Winter 2015 Newsletter Winter 2015 External

VALLEYLIFE
Winter 2015
Sunspot News
In This Issue
Legacy of Love Gala
Women of Scottsdale
Partnership
“Eat Well, Feel Great!”
Nutrition Program
Margaret Morales
Wins DDD
Supervisor of the
Year Award
Oktoberfest
Special Olympics
Bowling Tournament
Enhancing the quality of life of people with disabilities for 68 years.
Board
of
Directors
Peter Connolly
Chair
Clifford Mattice
Vice Chair
Steve McKamey
A Message from the President & CEO
A Look Back and a Look Ahead
Happy Holidays!
VALLEYLIFE members, families, friends and
At this time of year, we are especially
donors, with our second Family Social set to
thankful for all our donors who have helped
kick off the new year in January.
us meet the needs of the people we serve
and make the exceptional programs we
We are particularly excited for the renovation
provide to our members possible. Without
of the garden at our 29th Avenue facility.
donor support, we would not have been
Construction is set to begin in the spring.
able to achieve all we have in 2015.
Our newly remodeled park will specifically
be designed to accommodate our members’
Secretary
Cindy Quenneville
Treasurer
Heather Bull
Director
Daniel Kramer
Director
Stephen Noll
Director
Katy White
The last few months have been filled with
needs and will feature state-of-the-art
several events and festivities. In early
amenities.
October, VALLEYLIFE hosted our annual
Legacy of Love Gala, celebrating 68 years
We have a lot to look forward to next year.
of providing services to individuals with
For now, we focus on our friends and family
disabilities and our continued commitment
during the holiday season. Wishing you
to serve this community. The event was
and yours all the joys of the holidays and
well-attended and fun was had by all.
happiness in the new year!
Our members and staff alike enjoyed the
Sincerely,
annual Oktoberfest celebration at the end
of October, which featured a costume
contest, food, music, games and prizes.
Cletus Thiebeau, President & CEO
Director
Cletus Thiebeau
President & CEO
Linda Miller
CFO
COVER
ON
OUR
2016 has even more activities in store for
Our final event of the year was the annual
member holiday party, held Dec. 11.
Members enjoyed visits from Santa
and Mrs. Claus, as well as Rudolph and
the elves, food and gifts.
Ken Corley has been with VALLEYLIFE since 1989, as part of our Days program.
Ken enjoys a variety of sports, music and food. His favorite musicians are Johnny Cash, Elvis
and George Strait. He can often be seen singing songs by these artists using a flashlight as a
microphone. He also collects articles and magazines of country music artists and sporting events.
Ken loves to help the staff clean, especially sweeping the back porch at his facility. He is very
fond of company and particularly likes being the center of attention.
Newsletter design and editing by Katy Reno, Communications & Marketing Manager @VALLEYLIFE | 602-216-6378
Printed by Williams Express Document and Print Services, a division of VALLEYLIFE | 480-967-1014
Legacy of Love Gala
VALLEYLIFE hosted its annual Legacy of Love
Next, guests were treated to a performance
Gala Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Sheraton Crescent
by dance professionals, Daniele Cavallo and
Hotel in Phoenix.
Cindy Vana-Stout, from Dance Starz AZ.
Then, following the gourmet dinner, Tom Jones
Steve Irvin, ABC15 News anchor, returned
impersonator, Lou Nelson, entertained the
again this year as the emcee of the event.
audience with a concert. Lou and his band
JoAnn Holland, President and CEO of Central
performed a selection of Tom Jones greatest
Phoenix Women, Women of Scottsdale and
hits and the dance floor was hopping!
East Valley Women, served as the event
chair and offered greetings on behalf of the
During intermission VALLEYLIFE parents,
VALLEYLIFE Board of Directors and Legacy of
Jillian and Bill Harbeck, shared the story
Love committee members.
of their daughter, Joree, and the key role
VALLEYLIFE plays in her development and
The evening began with a silent auction and
life. Bill concluded his remarks with “We fight
raffle, and music provided by Cowboy Kenny.
for our daughter, Joree,” which led into a video
The raffle featured a beautiful quarter-carat
set to “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten, featuring
diamond pendant set in white gold with chain
pictures of VALLEYLIFE members, staff, friends
and Gents European cufflinks, both donated by
and families holding signs expressing what they
Mr. & Mrs. Scott Berger of Addison Taylor Fine
fight for.
