdon, Office Assistant
Socorro Gallardo, Consultant
Newsletter
Editor Jeanne Santangelo
Articles & Photos by Staff & Volunteers
Contact [email protected] to be
added or taken off our mailing list.
We respect your privacy. Your contact information
is not shared with outside agencies or businesses.
Cathy at Adrian Way residential home
W
hat does a modern woman enjoy
doing? Being with friends and
family? Eating tasty foods? Getting her hair
and nails done? Yes, yes and yes!
These are just some of the things that
Cathy Adams enjoys doing, but they do not
define her. Cathy is much more than what
she likes; she is a happy woman who enjoys
being with people and connecting with
them in her own way. Being jovial, Cathy
shares her happiness with the people around
her effortlessly. Her fellow housemates
are comfortable around her and enjoy her
presence in a familial way.
Cathy also enjoys going on outings such
as seeing a new movie in the theater, buying
a magazine at a local store and going to
dances. Parties are also exciting for Cathy,
who loves festivities with others and the
treats that often come with a celebration.
Cathy loves sweets and enjoys cake quite a
bit. On occasion, when Cathy is having a
craving for cake, she and a staff member will
bake a cake for the house. Cathy enjoys this
process as well as the reward of eating it, as
do her housemates.
Cathy remains active with the above
activities as well as attending the day
program at Marin Ventures. Cathy enjoys
all of her activities, even with some setbacks
that have occurred. Cathy’s vision remains
impaired due to glaucoma. Cathy has
frequent medical appointments that keep her
busy as well. At age 55, Cathy is taking this
all in stride. Cathy is warm and friendly at
appointments and with health professionals.
Cathy walks with more caution and often
holds her hands out to steady herself.
Despite this, Cathy continues to enjoy her
life with a little more caution. She continues
to enjoy looking nice and having her hair
cut and colored in a stylish way, get her nails
done and have fashionable shoes and clothes
to wear. Cathy also has a love for her house
and the staff who support her.
Cathy truly is a modern woman,
appreciating the fun things in life while
learning how to adjust to life’s obstacles with
grace and a sunny smile.
Editor’s note: Cathy has been supported
by CACS for over 23 years. She worked
part-time at Borders Books in San Rafael
until it closed in 2011.
NCL volunteers, Cathy Adams, Martha Vasquez
Meet Hollie Jones, Human Resources
H
ollie Duldulao Jones is the newest member of the Casa
Allegra Team. As Human Resources/Payroll Specialist she is
helping CACS transition to a new payroll system.
Hollie was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii
and moved to California in 2011. She lives in Rohnert Park
with her husband AJ and 2 cats, Dora and Balto. When she is
not at work, she enjoys watching action movies and rom-coms,
scrapbooking, and is a Warriors and Oakland A’s fan.
11
Reina Araujo, Connie Pazos, Blanca Molina
THANK YOU
VALENTINE CARDS
National Charity League –
San Rafael Mission Belles
Diane Shearin
Jenny, Maggie, Kristen,
Lindsey, Diane, Katie, Grace,
Caddie, Audrey
MARK DAY SCHOOL
Community Engagement Day
7th Grade students
Jennifer Woods,
English Teacher
Mia Brown
Andrea Dougherty
Dusty Dutton
Theresa Eisenberg
Jesus Espinoza
Elilah Gonzalez
VOLUNTEERS
Javier Miranda
Scarlett Murphy
Ginny Wolff
Andy Woo
MARIN HUMAN RACE
Reina Araujo
Eny Campos
Paula Chumpitaz
Kimberlyn DeLeon
Michael Feno
Socorro Gallardo
Dhyana Iris
Elsa Jimenez
Guiseppe Laneve
Larry Mason
Mary Ellen McCarthy
Linda McCarron
Blanca Molina
Krystal Tremblay with NCL volunteers
Michael Feno & Jim Santangelo
Novato High JV Cheerleaders
Donate your Vehicle
DonateforCharity.com
(866) 392-4483
They take care of paperwork and pick up your
car, van RV or boat, running or not. Easy!
