February 2016 - Chinook Clubhouse

February 2016
Chinook Wind Times
One of the benefits of Chinook membership are the swell social events and activities that members can
participate in. Here, Deene talks about the annual Chinook trip to the National Western Stock show . . .
I’ve been going to the National Western Stock Show for a
good part of my life and it’s a unique experience each time
I attend. I enjoy people watching, both the crowd
attending and those performing. I see in them what I
would call the Cowboy Way, by that I mean that there’s a
certain attitude, down home purity, a special
innocence that just can’t be faked. This is
not about dressing up and play acting ranchers and cowboys live this life fully.
The performances we see are based on real
lived experiences and talent combined and
it is part of our living history. I especially
enjoy watching family groups in country
garb taking in the sights. At the Stock Show
they were in their element.
As the Arena set up was changed we were treated to a
brief performance by the Queens of the Rodeo, an honor
for having won their individual State competitions. They
were beautifully attired as they carried our “colors”, flags
of the United States, Colorado and the Western Stock
Show. Next came the Team Calf Roping
competition that involves a 2 man team riding
out and capturing a calf by roping both its
horns and rear hooves simultaneously in a
timed event.
There was also a big screen showing of the
Historical Timeline of the National Western
Stock Show from its inception in 1906 to the
present. The photo presentation was all too
brief, I would have loved to have seen more though I
understand that the time constraints of doing multiple
In near darkness the Rodeo begins as the performers enter daily shows makes that impossible.
the Arena sporting red white and blue in neon! The horses
were spectacular, the interaction between the rider and
Over time the Stock show has evolved. In past years there
horse impeccable. The riders stood atop their steads
was more display of Native American heritage. In a show
circling the ring in choreographed formation, just flawless! of cultural sensitivity the Cowboy and Indian performances
of my youth seemed to be missing. Maybe it’s just me but
We then sat back for the regular events that started with it looks like the Rodeo has attained a certain progressive
the Bare Backed Bronco Busting where an 8 second ride
maturity that is more in keeping with our growing
can seem like an eternity. With the steer wrestling event tolerance we see springing up everywhere today.
the animal comes out of the shoot like a flash with the
wranglers giving chase. In short order the steer is taken
As the show concluded I walked away with a new found
down to the ground. They really took the “bull” by the
respect and gratitude for the National Stock Show’s
horns in that Cowboy speak.
organization vision of our nation’s heritage. We’ve grown
and evolved as a society. I wanted to savor the moment
The Mutton Busting is an event favored by all. In it 5 to 8 after enjoying this small representation of how our Nation
year old tender foots ride sheep for all they are worth,
and State continue to embrace the Colorado Way, the
hanging on as if their life depended on it. A little girl rider Cowboy Way. - Deene H. as told to Kim C., Resident
slipped and had to ride her sheep sideways for half the
Contributor
length of the Arena. She showed everyone what a real
You can help plan Chinook’s outings! Members meet
Cowgirl is made of and won the competition by going the
regularly to choose the activities. For more info, check
distance letting go just before she rode into a flock of
in with Cameron at Chinook Office Services.
skittish critters.
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2
February 2016
Manager Musings by Sera Anderson
Alfred Lord Tennyson said, “Tis better to have loved and lost, than never to have
loved at all.” In February, I usually think of love and of course, chocolate. But
mostly love. Love is that universal feeling that one can feel at any moment. It can
grab you in a second when you see a child, or a family member, or a beloved pet.
Love can take your breath away when the mountains look especially majestic or
you’re curled up watching your favorite show. Love can be simply noticing that you
are having fun and laughing hysterically at something. Love can be finishing a
project to the very last loving detail. Love can be subtle. Love can be loud! Love
can look like the smallest gesture or the slight twinkle in someone’s eyes.
Love is certainly a big part of every community. At Chinook Community, we show love in many ways—by
how we treat each other, how we laugh and share food. We show love by celebrating each other’s
milestones and listening to each other’s stories. We show love by helping out in the café or welcoming
someone new to the community. We experience love when we feel safe and heard and understood for
who we are. We show love when bring up important topics at Forum or speak at an event.
