Spring 2015 - CHOICE, unlimited

CHOICE
, unlimited
In
Action
The 5% Campaign is in Full Swing this Spring!
It is spring in Duluth and with that brings the hope of warmer
temperatures and the promise that summer is right around the
corner. Here at CHOICE, unlimited we have many things to look
forward to in the coming months in addition to warm sunny
summer days.
In May the legislative session ends, and we are hopeful that the people whom
we elected to represent us will make the decision to vote for a 5% rate increase
for Home and Community Based Services. The 5% increase received in July
of 2014 was an important “first step” in sending a message that people living
with disabilities deserve high quality, committed staff and services. The 5%
that we are asking for in 2015 and 2016 will help maintain strong consistent
services for individuals with disabilities who rely on support staff to live and
work as independently as possible in the community. Two advocacy groups
within Minnesota, MOHR and AARM, strongly support the 5% campaign and
consistently voice the importance of this issue.
We need your support to convince our representatives that people living with
disabilities deserve the best and most committed staff to help them achieve
their work and life goals. If you would like to find out how you can help move
this campaign forward, please go to https://www.arrm.org/ARRM/Advocacy/
The_5__Campaign/ARRM/Advocacy/5__Campaign.aspx or contact me at
CHOICE, unlimited. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Kristie Buchman, Executive Director
CHOICE, unlimited is looking forward to participating in its
7th CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation
Facilities) survey this Spring. We will be reviewed in the
following areas: Community Employment Services,
Employment Planning Services, Employee Development
Services, and Community Integration Services.
VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1
CHOICE, unlimited
Quarterly Newsletter
Volume 20, Issue 1
Spring 2015
In This Issue
1
The 5% Campaign
CARF
2
Upcoming Events
Ticket to Work
CHOICE, unlimited’s
Class Corner
Motorhead Madness by
Sean Kunze
3
A Cool Experience by
Jayme Jansick
Play Review by
Kevin Ressie
4
Quarterly Highlights
Spring ARTS Program
Update
5
Meet Our Intern
6
Outcome Measurement
Report
Masquerade Ball
Thank You Community
Employers!
7
Mugs for Sale
PAGE 1
UPCOMING EVENTS:
The 3rd Annual Hike for
Health fundraiser is gearing
up. We are hosting a “Kick
Off” event at our agency
where people can learn
more about the event and
register to participate!
Join us on Friday, May 29th from 12:00pm to
2:00pm in our parking lot for this event. The
actual Hike for Health Fundraiser will be held
on Saturday, July 11th.
BOLD-choice’s
Final Public Performance of
“EARTHLINGS
FROM OUTER SPACE”
Friday, June 5th
7:00pm
UMD
MPAC Auditorium
Through the Ticket to Work Program CHOICE, unlimited has been assisting people
who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability
(SSDI) return to the workforce. Ticket to Work is a program designed by the Social
Security Administration to help people increase their income through employment and
reduce or eliminate their Social Security benefits.
There is no cost to participate in the Ticket to Work Program, and it is completely voluntary. While enrolled in
the program, assistance is provided to give people the skills needed in job search. These skills include resume
construction, interviewing, application completion, and confidence building. The supports provided are matched
to the job seeker’s needs. Enrollment in the Ticket to Work Program may assist Social Security beneficiaries to
greater self-sufficiency.
Individuals interested in finding out more information can contact Georgette Wondolkowski at CHOICE,
unlimited. Georgette can discuss the specifics about the program and eligibility. Additional information on the
Ticket to Work Program can also be found on the Ticket to Work website www.yourtickettowork.com as well as
on our website www.choiceunlimited.org.
ted’s
Holiday Baking Class A Tasty Success!
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ICE,
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or ne How can you beat a class that allows you to eat tasty bakery that you learned to make? The Holiday
Baking Class offered through CHOICE, unlimited did just that.
lass
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The class was a real-world experience taught by Lisa Quarles from the
Exchange Bakery in conjunction with Lake Superior College. This class
provided an opportunity for students to see and taste the fruits of their labor.