February 1 through June 30, 2014
John Patenaude
Connie Pazos
Anna Philipps
Bridget Ramirez
Maria Ramirez
Mary Sales
Zoila Salvatierra
Jeanne Santangelo
Jim Santangelo
Martha Vasquez
Mariajose Vasquez
Sofia Vasquez
Marin School of the Arts at
Novato High School
Jenna Hollander Photography
National Charity League San Rafael Mission Belles
Caroline Brockman
Cathy Adams, Martha Vasquez,
Jennie Perkins & JR Jahnke
Kaila Campos, Gavin Reimer & Ingrid DeLeon
Charlotte Brockman
Claire Brockman
Kristin Brokman
Margo Cumming
Susan Cumming
Aimee deBlaauw
Paula deBlaauw
Dana Delaney
Paige Delaney
Ana Gorski
Cate Gorski
Mary Gorski
Georgina Norman
Karen Norman
Elizabeth O’Reilly
Jennifer O’Reilly
Kaelin Pallavicini
Ninon Pallavicini
Jim & Terry Nevin, Daniel Reichling, Andy Woo &
NCL Volunteers
Wish List
Gift Cards
q Target
q Old Navy
q Trader Joe’s
q Safeway
q CVS
q Garden Center
Gift Certificates
q Carpet Service
q Cleaning Service
Event Tickets
q Music
q Sports
q Movies
Large item pick up:
(415) 499-1116 ext. 166
q Leather Couches
q Leather Recliners
q Framed Artwork
q Adjustable Beds
Julianna Pereira
Katie Pereira
COMPANIONSHIP
ACTIVITIES
Alison Falvey – Leader
Lindsey Bell, St. Isabella High
Marin Catholic High
Kristen Bell
Jack Brubaker
Peter Brown
Toula Falvey
Emily Farrell
Alyssa Gikkas
Anna Oliba
Jake Olson
Taylor Powers
Kaleigh Sinnott
Gianna Sullivan
Jenny Berns & Kevin Aleman
Giving Tuesday, 12.1.15
T
he fourth annual
#GivingTuesday
takes place on
December 1, 2015!
#GivingTuesday is a
global day dedicated to
giving back. On Tuesday, December 1st,
families, businesses, community centers,
and students around the world will come
together for one common purpose: to
celebrate generosity and to give.
Please consider supporting Casa
Allegra Community Services for your
Giving Tuesday donation or campaign.
Be a part of a global celebration of a new
tradition of generosity. Sign up to receive
more information and ideas at: http://
www.givingtuesday.org/
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6
THANK YOU
We sincerely apologize if
we have ommitted or
misspelled any names.
GRANTS
CNA Foundation
The Freitas Foundation
George Lucas
Family Foundation
Marin Community Foundation
Microsoft
The Outdoor Art Club, Inc.
Sidney Stern Memorial Trust
Union Bank
GENERAL
DONATIONS
Anonymous
Connie Abela
All Autos, Inc.
Linda Arellano
Arizmendi Bakery
ASF Electric
Dana & James Ayoob
Bank of Marin
Bernadette & Dennis Baraty
Thomas & Suzanne Berns
Felice Betlem
Louise Birch
BoltDownTheBayArea.com
Book Passage
David & Patricia Brown
Jay Brown
Jeanette & Ronald Bruciati
The Bruciati Family
Kim Chandler
Nancy Chandler
Sylvie Clerc
Kay Conneely
D. Cappelletti & Sons, Inc.
Donate for Charity
Kevin Dunlop
Dale & Donna Dutton
George & Theresa Eisenberg
Tim & Alison Falvey
Allan Farbstein
Fine Arts Museums of SF
Brynda Foster
Molly Giles
John Giosso
Thomas & Kathryn Grossi
Noah Groth
Rebecca Hahn
James & Lynda Hampton
John & Linda Heilmann
John Hokanson
Holiday Inn Express Mill Valley
Amy Hosa
Jason Sherman, DDS, & Katelyn Du, DDS, Inc.
Michele Jacobs
P. Brian & Juli Jeffrey
Jennifer Kirmse
Law Office of Cecilia Lannon
Richard & Cecilia Lannon
Lawrence Hall of Science
Lucca Ravioli Co., Inc.
Marin Sanitary Service
Lillian Martinez
McLeran Roofing, Inc.
Glen Mellinger
Rory & Kristin Miller
Minuteman Press Jerry Tallman
Mollie Stone’s Markets
Montecito Plaza
Nadine Moore
Daniel & Caroline Murphy
Daniel Murphy,
Morgan Stanley
Robert Nealon
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS DONATIONS February 1 through June 30, 2015
Jim & Terry Nevin
James P. Nevin, Sr.