During the month of February, let’s take the time to express our appreciation of each other. Let’s take
the time to reach out to new folks or those who may need a little support. Let’s remember that we are a
loving and supportive community that thrives on the collective goal of friendship and safety. Let’s wear
our hearts on our sleeves and celebrate the beauty that surrounds us here in
Boulder. Oh and let’s eat some really good chocolate, too.— Sera
“One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.” ― Paulo Coelho
Sera Anderson –Email:[email protected]—Phone: 720-285-6824
Those who come to the Ryan Wellness Center are now treated to some delicious eye candy on the walls. And
we’re happy to say that Chinook members contributed! Below, left, is an original painting by Phelan M.
And on the right is Elizabeth B.’s rendition of our beloved Chef Ezra. Thanks to all who submitted art!
PAGE
Chinook Happenings
3
February2016
Video Production
Wednesdays at 11:00 A.M.
1000 Alpine—Classroom #2
Safe Harbor
Spirituality Group
Monday, Feb 1st
@ 1:15 P.M.
Come celebrate January
birthdays after Forum!
Wednesday, February 17th
at 11:45 A.M.
1000 Alpine—Classroom #2
March
Social Event
Planning
Tues. & Fri. @ 11:00a.m.
Chinook Office Services



Work with cameras, sound equipment, and lights
Write scripts and lead interviews
Edit video
Chinook & Employment Open Hours
One day a week
now!
Safety & Sanitation Training
(Required to be able to help in the
Chinook kitchen)
Mondays at 1:00 P.M.
February 1st & 15th
Computer Tutoring
Thursday, February 4th @10:00am
Tuesdays 1-3 P.M.
Wednesdays 9:30-11:00 A.M.
Fridays 9:30-11:30 A.M.
Job Club
Mondays @ 10:00 A.M.
Drop in for info about Chinook
Employment programs!
Mondays - 11 A.M. until Noon
RWC—Aspen Focus Room #2
Tutors Needed!!! In Chinook Office Services
First Wednesday Breakfast!
Start your day with the
MORNING HUDDLE
Find out what’s going on that day,
which staff members are
available, what’s for lunch, and
see all your friends!!
EVERY MORNING AT 9:00 A.M.
The first Wednesday of every
month, the Chinook Café serves
breakfast. Join us for a nutritious,
tasty meal at a rock bottom price!
Wednesday, February 3rd
Chinook Members Only!!!
What: a time for us to be together . . . To visit with each other, to play
cards and games, use the computers, maybe watch a movie
When: Mondays thru Fridays—1:30 to 4:00 pm
Where: Chinook Office Services
Chinook Cooks!
Culinary Arts Training Program
Learn the skills needed to work in a
professional kitchen.
For more information contact
Ezra or Jessica at 303-545-0834
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4
February 2016
Keeping up with the times…..
Mission Possible
By Network Director Deb Sprague
How many of you know what the MHP Mission is?
What is an organization “mission” anyway? Merriam
-Webster dictionary states it as “a pre-established
and often self-imposed objective or
purpose (statement of the
company's mission)”.
what we’re all about. This wonderful event involved
sharing stories, learning from each other, and of
course breaking bread and eating together. Chinook
was represented well with 10 members welcoming
the Har HaShem congregants to our space. (See the
story by Kim C. on page 7.)
Our Mental Health Partners mission is:
Partnering to improve quality of life as a non-profit
organization dedicated to mental health and
wellness.
The second “partner” event involved the wonderful
members of INMI (Interfaith Network on Mental
Illness). INMI scheduled an amazing author to speak
at their annual Board of Directors meeting, which
they opened to INMI members along with MHP staff
and clients. The event filled the Colorado Rooms
and featured author Sarah Griffith Lund, who spoke
of her own spiritual journey and experiences in her
family. Her book is entitled Blessed Are the Crazy:
Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness, Family and
Church. At the end of the event I was asked to speak
about our wonderful Chinook SOS project. We also
had two Chinook members speak about their own
stigma statements and the importance of finding
their voice in speaking out about mental illness.
After the event we shared some wonderful Chinook
Cooks food, mingled, and made many new friends.
Partnering is something that Chinook does really
well. Sharing happens both within our Chinook
physical space as well as in the greater Boulder/
Longmont/Broomfield areas and beyond. Partners
may be other organizations that we work with such
as BoHo, The OUR Center, Imagine, Windhorse, CU,
and Boulder County Human Services.