Jewelry.
After brief final announcements and remarks
The VALLEYLIFE Glee Club and Dance Troop
from President and CEO, Cletus Thiebeau,
kicked off the event with a performance of Katy
Lou Nelson returned to the stage for a second
Perry’s “Roar.” Following their presentation, the
set and the dancing continued for the rest of
starring members then enjoyed a pizza party at
evening.
Peter Piper Pizza.
VALLEYLIFE Selected as Women of Scottsdale’s 2016 Philanthropic Partner
We are delighted to share that Women of
donations, purchase tickets to our
designed to bring together professional
Scottsdale selected VALLEYLIFE to be
Gala and other fundraising events, and
women who work or live in Scottsdale to
its philanthropy partner for 2016!
volunteer when needed.
enjoy mutual interests and exchange new
ideas.
As its designated philanthropy partner,
Women of Scottsdale will support
We are thrilled to be the recipients of
VALLEYLIFE in 2016 through donations,
Women of Scottsdale’s support and
volunteering and by providing resources.
we’re certain this will be a productive
The organization will donate items for our
partnership!
members and auctions, make monetary
Women of Scottsdale is an organization
“Eat Well, Feel Great!” Nutrition
Program is Improving Health
The VALLEYLIFE “Eat Well, Feel Great!”
(and, of course, taste!) healthy recipes. In
how to prepare healthy (and easy) meals
nutrition program is making a healthy
this course, our members get to try new
for our members. The initial visit to each
impact!
foods, like quinoa and pomegranate, and
home was to determine the dietary needs
create new dishes, such as Asian stir fry,
of the members, from implementing
Staff has observed that, as a result of
broiled grapefruit with ginger and minty
diabetic diets to weight loss.
the reduction in sugar intake (soda pop,
quinoa salad.
sugary desserts, candy, etc.), members
Betsy helps staff set goals for the homes,
sleep better, have better complexions,
such as eliminating packaged and pre-
and exhibit fewer mood swings and
prepared foods, determining portion
behavioral episodes. It has also had
control, limiting sweets, cooking larger
a positive impact on the health of our
amounts and freezing the leftovers,
diabetics.
and time management for the kitchen.
She has also taught them how to make
The “Eat Well, Feel Great!” nutrition
purees and smoothies as a way to
program consists of two components: a
painlessly incorporate vegetables into
nutrition class and group home nutrition
members’ diets.
education visits.
Unfortunately, the church is closing in
December, so we are currently looking for
We are incredibly grateful for the support
The nutrition class, facilitated by dietician
another venue to host our nutrition class.
of the following grantors for helping us
Barb Honiberg, meets every Thursday
create this successful nutrition program:
morning at the Sunnyslope Presbyterian
Through our group home nutrition
BHHS Legacy Foundation, Wells Fargo
Church. At least 20 members, plus staff
education, nutrition coach Betsy Durkin
Foundation, Safeway Foundation and
attend weekly to learn how to prepare
has visited 10 group homes to teach staff
Fry’s Foundation.
Let Williams Express Take
Care of Your Holiday Printing
Williams Express Document & Print Services,
Revenues from Williams Express return
VALLEYLIFE’s print division, can help with all
to the operations of VALLEYLIFE to
your holiday printing needs, from cards, posters
support our programs and services.
and signs, to newsletters and invitations. No
job is too big or too small. Williams Express
If you have questions or would like a quote,
even offers foil and embossing––the perfect
visit williamsexpress.com, call 480-967-1014
touch for your holiday projects.
or email [email protected].
In addition to getting a great print job at an
even better price, you will also be providing a
valuable service to our members, as Williams
Express is one of our vocational training
facilities. Your orders put our members to work!