Some recipes had variations giving students an opportunity to taste the unique
differences.
Students were paired up in teams and two recipes were baked each day,
giving everybody a chance to try a variety of steps in the process. Students
learned a range of skills and techniques including kitchen safety, measuring,
portioning, and the reason ingredients are mixed in a certain order. The
messiest, but most enjoyable, undertaking was decorating cookies.
There were enough baked goods for the students to sample, take some home,
as well as donate 5 platters of cookies to area community centers.
VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1
PAGE 2
Motorhead Madness by Sean Kunze
Motorhead Madness is an event at the DECC where you can see a variety of custom cars.
The event took place on March 21st & 22nd, 2015. I really liked
looking at all the different types of paint jobs on the vintage cars. I
also liked being able to see all the different types of interior design
work in some of the cars. But most of all, I liked being able to spend
time with my Dad. It’s a great event to have good family bonding
time! I would highly recommend this event to anyone that enjoys cars or anyone looking
for another family activity to go to together.
A Cool Experience by Jayme Jansick
On January 2nd, we explored the ice maintenance process at the Duluth
Entertainment & Convention Center, specifically Amsoil Arena. We
visited with Jake Magdzas, the Ice Maintenance Manager. Jake is
responsible for providing an excellent ice surface in Amsoil Arena, plus
the adjacent DECC Arena.
The main component in ice maintenance is the large, fascinating machine
Jayme riding on the Zamboni
called a Zamboni, driven by an operator sitting high off the ice. The two
machines at Amsoil Arena also have a passenger seat. Riding on the
Zamboni is a coveted treat for local enthusiasts. Zamboni is actually a brand name, made by one of a relatively
small group of manufacturers that produce such machines. Over time “Zamboni” has become a generic name for
these machines found at most ice facilities.
The Zamboni shaves the ice with a large laser sharpened blade, simultaneously applying a coating of clean water
to assure a smooth surface. One machine is powered by propane, the other is battery-powered. During UMD
hockey games, both machines are used to assure a quickly applied, first-class sheet of ice.
Jake was very accommodating, providing a cool experience. But I have to admit, riding on the Zamboni was the
“icing” on the cake.
A Review by Kevin Ressie:
I went to the Guthrie to see “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, a Shakespeare play which was
full of romance and magical mayhem. Puck was making mischief to the humans, and King
Oberon had his fun with Queen Titania. But poor Bottom was the butt of Puck’s joke when
he was given a donkey’s head and Titania didn’t realize it and fell head over heels for a
donkey-headed human. In the end, Oberon had Puck fix everything and make things right.
True love won over the law and the happy couples lived happily ever after. But Oberon had
quite the story to share with his wife, the queen of the fairies!
VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1
Kevin on the Guthrie’s
Endless Bridge Terrace
PAGE 3
QUARTERLY
Highlights
EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER
Nathan has been sweeping the floors at Gannucci's Italian Market every
Tuesday for two years. When asked about the job Nathan said, "I like
working here and the people are really nice." The family that runs
Gannucci's seem to feel similarly about Nathan. Bill Kalligher, owner and
operator of Gannucci’s, had this to say about Nathan: "He's awesome, what
else can I say?" He went on to add, "He's so talented and knowledgeable."
Bill is talking about Nathan's musical prowess; Nathan will occasionally
bring in various instruments and play for Bill and his coworkers, as well as
share what he knows about the history of the instrument. And, being
Nathan, he usually knows a lot. Congratulations, Nathan! You’re our
Employee of the Quarter.
Nathan busy at work at Gannucci’s
VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER
Jeff Ball is our Volunteer of the Quarter. He has volunteered at Lakeview Montessori
for four years. Jeff’s highlight of his job is spending time with Lynn, the owner, as
well as spending time with the children. Jeff enjoys helping the children getting their
lunches ready as well as helping them clean up after they are finished. Jeff also likes
to go outside with the children and play. Way to go Jeff! Thank you for your hard
work in giving back to the community.