I was honored to be involved with two wonderful
“partner” events this past month. Several Chinook
members were also inspired and participated in
these opportunities. One event involved members
of the Har Hashem Synagogue (about 20 people)
coming to the Ryan Wellness Center for a day of
service (their Mitzvah Day). This event focused on
providing the space and forum to share experiences,
talk about stigma busting, and also invite a
community group to learn about who we are and
This month I was reminded of the great generosity
and selflessness of our amazing members. At each
of these events, in our great tradition of reaching out
to help others, sharing our stories, and breaking the
silence around mental illness, Chinook embodied the
mission of MHP.
SPA Afternoon
Monday, February 15th
2:00-4:00 pm in Classroom #1
Come and get pampered with
an afternoon of beauty and
relaxing spa treatments.
We’ll have supplies but feel
free to bring your own.
PAGE
5
February Social Events & More!
February 2016
BDT Stage Presents:
The Addams Family
Wednesday, February 3rd
Leaving
RWC at
4:30pm
Cost is SheetSign-up
goes up
Jan
$10 Wed.
27th
Non-Refundable
Sign up Required
Saturday, Feb. 6th
Leave RWC Parking Lot
at 11:00am
*Sign-up sheet goes up Wed. 1/27/16
Sign up Required
Tuesday, February 16th
Tuesday,
February 9th
On the Pearl St. Mall
Movie
at Chinook
In Classroom #2
At 2:00pm
Tuesday, February 23rd $1 to reserve your spot
Leaving
RWC
@1:00pm
Sign-up Sheet goes
up 2/17/15
Sign up Required
Leaving
Ryan Wellness
Center
@3pm
One Free Falafel
for those that go.
(A $6.99 Value)
*Sign-up Sheet goes up 2/10/16
Sign up Required
Oscar Night at the Movies
Sign-up Sheet
goes up 2/24/16
Sign up Required
Membership required for all Chinook Social Events
Sign-up Sheets will go up the Wednesday before Tuesday outings. Two Wednesdays before Saturday outings.
See the calendar on page 9 for exact days.
PAGE
6
February 2016
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Burgerpalooza
Something’s Fishy
Lotsa Pasta
Deli Days
Grab-n-go
You can also find this info on our website
www.chinooktogether.org or check the Chinook
Weekly News.
Vegetarian and low carb options
available on most days.
Chinook Café
We are looking for people who want to help at the
Chinook Café. Duties include: running the cash register, taking orders, selling
drinks and snacks, making coffee, restocking and enjoying yourself!
Have fun!
Be a part of the Community!
Socialize!
Meet new people!
Learn new skills and gain experience!
Please see Jessica H or Kari G to learn more.
Employment Update by Lauren R.
Looking for a job? The employment team can help! If you are interested in finding
employment of any kind, or assistance with maintaining your job, speak to a member of
the employment team to find out the next steps. To learn more, please give us a call (303-545-0834), come in for
Job Club, or drop by our Open Hours to speak with an Employment Specialist.
Job Club – drop in support for resume writing, help with applying for jobs, interview preparation, or career
exploration. Mondays from 10-11am in the Summit Focus Room.
Open Hours – If you want to learn more about how to get involved with the employment team, stop by our open
hours on Mondays from 11-12pm in Aspen Focus Room 2.
The Employment Team will be holding a workshop series in March focused on navigating the work world. More
information coming soon!
PAGE
7
February 2016
Har Hashem and Ryan Wellness Center, a Shared
Community
As the Sunday, January 10th 2016 visit with the
Congregation Har Hashem approached I was
apprehensive. How many would show up? What
were their expectations of us? Would we be treated
as respected fellow members of the Boulder
community or would we be seen as interlopers and
outcasts in an otherwise thriving city? Would there be
a good turnout of Chinook and Wellness members at
the ready to share their personal experience of all that
the Ryan Wellness Center has to offer us as we
negotiate our individual recovery journey.
conversations. I was part of a group of 10 at the “Big
Table”. There we were, young and old, a human
family group putting our heads together to brainstorm
ways to help each other become more visible in our
shared community. We all wanted to spread the
message that the stigmatization of mental illness and
disability are no longer acceptable! I was most
impressed that the Rabbi’s wife was interested in a
possible later visit to the Center to pick up tips on how
to help those in the Har Hashem community who were
silently suffering to come out of the shadows.