Margaret Morales Wins Direct
Support Supervisor of the Year Award
Oktoberfest
Morales, Residential program supervisor,
That is an understatement when you
Oktoberfest celebration Oct. 30.
won the Division of Developmental
look at the many lives Margaret has
The event featured a costume
Disabilities Direct Support Supervisor
positively affected. Besides serving as
contest, food, games, prizes, music
of the Year award for 2015! Margaret
the full-time supervisor for members
and dancing, and vendor booths.
was nominated for this award by her
who have significantly fragile medical
supervisors for her dedication and
and health needs, Margaret also serves
Superheroes, angels, pumpkins,
excellence in caregiving.
as a medication class instructor for new
cowboys, skeletons and other
VALLEYLIFE employees.
creatures could be spotted roaming
We are proud to announce that Margaret
VALLEYLIFE members thoroughly
enjoyed our spooktacular
the campus experiencing all the
Over the past two years, Margaret has
fun throughout the day.
taught over 70 hours of medication
training and instructed approximately 250
Several daytime activity centers
new employees in the detailed process of
(DTAs) and group homes created
effective medication administration. Her
Halloween-themed centerpieces to
efforts in ensuring the safety and health
decorate their tables, with hopes
Margaret was recognized as the Direct
of our members and competency of
of also winning the centerpiece
Support Supervisor of the Year award
the staff demonstrates Margaret’s
contest and the pizza party that
recipient at a ceremony held Sept. 24 at
commitment to the field of developmental
went with it. DTA 2 won the grand
the Disability Empowerment Center in
disabilities, her colleagues, new
prize with its remarkable haunted
Phoenix.
professionals entering the field, and most
house display.
importantly, our members.
“Margaret earned this award because
she is a great problem solver, works well
Margaret has been with VALLEYLIFE
under stress, helps with direct care needs,
for over 13 years. She is an exemplary
is a critical thinker, has great computer
leader who truly lives the commitment to
skills, knows when to delegate, leads by
supporting people with disabilities. Thank
example and is always willing to help,”
you for your service, Margaret,
says Brenda Redel, Director, Residential
and congratulations!
Operations.
Special Olympics Bowling Tournament
VALLEYLIFE Vipers Strike it Big!
Several VALLEYLIFE members
fourth-place ribbons.
participated in the Special Olympics
Bowling Tournament in November, and
Community members competed Monday,
many won big! What’s more, loads of
Nov. 9, and teams of residential members
supporters turned up to cheer them on.
competed Saturday, Nov. 21. The games
were held at Brunswick Zone Desert Sky
Our members beat out the competition
Lanes in Phoenix.
to earn eight gold medals, nine silver
medals, nine bronze medals and two
Congratulations and well done, Vipers!
Special Thanks to our Donors!
Ms. Megan Ahern
City of Glendale
Funk Engineering
Ms. Laura Lawler
Ms. Kathy Aleman
City of Peoria
Ms. Celia Galaviz
Leavitt Group Benefit Services of AZ
Alpha Omicron
Ms. Karla Cleveland
Ms. Shirley Gannarelli
Dr. Neal Lester
Alliance Refuse Trucks
Clipped Wings
Mr. Jay Ganske
Mr. Bobby Lieb
Ms. Jessica Amend
Ms. Linda Cobb
Ms. Loretta Gaspar
Lincoln Gives
Mr. Duane Anderson
Ms. Colette Colosimo
Mr. & Mrs. Ron Gawlitta
Mr. Greg Linquist
Mr. James Anderson
Comfort Systems USA
Gompers Habilitation Center
Mr.& Mrs. Bruce Lomax
Ms. Nancy Anderson
Mr. Peter & Dr. Suzanne Connolly
Mrs. Dolores Greene
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Luckman
Ms.Mary Annn Angelo
Ms. Helen Cortes
Mr. & Mrs. Joe Gregg
Mr. & Mrs. William Mahan
Mr. Jeffrey Anthony