Attorney at Law
Patricia O’Brien
Oakland Zoo
Gregory Percy
Lorraine Ragozzino
John Richter
Eric R. Roby
Louis Rossi
Richard & Michelle Ruff
San Francisco Zoo
SaveMart
Scotty’s Market
Benton & Saralynn Sifford
Belinda Sifford
Alexis Sifford
Ira Simon, DDS
Sin Fronteras:
Reina Araujo
Eny Campos
Hilda Chumpitaz
Kim deLeon
Elsa Jimenez
Manuel Jimenez
Maria Melendez
Jaqui Quintanilla
William Sloan
Patti Somers
Richurd & Patricia Somers
Rocio Smith
Superior Cutting & Coring, Inc. - David Merin
Laura Targgart
Jerry Tench - State Farm Agent
James Therrien
Maysie Tift, MFT
Tim’s Treads
Training Wheels
Preschools, Inc.
Janice Tremblay
Daniel Trump
Patricia Tunnard
Van Midde & Son Concrete
Vantreo Insurance Brokerage - George Eisenberg
Vineyard Unlimited
W. Bradley Electric
Westamerica Bank
Bette Woodward
Patricia Woodward
IN HONOR
Alyssa Arroyo
Alexander Arroyo
Karen Arroyo – Mama & Papa
Judy Boswell
Mary Duffy
Patricia Elsaesser
Sandy Scott & Kris
Pauline Basaran
Pauline Basaran
Vasfi Basaran
Elizabeth Calaway
Richard Harris
Terri Hoever
David Shenson
Inka Traktman
Chris Bonfiglio
Nancy & Paul Belton
Alana Lee Capozzi
Stanley Crask
Eileen Falvey
Joseph & Sally Garbarino
Milton Constance Greenfield
Evelyn & Robert Greenwood
Debra Hanson &
Daniel Shimabuku
Loraine & Romolo Iavarone
Marilyn Monardo
Robert Nave
Joseph & Ella Spinelli
Patricia Tunnard
Peter & Karen Turnbaugh
Lydia Tuveson
Janice E Wanigatunga
Mia Brown
Virginia M Wolff
The Bruciati Family
Cecile Bodington
Edward P. DeMatei
Richard & Patricia Douglas
Robert Knox
David Merin
R.A. Picchi
Rita & Giovanni Puccinelli
Timothy Sowerby
Betty Tambellini
Warner Custom Homes
Michael Bruciati
Anna Marie Balestrieri
Ronald & Elynor Berman
Mary & John Bianchi
Robert & Joann Bianchi
Jeanette & Ronald Bruciati
William & Barbara Cendak
Margaret Dale
Deborah Daly
The Darrington Family
Edward DeMatei
William & Judy Disbury
Robert Ertassi
Angela & Daniel Fass
Alfred & Clara Giannini
Angelo, Phyllis &
Sally Grimaldi
William, Jean & Jack Hagler
Dixie James
Laub Dermatology
Meryl Manthey
Sherry McKean
Woods Memory
Judy Moorehouse
Helen Puerling
Louis Rossi
Peter & Michele Saibene
Joseph & Kay Sanchez
Thomas & Laurie Sebesta
David Sewell
Robert Spano
James G. Stavoy
Dawna Stebbins
Dusty Dutton
Donna Dutton
Dusty Dutton
Debbie Falvey
Irmelin Hafstad
Falvey/Gardin Family
Ralph & Paula Derango
Socorro Gallardo
Christie Achor
Brandi Farrar
Rudi Leonardi
Deborah J Roberts
Julianna Gallardo
Theresa Ybarra
Kristen Haskett
Michael Haskett
Dhyana Iris
Carol Bassie
Kay Blonz
Suzanne Iris
John & Jacquelyn Fellows
Rosemary Fellows
Kevin McCarthy
Robert & Barbara Amore
Bruce Carruthers
Kevin Costello &
Blesilda Simon
Deborah Floyd
Adam McCarthy
Maura McCarthy
Michael & Janet Paige
Richard & Stefan Pickerel
Laurence & Dayna Ramlan
Julian Rhine
Ricossa Family
Ronald & Anstell Ricossa
Sara & Donald Sweet
Cyr Miller
Esther Beirne
A. & Y. Correa
Carol Colgate
Rod Gould
Larry Luckham
Nancy Mackle
Cyr Miller
Rory & Kristin Miller