I needn’t have worried, there was a fine turnout and
we were eager to get to know each other. For the Har
Hashem group this was their Mitzvah day, a time for
coming together to do a good work for the
community. We at Ryan, proud of our Center and the
community we have created for ourselves, were
ambassadors showing that we bring added value to
the larger community by having a Mental Health and
Wellness Center in the heart of Boulder.
Several of the RWC members shared how important
the Chinook Café was to our community, offering an
opportunity to have a nutritious meal, a lite snack or a
cup of coffee and the shared moments of being
ourselves in a safe and welcoming environment. The
Har Hashem group wondered aloud if it might be
possible to offer a luncheon and sharing space
periodically as a way to offer support. Who knows
what the future might bring for a partnership but for
that Sunday afternoon we were all whole and fully
present as we offered a listening ear, a helping hand
and a place of solace for those still hurting.
As we went around the room checking in with
introductions and personal reasons for attending the
event, I was truly humbled by the candor of everyone
as we shared how the experience of mental illness,
alcoholism and substance abuse had impacted our
lives. We were people from all walks of life sharing
our struggles, rejoicing in battles won and silently
saddened by word of those lost to mental illness. As I
looked at each face I was struck by the notion that we
were bridging the gap between communal ostracism
and an acceptance of our shared humanity. In those
moments we were no longer alone in our suffering.
We then broke out into smaller groups with some
touring the facility and others wanting to continue our
Thank you Ezra and kitchen staff for putting out a
terrific spread. Thank you to the all the staff and
others who gave up their Sunday to advocate on our
behalf. Most of all thank you to all the fellow travelers
who so fearlessly opened up to the larger Boulder
Community showing that the journey toward
Recovery, however long, is well worth all the work we
are putting in. You have done us proud!
- Kim C., Resident Contributor
Board Members Wanted!
FBHPartners is looking for candidates for the Consumer and Family Advisory Board. The Board advises FBHP
with a client/family member perspective. The board members are educated via presentations and discussions
about a variety of issues facing healthcare in our service area. It is a great opportunity to learn about the
‘bigger picture’ and other initiatives in the behavioral health arena. Membership includes a $35 Stipend for
travel and attendance. Some experience with Medicaid is helpful. We meet the third Thursday of each month
from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in Westminster. For more info, contact Ruth Arnold or Bruce Levy @ the RWC.
PAGE
8
February 2016
Creative Corner
Common Ground
While we be lookin'up 'n all around
We be above any turmoil, tests found
With songs in hearts, we hold sound
Of sweet serenity, seen civilization abound
When we say a serene yes to life!! 'n then:
Come to commune with wide-world again 'n again
Start to spread sunny smiles from the heart
Pour forth philosophy, positivity ...to play apart.
Still how long, seems to take a stand
To say it loud 'n proud all across the land
Seen One World .. we walk: hand in hand
Ages, & pages of philosophy, thru Times sands
As all Ways to Amaze .'.Remain Real
To truly 'make the most' of Natures Deal
While we wind our way w/ Cosmic Wheel
Let's see sincerely, try to truly feel. - Katie Fitz 1975
In 2015, with the financial backing of our partners at Boulder Valley Rotary Club, Chinook introduced a
part-time temporary position as office clerk at Chinook Office Services. This job, which would last for 6-9
months, was designed as an entry-level training position and a stepping stone into employment in the
community.
Last spring, after considering and interviewing a number of wonderful candidates, Chinook member
Wynn B. was selected to be the first Chinook Office Services Clerk. Starting in May, Wynn worked 5
days/20 hours per week. His duties included keeping the building’s office supplies inventoried and
stocked, helping with printing jobs for Chinook as well as other MHP teams, acting as receptionist at COS,
designing flyers and TV ads on the computer, and manning the coffee/snack bar at Chinook Café.
Alas (as we all know how quickly time can fly), Wynn’s tenure at COS is up at the end of January. We will
miss Wynn’s reliability (I think he was absent once during his nine months), his wry sense of humor, his
dedication to doing the best job possible, his sense of ownership on the tasks he performed regularly, and
his willingness to try any task assigned him. I particularly will miss the compassion and kindness he
demonstrated to all he came in contact with, and especially the caring he showed
for the fish in the Chinook tank.
