December 2013

The
Bethesda
ISSUE 2 • DECEMBER 2013
IN THIS ISSUE
Bethesda Family Picnic
PAGE 2
AMS Phoenix Project
PAGE 3
CEO Report
PAGE 4-5
Thank You!
Chaplain’s Corner
PAGE 6
Bethesda Notes
PAGE 7
Chris striking a pose for the camera at the Family Picnic
CELEBRATING CHRIS
Chris, aka Big Guy, enjoys all sports but likes hockey the best. He
enthusiastically cheers on the OHL Ice Dogs while kicking back in his Victoria
Street apartment, wearing one of the many hockey jerseys he’s collected over
the years. Before the big game, or just about any time, Chris likes having
some Upper Crust pizza and wings.
When not gathering up cans and papers and bringing them to the
Developmental Centre for processing Chris keeps busy by singing in a Choir,
playing UNO (cards), and he really enjoys going fishing or bowling. In fact, if
asked, Chris would proclaim bowling as one of his skills.
It’s not just work and sports that Chris excels at; he is also a ‘master of the
grill’ barbequing his favourite Big D’s burgers to perfection. But if you want a
real treat ask Chris to do one of his many impressions and be prepared to be
impressed.
Chris is very special to Bethesda and so is his dad Walter Esau who retired
from the Bethesda Board of Directors this year after 17 years of dedication.
Thank you Walt for all you have done for Bethesda.
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2013
Bethesda
Family Picnic
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AMS Phoenix Project:
A Call to Caring accepts Dr. Boyd’s
Proposal!
Over the past several years Dr. Kerry Boyd has been working diligently with Bethesda, McMaster
and Brock Universities to develop a Curriculum of Caring for people with developmental
disabilities. The curriculum is aimed at providing medical and nursing students with experiences
and expertise that promote compassionate and person-centered care. The AMS Phoenix Project:
A Call to Caring is an innovative multi‐year initiative that focuses on making a positive and lasting
difference in how health professionals develop and sustain their abilities to provide humane care
to people. It is based on the premise that health professionals provide the best care when they are
able to combine human compassion with technical expertise. AMS has awarded Dr. Boyd a one
year Phoenix Fellowship that includes funding to further develop the Curriculum of Caring, its
resource base, and network of support.
One event that took place which promoted the concepts of compassion and care
was at Bethesda Day. In early October 85 medical and nursing students came
to Bethesda to experience and learn how to care for those with developmental
disabilities. The students engaged in small group discussions, participated at day
program, and heard an incredible mom share her experiences as the mother of a
son with autism.
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Dr. Boyd connecting with Brock medical and nursing
students on Bethesda Day
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CEO REPORT
Greetings and welcome to the Bethesda ‘Link’. I trust you will find our newsletter info
very busy summer at Bethesda and has continued through the Fall.
The Bethesda Board of Directors authorized the development of our vacant lot on Sc
which will provide modern facilities designed to maximize clinical outcomes for indiv
such a difference in the lives of so many children and their families. We will continue
As 2013 comes to an end, I would like to encourage you to consider donating to the
to provide respite to children and their families who had been waiting for over two
publicly traded securities? This type of gift can produce a greater tax benefit than se
Let me take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and all the best in the
Sincerely,
Brian Davies
Chief Executive Officer
FROM
PARENTS
“All I can say is “WOW!”
Peter has done a
complete 180 turnaround
socially. We’re so excited
to see our son so much
more interactive. People
point it out and help him
to be motivated in this
area. Thank you!”
“We were very happy with
your services. It meant
a lot to hear how your
staff tried to motivate our
daughter in participating
more with the group at
games etc. Thank you so
much!”
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wsletter informative, keeping you up to date regarding the happenings at Bethesda. It has been a
ant lot on Schmon Parkway in Thorold. Plans have begun on Bethesda’s ‘ Niagara Family Centre’,
mes for individuals within our children’s programs. We are excited with this opportunity to make
will continue to let you know of opportunities to get involved in this wonderful venture.