Ed Slevin
Nancy O’Brien
Sally Norton’s Birthday
Sharon & Chris Jones
Mary &Noel McCarthy
Teri Moss
Marilyn Willats
Daniel Reichling
Friend Brajkovich
Foundation Source
Michael Reichling
Lisa Reynolds
Thomas & Kathryn Grossi
Graham Saltonstall
Donald Ord
Mary Ann Saltonstall
Ryk & April Tanalski
Team Maryann & Graham
Saltonstall & Josh Lyons
Peter Afflerbach
Janet Babb
Fran Burkell
Laura Cross
Julie Curtis
Simone de Winter
Susan Dunn
Melissa Fairbrother
Robert Geldman
Clara Greisman
Daniel Kirschbaum
Emily Kunhardt
Katy Kuhn
Linda Jaskol
Tracey Pettis –
Fantasy Portraits
Lael Robertson
Donna Rutter
Maryann Saltonstall
Missy Silver
Joan Tuss
Steve Wasserman
Linda Wisener
Jeanne Santangelo
Louis Fanning
Kari Millar
Dwight Morgan
Barbara Olson
Bonnie Passy
Gina Purin
Julia Ross
Susan Bell Warner
Belinda Sifford
Justin Sifford
Joelle Somers
Mitchell Barnes
William & Eva Best
Anke Betic
Shirley Blaul
Rosemary Fellows
Rudy & Linda Fernandez
Gregory & Cathy Kohs
Joanne Linn
Marvin Lundwall, Jr.
Bettie Mansen
Lawrence & Eleanor Michaelis
Ray & Beth Michaelsen
Jason Nachbar
Gordon Nordling
John Pappas
Jean & Charles Phillips
Tana Smith
Richurd & Patti Somers
Laura Targgart
Marie Waters
Richard & Barbara Rosenberg
Patti Somers’ 75th Birthday
Joanne Linn
Kristal Tremblay
Joseph & Carol McCabe
Edward Pohlman Construction
Susan Sanders
Janice Tremblay
Toni Tresco
Felice Betlem
Jayne Verdon
Joni Frasson
Sarah Hayes
John King
Eileen McCrystle
Tania Weiss
Monica Zaldivar
Lupe Chacon
Sandra Gongora
Patricia Huaringa
Carla Mock
Carmen Morales
Penelope Parco
Nelly Santa Cruz
Lizeth Verdugo
IN MEMORY
Michael Birch
Claudia Lewis
Bob Cornell
Jane Murphy
Steven Douglas’
46th Birthday
Ray & Ning Douglas
Eileen Frain
Douglas Baird & Anne Clark
Rudolph & Theresa Keiser
Nancy Serverson
Willie Garibaldi
Harvey & Louise Birch
Jim & Barbara Jacques
Lisa M. Jay
Judith Sanford
Kathleen Fogarty McCarthy
Patrick & Cara Ann Fogarty
Peter & Scotty Murphy
Janice Freitas Haley
Jane Murphy
Joan Murphy
David Murray
Frank Murray
Robert Peloquin
Noel & Eleanor Peloquin
Julia Peters
Christine Grogan
Deborah Ham
Allen & Sue Peters
Joyce & Terry Sullivan
Stella Scurich
Kay Conneely
Stephanie Ivanov
James & Terry Nevin
William H Sherman
Patricia DeBernardi
Roxanne Oliva
Patrick Synan
William & Eileen Sherman
Gregory & Allison Pike
Belinda Sifford
Justin Sifford
Robert Somers
Joanne Linn
Richurd & Patti Somers
Vol. 11, No. 2, 2015
Meet Graham Saltonstall – Exploring Community Life
35
by Maryann Saltanstall with photos by Eny Campos
front to back: Graham, Josh, & Javier
G
raham moved into his own apartment in
December 2014 with the help of Casa Allegra and
Golden Gate Regional Center. He and his housemate
Josh Lyons live in an apartment in Larkspur with
support from Casa Allegra’s staff Karla Santellan,
Morgan Setterberg, Javier Echeverria and Alex
Velasquez. This is a great location for him since one of
his favorite things to do is to ride the ferry into the city
on weekends.