As of this writing, Wynn is pursuing his next job opportunity. We wish him well in his
future endeavors. In the meantime, Wynn’s successor will soon be selected. If this
position sounds like something you might be interested in, we would welcome your
candidacy. For more info, contact Bruce, Cameron, or Kari at Chinook.
And, once again . . . thank you, Wynn!
Sincerely, Bruce L.
February Calendar of Events
Sun
ThursThu
PAGE
9
February 2016
Mon
Tues
Wed
FriFri
Sat
1
Morning Huddle 9:00
Job Club 10:00
Open Hours 11:00
Kitchen Safety &
Sanitation Trng 1:00
Safe Harbor 1:15
Members Only 1:30
2
Morning Huddle 9:00
Video Production 11:00
Comp Tutoring 1:00
Members Only 1:30
3
First Wednesday
Breakfast 8:30
Morning Huddle 9:00
Comp Tutoring 9:30
Forum 11:00
Members Only 1:30
Addams Family 4:30
4
Morning Huddle
9:00
Social Event
Planning 10:00
Chinook Closes
Early 12:00
5
Morning Huddle 9:00
Comp Tutoring 9:30
Video Production
11:00
Members Only 1:30
6
Hammonds
Candies
11:00
7
8
Morning Huddle 9:00
Job Club 10:00
Open Hours 11:00
Members Only 1:30
9
Morning Huddle 9:00
Comp Tutoring 1:00
Members Only 1:30
Movie at Chinook 2:00
10
Morning Huddle 9:00
Comp Tutoring 9:30
Forum 11:00
Members Only 1:30
11
Morning Huddle
9:00
Program Meeting
1:30
Members Only 1:30
12
Morning Huddle 9:00
Comp Tutoring 9:30
Members Only 1:30
13
14
15
Morning Huddle 9:00
Job Club 10:00
Open Hours 11:00
Kitchen Safety &
Sanitation Trng 1:00
Spa Afternoon 2:00
Members Only 1:30
16
Morning Huddle 9:00
Comp Tutoring 1:00
Members Only 1:30
Falafel King 3:00
17
Morning Huddle 9:00
Comp Tutoring 9:30
Forum 11:00
B-Day Celebration
11:45
Members Only 1:30
18
Morning Huddle
9:00
Program Meeting
1:30
Members Only 1:30
19
Morning Huddle 9:00
Comp Tutoring 9:30
Members Only 1:30
20
21
22
Morning Huddle 9:00
Job Club 10:00
Open Hours 11:00
Members Only 1:30
23
Morning Huddle 9:00
Video Production 11:00
Comp Tutoring 1:00
Denver Art Museum
1:00
Members Only 1:30
24
Morning Huddle 9:00
Comp Tutoring 9:30
Forum 11:00
Members Only 1:30
25
Morning Huddle
9:00
Program Meeting
1:30
Members Only 1:30
26
Morning Huddle 9:00
Comp Tutoring 9:30
Video Production
11:00
Members Only 1:30
27
28
29
1
Morning Huddle 9:00 Oscar Night at the
Job Club 10:00
Movies 3:30
Open Hours 11:00
Members Only 1:30
Sign up Sheets for Social Outings will go up on the following days:
Addams Family (1/27) Hammonds Candies (1/27) Falafel King (2/10) Denver Art Museum (2/17) Oscar Night (2/24)
Missed an issue? Check out our Newsletter tab on our website at chinooktogether.org
MISSION STATEMENT:
To provide a warm, inclusive community with the goal of encouraging adults with
mental illness to proceed at their own pace toward recovery and independence,
using their unique strengths, talents and abilities. Through a partnership among
staff, Chinook members, and volunteers, we create opportunities for volunteering,
paid employment, education, and social and wellness activities.
Website: www.chinooktogether.org
Address Service Requested
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 303-372-8156
Phone: 303-545-0834
PERMIT NO. 697
Boulder, CO. 80304
1000 Alpine Ave.
BOULDER, CO
A Program of Mental Health Partners
NON PROFIT ORG
Chinook
US POSTAGE PAID