FROM
CHILDREN
“My favourite thing about
this group was making
a bunch of new friends
I hope to keep in touch
with”
ating to the Bethesda Foundation. This past year, amongst other things, the Foundation was able
r over two years for support. Your donations do make a difference! Perhaps consider donating
nefit than selling the securities and donating the proceeds.
best in the New Year.
FROM
STAFF
“Our team supports
children and their families
by providing education
and evidence-based,
creative strategies to help
them achieve their goalsTerra, Autism Consultation
Services.
It is amazing to see a child
do something for the first
time in their life, like play
with friends or go to a
movie”
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Tonya, ASD-Respite
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AM
Thank you Ruby (bottom centre)
for 22 years of service
Thank you Walter (left) with wife Maggie,
and Board president Bill Jackson,
on 17 years of faithful service.
THANK
YOU!
Thank you Tim for 34 years of service and to
Rusty (centre) for 31 years of service at Bethesda
Thank you Andrea for 20 years of dedication.
Chaplains Corner by Mike Gilmore
A Season of
Thanksgiving
It certainly is not difficult to be thankful for the many
beautiful days we have experienced this fall. How
beautiful are the trees and the smells and sounds
of the fall harvest happening all around us. How
quickly this time passes; the trees become bare, the
fields empty, and the days short. Can we then still
remind ourselves, in the busyness and challenges of
life, to take time to be thankful? Isn’t it sad that in
many ways we need a holiday to remind us to take
a break and reflect on God’s many blessings, when
in fact they are happening all around us each and
every day! I recently came across this poem which
Be Thankful
By Author Unknown
Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don’t know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
“Give thanks in all
circumstances; for
this is God’s will
for you in Christ
Jesus.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you’re tired and weary,
because it means you’ve made a difference.
expressed this same theme and was a pleasant
reminder to me, as I hope it will be to you, to be
thankful in all circumstances.
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It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
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Bethesda
NOTES
Having fun at the Bethesda Golf Tournament
Faithful volunteers
Congratulations to the winning foursome! Mark Rosa, Ron
Friesen, Dave Murray, and Jeff Janz
Birdie for Bethesda
Golf Tournament
S AV E
T H E
DAT E
2014 Bethesda Dinner Auction
Speaker Paul Henderson
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Friday, April 11 2014
marks the
15th Annual Bethesda Dinner Auction
at Club Italia in Niagara Falls
Please join us as we celebrate Bethesda with Canadian hockey
legend Paul Henderson. Guest MC for the evening
will be radio personality Chris Biggs from 97.7 htz
7
FM. Attendees will also enjoy the unveiling of
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SpotLight’s first drama performance called
“We Are One”.
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Radio personality Chris Biggs practices
his putting
From effortless drives, to perfect putts, the 12th Annual Birdie for Bethesda
Charity Golf Tournament teed-up to be a memorable good time! $11,000 was
raised for Bethesda Home Foundation Inc., which supports and serves more
than 2400 cherished adults and children with developmental disabilities within
the Niagara Region. The tournament was held on Wednesday, August 21, at the
stunning grounds of Whirlpool Golf Course, Niagara Parkway. Thank you to all
our supporters and volunteers for a great day!
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MY GIFT
Please accept my gift of :
q $50 q $100 q OTHER ___________________
Name:
Address: City:
q I have enclosed a cheque payable to the Bethesda Home Foundation Inc.
I prefer to use my
q VISA
q MASTERCARD
Card Number
Expiry DateCVS
Name on Card
Card Holder Signature
OR I want to be a Monthly Supporter in the amount of $________________________ per month
*Tax receipts issued for donations over $10
3280 Schmon Parkway, Thorold , ON L2V 4Y6
T : 905.684.6918 F: 905-684-5866
www.bethesdaservices.com
3280 Schmon Parkway
Thorold , ON L2V 4Y6
T : 905.684.6918
F: 905-684-5866
www.bethesdaservices.com
SpotLight’s rehearsal “We Are One”
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