EMPLOYER OF THE QUARTER
We would like to recognize Gannucci’s Italian Market as our Employer of the Quarter. Established
in 1976, Gannucci’s has been serving up Italian goods to locals and visitors from all across the globe
for almost four decades. Named after the family’s great-grandfather Vito, it continues its Italian
tradition with meals and cuisines from the homeland. They were featured on the Food Network’s
popular television show “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” as part of their “Old School Joints” episode.
In addition to being a local favorite, Gannucci’s has also proven to be a supportive work
environment, as they have partnered with CHOICE, unlimited as one of our community employers
since 2013. Our very own Nathan has worked at Gannucci’s as their dedicated janitor for just over
two years. The next time you have a hankering for
authentic Italian cuisine, stop in to Gannucci’s Italian
Market located on Central Avenue in West Duluth
and support one of our community employers!
VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1
PAGE 4
Spring ARTS Program Update
Winter was a productive time for the ARTS Program; fun projects and activities helped to pass the bleak grey
days, but the artists definitely have a re-energized spring in their steps and everyone is ready to shed off the
layers of winter and begin to have the sun energize their creativity.
On Thursday, February 12th the“Winter in Paris Masquerade Ball”, held at the historic Greysolon Ballroom,
accomplished all it set out to: raise funds for the diverse arts programming that we offer the people we serve,
bring together the community in festivity and help transport ourselves to a fancy Parisian fete-complete with
ballroom dancers, strolling accordionists, and beret-donning wait staff- c'est magnifique!
BOLD-choice Theatre Company heading to the Guthrie
On March 11th, BOLD-choice Theatre was given an opportunity to travel down to the Guthrie Theatre in
Minneapolis to check out their production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. BOLD-choice’s cast of 30 was
treated to magical delights: fairies, romance, and animal transformations! It was not only entertaining but a
wonderful way to learn from fellow actors; it was a truly delightful experience.
In addition, BOLD-choice Theatre used the winter to tour their latest show, “Earthlings from Outer Space”.
They were thrilled to be invited for a mini “residency” at the Harbor City International School including
rehearsals and two performances. In addition, the cast loved performing for the students at Myers-Wilkens
and Congdon Elementary and are looking forward to shows at Raleigh Edison and Laura MacArthur
Elementary. The final Public Performance of “Earthlings from Outer Space” will be at 7pm on Friday,
June 5th at UMD’s MPAC Auditorium. It will be your last chance to see this out of this world production!
The Dance Classes decided to get funky with their bad selves this past session! The classes learned and
performed original choreography to the hit song and viral sensation “Uptown Funk”. They even got a chance to
show it off in a flash-mob style performance at the Masquerade Ball! A new session has just begun and the goal
this session is to co-create a dance in which each student will have a chance to create choreography that will be
combined together for a final piece to perform.
Acting Class is mid-session and beginning to create a one-act play to perform. This group is a wonderful mix of
experienced actors and first-time students. The class always works best when the students can learn and be
encouraged by one another. The final short play is scheduled to be performed in late April.
This session the Visual Art Class worked on holiday mobiles and large-scale, layered silhouette self-portraits.
Also, in order to conjure up some warm vibes the class has been creating collage pieces of their own tropical
private islands. The students are looking forward to an upcoming art show at the Whole Foods Co-op in June!
The Creative Writing and Music Classes have been creating original work all winter long and they are ready to
share! They will be hosting a combined performance of original music and spoken word. The performance will
be held on Friday, April 17th at 1:00 pm at Beaner’s Central Concert Coffeehouse. It is a guaranteed great
time-lattes,
and
lyrics!on See
you there.
Braun, Patrick,laughs
and Toby
working
a song.
VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1
PAGE 5
Meet Our Intern
My name is Jamie Kutasevich. I am completing a 450-hour internship at CHOICE,
unlimited and have been here since January. I am completing my Bachelor’s degree in
Social Work. I am working on many projects through my internship including personcentered planning & self-reflection, job development and vocational assessments,
facilitating an internet & social media training, Consumer Bill of Rights focus groups, and
assisting with CARF preparations. I am interested in non-profit organizations, funding, and
accreditation processes . I want to thank the staff and individuals served at CHOICE,
unlimited for a warm welcome; I am enjoying my time here!
CHOICE, unlimited’s Annual Outcome Measurement Report is
available on our website at www.choiceunlimited.org.
We Had a Ball at the Masquerade Ball!
Thank you to everyone who attended our Winter in Paris Masquerade Ball fundraiser on Thursday, February 12th.
The Greysolon Ballroom was filled to capacity, as the evening’s festivities included a silent auction, performances by
professional ballroom dancers, a live painting, music, and lots of dancing! A total of $8,379 was raised; all proceeds
supporting our ARTS Program. A very special thank you to all who volunteered their time and talents to help make
this event such a great success!
VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1
PAGE 6
Thank you to all the area businesses listed below that employ
individuals served through CHOICE, unlimited!
AAR Aircraft Services
Always Available Roll Off
AmericInn Proctor
Animal Allies
B & B Market Cloquet
Barnes and Noble
Bayshore Health Center
Beaner’s Central
Bent Paddle Brewing Company
Cash Wise Liquor
Clyde Iron Restaurant
Coca Cola
Culver’s Superior
Culver’s Duluth
Culver’s Two Harbors
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Duluth Bethel
Duluth News Tribune
Duluth Running Co.
EconoLodge
Edgewood Vista –Assisted Living
Edgewood Vista –Independent Living
Entertaining with Sarah
Fall Inn Tavern
Field Logic
First Lutheran Church
First United Methodist Church
Gander Mountain
Gannucci's Italian Market
Globe News
Grizzly's Canal Park
Grizzly's Duluth
Grizzly's Superior
H. Christiansen Co.
Hampton Inn Duluth
Home Depot
How Sweet It Is Bakery
Interim Healthcare
Johnson's Bakery
Key Port Liquor
Lakeview Montessori
Lester Park United Methodist Church
LHB
Madill Performance Center
Many Rivers Montessori School
Mellin Promotional Products
New Horizon Foods Inc.
Northland Country Club
Northwest WI Community Senior Center
Northwood Children’s Services East
Northwood Children’s Services West
Old Chicago
Old Navy
Old World Meats
Pauline Einart Ranch
Perkins Cloquet
Prancing Ponies
Radisson Duluth
Salem Lutheran Church
Sir Benedict’s Tavern on the Lake
Spirit Mountain
St. George Orthodox Church
St. Louis County
St. Luke’s Hospital
St. Mary’s Catholic Church Silver Bay
St. Mary’s Star of the Sea
Target Duluth
Target Superior
The Gymnastics Academy
TJ Maxx
Twin Ports Dog Training Club
Walgreens
Walmart Superior
Walmart Cloquet
Whole Foods Co-op
Zups Silver Bay
Start your day off right with a cup of coffee in a CHOICE, unlimited mug!
Mugs feature original artwork by Corey O. and are available for a limited time
at our office. Mugs are $10.00 each and proceeds help support our ARTS
Program.
VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1
PAGE 7
VOLUME 20, ISSUE 1
Vision
Our vision is to provide quality consumer-driven services leading to self-determination.
Mission
CHOICE, unlimited is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and persons
who are experiencing barriers to employment and community inclusion.
Values
CHOICE, unlimited values each person’s right to participate in his/her own future planning. The agency is
dedicated to finding community based employment, which emphasizes optimum matches between the individual
applicant, the employment site, and the employment specialist.
Beliefs
CHOICE, unlimited is guided by the principle of community inclusion and natural supports. All recipients of
services will receive individual guidance and support for successful community employment and community
involvement. All individuals will be treated with dignity, respect, and equality.
CHOICE, unlimited
1829 East Superior Street
Duluth, MN 55812
218-724-5869
Return Service Requested
NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
DULUTH MN
PERMIT NO. 961