Mr. John Cranmer
Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Grubbs
Mr. Robert Manchee
Mr. Pedro Apodaca
Mr. Bill Cross
Mrs. Mary Gunderson
Mr. James Manton
Mr. Ron Archer
Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Cummings
Hacienda Healthcare
Maricopa Recorder
Arizona Art Alliance
Mr. Matthew Daniel
Mrs. Christine Halvorson
Mr. Hank Marshall
Arizona Lottery
Data Service Company
Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Handlong
Mr. & Mrs. Phil Mastores
Ms. Karen Armknecht
David & Minnie Meyerson Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. David Hanner
Matson Foundation
Art’s Family Auto Repair
Ms. Beverly Davis
Mr & Mrs. Michael Hatmaker
Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Mattice
August Building Company
Mr. Jim Davis
Ms. Donna Hesketh
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Matusz
Mrs. Jennifer Baier
Ms. Ima Day
Ms. Diane Hilow
Mr. Rob Maybaum
Ms. MaryAnn Bailey
Mr. & Mrs. Craig Dean
Ms. Farren Hinton
Mr. Mack McCall
Mr. George Ball
Mr. & Mrs. Roger Deck
Mr. Warren Hoffer
Mr. Terry McCollum
Bank of Omaha
Ms. Mayetta Decker
Mrs. Sharyn Howard
Ms. Elaine McEldowney
Mr. Bill Barber
Mr. & Mrs. Jose Del Toro
Mr. Adam Huebner
Mr. & Mrs. Steve McKamey
Ms. Elizabeth Bartholomew
Ms. Irma DeTour
Mr. Ignat Ignatov
Ms. Maureen McLaughlin
Ms. Cynthia Bennett
Digital Business Systems
Imernet
Dr. & Mrs. John McMichan
Ms. Lois Berg
Discover Financial Services
Infinite Green
Ms. Ruth Mehl
Best Funeral Services
Don Nierling Memorial Foundation
Mr. Steve Irwin
Mesch, Clark & Rothschild Attorneys
BHHS Legacy Foundation Inc.
Mr. Mike Dwiggins
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Issar
Meridian Bank
Mr. Michael Bigelow
Ms. Florence Eckstein
Mr. Perry Jacks
Ms. Estelle Meyer
Biltmore Properties
Dr. & Mrs. John Eckstein
Mr. Matt Jankowski
Mr. Doug Michaelson
Mr. Mike Bock
Eide Bailly
Mr. James Jenista
MMS
Boeing Employee Community Fund
Epsilon Sigma Alpha
John & Doris Norton Foundation
Mollie Lawson Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Keith Brannoch
Ms. Ericka Espino
John F. Long Foundation
Mr. James Morgan
Ms. Erika Brewer
Fairmont Capital
Mr. Adam Kagasoff
Ms. Michelle Mosakowski
Dr. & Mrs. Norward Brooks
Mr. Lee Farr
Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Kallman
Ms. Kerry Mueller
Bull Employee Community Fund
Fennemore Craig
Ms. Jane Keahon
Mr. Scott Muller
Mr. & Mrs. Dale Carlson
Mr. Jeffrey Ferguson
Kemper & Ethel Marley Foundation
Ms. Donna Murphy
Cardinals Charities
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Fickes
Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Kidney
Mutual of America
Ms. Lucile Carter-Perry
Ms. B. Charlene Fisher
Mr. Scott Kirby
Mr. Matthew Myerhoff
Mr. Edward Celaya
Mr. Jonathan Fisher
Ms. Kim Knapp
Mrs. Karen Neilson
Challenger AeroSpace
Ms. Elizabeth Ford
Knights of Columbus Council NO. 7114
Mr. Les Nesmith
Mr. & Mrs. Steven Chatham
Ms. Esther Freeberg
Mr. & Mrs. Janusz Komorowski
Ms. Susan Nesmith
Ms. Elaine Cherney
Fry’s Food and Drug
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Kramer
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Nielsen
Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Ms. Katherine Fuetterer
Mr. Joseph Langlois
Mr. John Ninnis
Ms. Carol Seidberg
Ms. Katy White
Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Noll
Mr. Bill Shaw
Mr. John Wilder
Ms. Eileen Olovson
Ms. Rowena Simberg
Mr. Edward Williams
Opus Bank
Ms. Nora Simone
Mr. & Mrs. Edward Wintergalen
Ms. Charyn Palmisano
Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Smalley
Ms. Heather Winters-Bull
Mr. Don Parke
Ms. Tana Smidt
Ms. Lynn Witteveen
Mr. Steven Pattyn
Southwest Gas
Mrs. Penny Wolfswinkel-Jenkins
Mr. Craig Pearson
Southwest Human Development Inc.