Graham is huge lover of music and spends much of
his time seeking out local and national bluegrass bands
that frequent the area venues. Luckily for Graham,
Marin County is a great place to be a music enthusiast.
He is often seen downtown Mill Valley at the
Sweetwater and at the Marin Country Mart in Larkspur
where local bands play. He just loves to get up close and
watch the musicians when they are playing, especially
Morgan, Josh, Graham & Maryann at the Marin Human Race
the drummers.
Graham is a warm, loving 20-year-old man who
always has a smile and is very happy with his experience
in his first independent living situation. He lives only
15 minutes away from his Mom, Dad and sister who
he gets to see regularly. Graham attends The College
of Marin Day Program and enjoys spending his days
working on his computer, listening to music and
hanging out with his friends.
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4
Casa Allegra Community Services Proudly Celebrating 40 Years
Students Visit with CACS Microenterprise Business Owners, 3.26.15
7
th grade students from Mark Day School in San Rafael
visited with four CACS-IOU supported microenterprise
business owners Elijah, Scarlett, Mia and Dusty, at CACS
offices. The visit was part of the School’s annual Community
Engagement Day with agencies supporting people with
disabilities. The School integrates Community Engagement
themes into curriculum and prepares the students for the day.
Elijah Gonzales
spoke about his
several jobs in the
community and as
a member-owner of
Keep Marin Green
(KMG) an awardwinning recycling
Co-op.
Elijah said, “I do
Keep Marin Green
doing packing and
sorting and sending boxes off to UPS to get money for toner
cartridges and cell phones. I work every day I can. I have parttime jobs a few hours a week at Water Components and at two
hotels doing clean-up for the past 15 years.”
Keep Marin Green started in 2007 and contracts with
local businesses to collect Universal E-Waste and send it to
licensed recycling facilities. Daniel Reichling, CACS Director
of Day Services said, “KMG helps local business owners,
helps our environment and provides some income for the co-op
members.” Elijah, other co-op members and students helped
package and check a
shipment.
Scarlett Murphy
talked about her life
in the community and
her vending machine
business. Scarlett is
one of several clients
who earn some
much-needed and appreciated spending money with vending
machine businesses they own with the support of CACS.
Scarlett said, “I go to Zumba on Tuesday and Thursday and
Friday night dances. On Friday I go to lunch with my friends.
I work all the time. I go to Smart & Final and Costco to buy
supplies. I take inventory, track it on the computer and collect
money once a month.”
Scarlett and students looked at the inside of a vending
machine and put money in coin wrappers. Scarlett is also a
member of the CACS Consumer Advisory Committee.
Mia Brown
used an iPad with
Proloquo software
for her presentation
to the students
because it is
sometimes difficult
to understand her
speech. Mia has
cerebral palsy and paints using a headwand.
Mia said, “I am a painter and live as independently as
I can. I love living in my own place. I am now a professional
artist. My staff knows I am their boss…In the end all decisions
are mine to make. I showed my art at the DeYoung Museum
three weeks ago.”
Mia demonstrated her headwand and students tried
painting using Mia’s tools. Mia is a CACS Board Member
and Chair of the Consumer Advisory Committee. You can
see her art at www.downtownmiabrown.com
Dusty Dutton
demonstrated
puppeteering and
showed off a new
routine to the tune
of Ragg Mopp.
Dusty said,
“This is my new
show Ragg Mopp. I’m
39-years-old and live in a white house with steps with Diana
[live-in support]. I like my friends, and watching movies, TV
and rock-and-roll stars on DVD. I make my own bed and help
with laundry. I like decorating the house for different seasons.”
Dusty is a professional puppeteer, sells puppets on her
website at www.dustyspuppets.com and is a member of the
CACS Consumer Advisory Committee.
At the end of the day, English teacher Jennifer Woods’
students said, “I will remember my experience today…We all
have things that make us happy because we are all the same,
we just have different abilities….We all have talents and are
unique in our own way. We, also, all can’t understand some
things… Sometimes you have to slow it down just a little bit
and understand that they have limitations…They have goals
that they work toward and pursue. They have passion to do
something…We had some common interests – like Mia and I
both love sports!”
CACS gratefully thanks Theresa Eisenberg, RN, for her
efforts in making this day possible.
IOU business owners were interviewed and featured on 4.15.15 in a San Rafael Newspointer article by
Derek Wilson called Passion for Small Business: Disabilities Not a Barrier Thanks to Casa Allegra. “The No.
1 business advice [Dusty] Dutton has for young entrepreneurs is to “follow your passion.”
To read the entire article online, go to marinscope.com, search “Passion for Small Business.”
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Vol. 11, No. 2, 2015
15TH ANNUAL BENEFIT
BOCCE TOURNAMENT
2015 Invitation
You’re Invited! Sat. Oct. 3
Co-Chairs: Al Farbstein • Michael Feno • Linda Vaio
Family-Friendly Day of Round-Robin Bocce - New Players Welcome
Sat. Oct. 3, 9am to 3pm. Check-in 9am. Bocce play starts 10am.
Marin Bocce Courts 550 B Street, San Rafael
Player & spectator fees include catered lunch by Lucca Ravioli Co.
Wine & beer available for purchase
Silent Auction • Gift Basket Raffles
See MarinBocce.org for directions & game instructions.
Bocce balls provided – No personal bocce balls allowed.
Wear rubber soled shoes only, no leather soles, spikes or high heels.
Casa Allegra Community Services is a 501c3 nonprofit
Making a Difference for people with intellectual and other
developmental disabilities since 1975
(415) 499-1116, [email protected], www.casaallegra.org
!
Join Us!
SPACE IS LIMITED, SIGN UP EARLY!
Major Sponsors Wanted!
Secure a Major sponsor ($500 minimum) for your
team & your team can play for free! Major sponsorship
includes publicity & team play. Major sponsors must
sign up before Aug. 28.
Contact: [email protected]
Major sponsors: Marin IJ, Union Bank, Lucca Ravioli
Co., Marin Community Foundation, Marin Sanitary
Services, Montecito Marketplace, Superior Coring
& Cutting, Burkell Plumbing, RDW Clipped Wings,
McLeran Roofing, Westamerica Bank, VANTREO
Mail to: CACS, 35 Mitchell Blvd. Suite 8, San Rafael, CA 94903
Clip & return Registration Form below today! Must be received by Wednesday, September, 16, 2015
Casa Allegra’s 15th Annual Benefit BOCCE TOURNAMENT Sat., Oct. 3, 2015
Number of Player(s) @ $45 each ______ Number of Spectator(s) @ $25 each ______
TEAM ENTRIES ENCOURAGED. Minimum 4, maximum 6 players. Team Name: ___________________________________________
Team Captain:____________________________________________Phone_____________________________________________
Players: 1_______________________________________________ 4_______________________________________________
2____________________________________________________ 5_______________________________________________
3____________________________________________________ 6_______________________________________________
❒ Please sign me up as a $100 Court Sponsor: includes name or business name on court signage, in print publicity & on our website, two spectator (or one player) reservations with courtside lunch
❒ I can’t attend but wish to donate in support of your benefit $_____________
❒ My check is enclosed. Please make checks payable to CACS.
❒ Visa ❒ Mastercard ❒ Other_______ Credit Card #_______________________________Exp. Date_______CVC# ______
Name as it appears on credit card_____________________________________________________________________
Name as you’d like to be acknowledged _________________________________________________________________
Street Address___________________________________________City____________________Zip______________
Telephone_______________________ Email ________________________________________________________
(Invitation)
Solicited by: Newsletter
TOTAL Enclosed $____________
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Staff Appreciation
3.13.15, Embassy Suites, San Rafael. Daniel Reichling started
the eventing with hilarious team quiz games with an assist from
Debbie Falvey. After buffet dinner, CACS Board Member Mary
Quinlan expressed the gratitude of the Board for their consistant
caring and dedication. She praised the “caring, loving, and
patient” staff whose “sense of family extends into the clients’
homes”...and their “relationships with the people you support
with an obvious heart connection.” In celebration of CACS 40th
Anniversary, Chris Bonfiglio gave special recognition to 13 staff
for 15 or more continuous years of service. Debbie Falvey,
recently retired, was honored for her 26+ years. This special
evening was made possible by the support of CACS families and
40th Anniversary sponsors: Marin Community Foundation, Marin
Sanitary Services, Montecito Plaza, Superior Coring & Cutting,
Inc., and Westamerica Bank.