Mr. Mark Wollgast
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Pellegrim
Southwest Medical & Rehab
Mr. Marino Woo
Mr. & Mrs. Walter Penaranda
Mr & Mrs. Sam Spiller
Mr. Dan Woodward
Mr. & Mrs. Nick Pepeneeli
Mr. Robert Stachwick
Ms. Susan Wright
Mrs. Colette Pepperell
Ms. Claire Steigerwald
Ms. Eileen Yazzie
Mr. Eric Perry
Mr. & Mrs. Norman Steinberg
Mr. & Mrs. Percy Young
Mr. Jim Plutowski
Mrs. Frances Stephens
Ms. Adelina Zottola
Ms. Ann Polunsky
Mrs. Margaret Stephens-Reed
Mr. John Prenzno
Ms. Mary Beth Stern
Ms. Carol Promberger
Mr & Mrs. Cleon Streitmatter
Price Family Charitable Fund
Mr. & Mrs. Tom Strong
Ms. Cindy Quenneville
Sundt Foundation
Mr. Hud Quistorff
Mr. & Mrs. Mike Sylvester
Mr. Gordon Raguse
Ms. Linda Szyjko-Miller
Ms. Scherri Ralston
Mr. Marvin Tate
Mrs. Brenda Redel
Teamster Retirees & Associates
Mr. Phillip Reed
Mr. Earl Teteak
Ms. Leah Reilly
Mr. John Tharp
Mr. Steve Rich
Mr. & Mrs. Cletus Thiebeau
Mr. Michael Ringer
Ms. Danielle Thiebeau
Ms. Darlene Ritchie
Mr. Arden Thielen
Mr. Donald Robbins
Mr. James Thomas
Ms. Marilee Roberson
Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Thompson
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Rodriguez
Ms. Joan Thorn
Mr. Clifford Romme
Thunderbird Charities
Ms. Sue Rosen
Mr. Jim Tighe
Mrs. Dianna Rowan
Mr. Matthew Todd
Dr. Cliff Running
Mr. Mark Tunney
Mrs. Elizabeth Ryan
Mr. & Mrs. Paul Ulan
Mr. & Mrs. Stillman Saunders
Mr. Jim Umberger
Safeway Foundation
Mr. Tony Urso
Salt River Project
Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
Mrs. Erika Schafer
Wal-Mart Foundation
Mr. James Schnur
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Ward
If your name should be included in this list and is
Ms. Nancy Schrag
Mr. Travis Waymire
not, we sincerely apologize for the omission.
Mr. & Mrs. Bill Schubert
Mr. Mike Weeks
Ms. Peggy Schwartz
Mr. Herb Wells
Corrections to entries can be submitted to
Mr. Mark Schwietz
Wells Fargo Bank
Margaret Stephens-Reed at 602-331-2414 or
Mr. Bill Schwind
Mr. & Mrs. Donald White
[email protected].
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While every effort has been made to ensure the
accuracy of our database, occasionally a name
may be misspelled in our system, or regrettably,
a donor may have been overlooked. Each and
every donation to VALLEYLIFE is very important
and we value them all.
How You C
Holiday
Gift
Idea
L i s t
W i s h
We are collecting toiletries to give to our members for the holidays. Please drop off a
donation of the following items at our main campus: soap, shampoo, conditioner, body
wash, toothpaste, mouthwash, combs,brushes, deodorant and/or lotion.
They can be sample, travel or full-size items. All items arewelcome and appreciated!
Other items needed include:
Looking for a gift for that
hard-to-shop-for person?
Kitchen
Furniture
Blender
Upholstered Chairs
Crockpot
13 Padded Chairs
Coffee Pot
8 Sturdy, Washable Dining Chairs
Food Processor
Dresser/Hutch
Large Pots
Coffee & End Tables
Glass Baking Dishes/Cake Pans
Bean Bag Chair
Dishes
Prints/Paintings (Bold Colors)
Microwave
Make a donation to
VALLEYLIFE in the
person’s name!
Donate $20 or more and
we will send the person a
holiday card on your behalf.
Sofa/Love Seat
Large Bowls
It’s the perfect gift!
Glasses/Cups
Other
Cupcake Tins
Towels
Karaoke Machine
Gift Yourself With a Tax Credit!
This holiday season, give yourself
your Arizona tax liability by the same
You must itemize on your Arizona
the gift of an Arizona state income tax
amount.
income tax form to receive the tax credit.
credit, and make a difference in the
However, you do not have to itemize on
lives of people with disabilities. It’s a
What is the difference between a tax
win-win!
credit and a tax deduction?
your Federal tax form to qualify.
A tax credit reduces your Arizona state
In order to use this credit for your 2015
Under the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit
taxes dollar-for-dollar. A tax deduction
taxes, contributions must be received no
Law (ARS 43-1088), you can make a
reduces your taxable income, upon which
later than Dec. 31, 2015.
gift donation of $200 as an individual or
your taxes are calculated.
$400 as a married couple filing jointly to
For more information about this tax
VALLEYLIFE for the “Credit for Donations
How do I qualify for a charitable tax
credit, visit the Arizona Department of
Made to a Qualifying Charity” and reduce
credit?
Revenue’s website at azdor.gov.
Can Help
There are many ways to support VALLEYLIFE! You can volunteer your time, attend one
of our events, make a donation of goods or services, or make a financial contribution.
For volunteer opportunities, please contact Ann Polunsky at 602-216-6385 or [email protected].
For information about upcoming fundraising events, please visit our website at valleylifeaz.org/events. To sponsor a
VALLEYLIFE event, or if you wish to host an event to benefit VALLEYLIFE, please contact Margaret Stephens-Reed,
Director of Fund Development, at 602-331-2414 or [email protected].
To donate goods or services, please bring your items to our main campus at 1142 W. Hatcher Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85021
or call 602-371-0806 to discuss ways you can provide support.
To make a financial donation, you can go to our website at valleylifeaz.org and click the donate button in the upper-right corner,
call us at 602-371-0806 or complete the bottom of this page and mail it back to us. Your tax-deductible donation to VALLEYLIFE
will help us continue to support individuals with disabilities.
We are always grateful for your generosity in helping us support people with disabilities in our community.
Want to know more about how you can get involved with VALLEYLIFE? Visit our website, valleylifeaz.org, for ideas.
Name: __________________________________________
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Email: __________________________________________
Phone #: ________________________________________
_____ This is a tax credit donation
(include card details below)
Donation Amount: ____________
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Please send acknowledgement to:
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Address: __________________________________ City/State/Zip: __________________________
Comment: _______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Please mail to VALLEYLIFE at 1142 W. Hatcher Rd., Phoenix AZ 85021
1142 W. Hatcher Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
602-371-0806
[email protected]
Keep up With VALLEYLIFE
Get Social!
We know you are a big fan of
Show your VALLEYLIFE spirit!
VALLEYLIFE, and now you can
facebook.com/valleylifeaz
show it by wearing VALLEYLIFE
merchandise!
To purchase yours, simply visit the
twitter.com/valleylifeaz
VALLEYLIFE online store. To get
there, go to our website and click
instagram.com/valleylifeaz
The VALLEYLIFE Store link on the
home page.
youtube.com/valleylifeaz
Visit today to pick up your very own
shirt, hat or sweatshirt! All proceeds
support VALLEYLIFE.
valleylifeaz.org
Scan this QR code with your smartphone or text “VALLEYLIFE” to 22828 to be
added to the VALLEYLIFE email list and always be up-to-date on the latest news!