Casa Allegra Community Services Proudly Celebrating 40 Years
Thanks for over 15 Years of caring and dedicated service: Irma Rodriguez (19 years), Salome Romero (18 years), Blanca Molina, Maria Ramirez,
Eny Campos, Elene Etienne, Reina Araujo, Hilda Chumpitaz, Javier Miranda, Debbie Falvey. Not pictured: Carlos Lopez, Claudia Contreras & Maria Sanchez
(28 years).
Kim DeLeon, Monica Zaldivar, Paula Chumpitaz, Zoila Salvatierra, Reina Araujo, Amparo Huerta, Cindy Vasquez, Guadalupe Rodriguez
Salome Romero, Ana Ramirez, Dinora Vasquez, Yolanda Escamilla, Rochenel St. Val, Paula Chumpitaz, Blanca Molina, Sonya Gordon, Robert Jordan
Tom Cortino, Tuai Tunai, Monica Fernandez, Jeanne Santangelo, Debbie Falvey, Jayne Verdon, Socorro Gallardo, Eny Campos, Elsa Jimenez
Daniel Reichling, Andrea Dougherty, Irma Rodriguez, Guadalupe Alvarado, John Pateneude, Alex Velasquez, Javier Echeverria, Karla Santellan
Vol. 11, No. 2, 2015
Partnerships Can Work for Organizations and People! By Dale Dutton
59
S
everal years ago, Chris
Bonfiglio, CACS Executive
Director, met with Lorin
Kaufman, former Executive
Director of Alchemia in
Petaluma, to begin a vision of
collaboration between the two
organizations.
Alchemia has been a
successful training ground
for artists for many years, but had no viable exit strategy for
graduating artists into their local communities as practicing
professionals. Casa Allegra has a vendored support system
for establishing small business or career development for
individuals. Melding these two proven support activities
began a partnership which Alchemia dubbed their “Artist in
Residence” program.
As an Artist in Residence, an individual ceases being a
student and begins a bridge to a professional career. Aspects
of both organization’s services are utilized. Alchemia provides
dedicated studio space and gallery representation in Art
Without Labels. Casa Allegra (IOU) provides a business
structure, accounting, marketing, and agent-like decisionmaking assistance to the artist.
The first “student” to begin the transition was Julia
Pozsgai – who immediately began to realize her vision
of a business she called Pansy Creations. In comfortable
surroundings, with individual art mentors that had previously
been group instructors, she began to emerge in Petaluma
as an artist. She joined the Petaluma Arts Society, and
participated in their local events and sales venues. Her work
was offered to other local retail outlets as well. Over a period
of 12 months she separated from – but really stayed close to
– friends, peers, and family ties.
At the same time, another
change was taking place in
Julia’s life. She was leaving her
family home in Petaluma and
moving to a new residence
in Sonoma. During that
transition she discovered that
there was more than just an
hour bus ride difference in
the two communities. She
was increasingly feeling more
at home in Sonoma – and
discovering a new community of
artists and friends.
Over this past summer, the next steps of her transition
to becoming a professional artisan developed. She opened a
new studio in Sonoma only blocks from her new home. She
became a member of the Sonoma Community Center, and
began taking classes and meeting new artists. She participated
in the local Wine and Harvest fair, and met the management
of a new gallery – eager to welcome new artists.
By the fall, the physical transition had been completed,
and this year she participated in the Wine and Harvest Fair
as a true Sonoma citizen. Her friends from Petaluma come
and visit her new places, and she goes back to see them for
special occasions and occasional classes.
Support for this kind of transition – student to
professional, citizen of one community to another, commuter
to “Artist in her own Residence” would not have been
possible without the vision and the willingness to try some
new things in new ways! Innovation is possible – even in the
most trying times – when leaders collaborate!
Further information: Pansycreations.com, Alchemia.org. Pictured: Paintings by Julia Pozsgai – Marilyn,
Dancing in the Moonlight and fiber art Wabi Sabi Dolls
You’re Invited! IOU Business Owners’ Events
COMAAT.biz Website Launch!
9.1.15 Changing One Mind At A Time
Jennifer Walsh, Principle, announces the
launch of her exciting and fresh new website.
COMAAT educates individuals, families and
organizations on disability awareness and
inclusion. Services include Consultations
for personal strategies for living, Interactive
Workshops, Conferences/Public Speaking,
Accessible Text Design
www.COMAAT.biz, facebook.com/COMAAT
SAVE THE DATES!
Alva Gardner debuts new line of Functional
Fashion at Abilities Expo in late November in
San Jose. Featuring clothing and accessories for
wheelchair users. Alva is pictured at left with
Stylish, Easily Accessible Wheelchair Sidepack.
More info: designsbyalva.com and abilities.com/
bayarea/
Downtown Mia Brown Winter Art Show in
early December at 35 Mitchell Blvd, San Rafael,
more info: downtownmiabrown.com
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6
Casa Allegra Community Services Proudly Celebrating 40 Years
Toni Tresco with staff & NCL volunteers
Chris Bonfiglio, Mary Quinlan,
Pauline & Emma Basaran
Kaila, Eny, Luisito & Luis Campos
Maria Ramirez, Mike Bennett
Marin Human Race 5.9.15
T
Jaqui Quintinilla, Mia Brown, NCL volunteers
Robin Sloan
Ana Ramirez & Lisa Reynolds
eam Casa Allegra stood out as the largest group in
the Race which is the County’s largest collaborative
fundraiser and community fair hosted each year by CVNL
(Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership).
At CACS’ picnic following the race, Pauline Basaran,
Board President, presented a gift to Chris Bonfiglio from
the Human Race Committee for her 40 years of leadership
on behalf of people with disabilities. Festivities included
an impromptu Team Casa Allegra cheer by neighboring
picnickers, the Novato High School JV Cheerleaders led by
assistant coach Dolly Mae Nave Kilpatrick.
Volunteers helped make this important annual fundraiser
so much fun. Special Thanks to Reina Araujo, Connie Pazos
and Blanca Molina (grilled pupusas); Michael Feno (site set
up); Eny Campos (team leader); National Charity League
Mission Belles (attendants); Jenna Hollander (photography);
CACS staff and families (pot luck); Las Tres Amigas –
Mary Ellen McCarthy (salads, picnic set up), Mary Sales &
Anna Philipps (picnic service); and Lucca Ravioli Co. Inc.
(sandwiches).
The CACS Human Race fundraiser is successful because
of the generosity of our Circle of Friends. A record number
of T-shirt sponsors honored CACS 40th Anniversary with
their support. You help make our work possible.
See you next year on Saturday May 7, 2016!
Cecilia & Caitlin Lannon
Gannet Hosa-Betonte with staff & Amy Hosa
Kevin & Mary Ellen McCarthy
Thank you Sponsors
Joanne Linn, Patti & Joelle Somers
Javier Echeverria, Maryann & Graham Saltonstall,
Morgan Setterberg
Front row: Dianne Scaccalosi & Debbie Sifford
Back row: Martha Vasquez, Kim & Tim DeLeon
Dusty Dutton & Elijah Gonzales
Clockwise from bottom L: Summer Reichling, Leslie
Rohrman, Daniel Reichling, Gavin Reimer, Andy Woo
Tom & Jenny Berns
Vol. 11, No. 2, 2015
Slide Ranch near Muir Beach
Thank you Slide Ranch, Karli Cowman, Program Coordinator,
and Dana Biederman, Head Teacher, for an unforgettable time.
The day included hiking, picnic, whale bones, ducks and goats!
Out & About
Edgar Vasquez & Krystal Tremblay
7
11
MOS (Marin Open Studio)
May, 2015 Artists Reception
Downtown Mia Brown
Mia Brown & Dinora Vasquez
Tamar Mag Raine at her booth at the Alameda Spring Festival
Caitlin Lannon
Dana with Scarlett Murphy
Gavin Reimer brushing Amber, a Slide Ranch goat.
Brian Sidlow & Dusty Dutton
Vanessa Castro, bridesmaid, at sister Michelle’s May wedding to Orlando Felix in Santa Cruz
Joelle Somers at the Waldo Tunnel
Ginny Wolff & Mia during painting demonstration
Woodacre Social Club: Andrew Demitro, guitar,
songwriter & singer & Chris Nelson on bass.
Band also includes Ted Furlo on percussion with
Meghan Dunn sitting in.