Awareness Newsletter - May 2014 Edition

Aw a r e n e s s
May 2014 - Issue #02
The 19th annual Fashion Show/Silent Auction
held on Thursday, April 24th, 2014 raised
$15,000. The Ranch, in downtown Barrie,
generously donated the venue for the second
year in a row. Fabulous appetizers were
provided by Cravings, Groovy Tuesday’s,
Kensingtons, PIE, Kohyang House and the
Ranch. Preschool staff and friends plied
the guests with delicious desserts and the
marvellous Marcel Savage did an amazing
job supplying music support.
This year’s event was based on the 2013
Rogers TV documentary that showcased
Singer Tracy Primmer duets with Steve McEown from
Rogers during intermission
19th Annual Fashion Show – “I Have A Voice”
the challenges and triumphs of many
people supported by Simcoe Community
Services. The majority of the people
featured in the documentary modelled.
Bob Gervais shared some thoughts on his
experience and Tracy Pfrimmer entertained
guests at intermission with her lovely
singing voice. Additional models wowed
the audience with their runway moves.
Handsome Barrie firefighters sold tons of
raffle tickets and proved to be entertaining
and sensitive escorts on the runway. Old
Navy, Janet Kemp and John McNabb made
sure the models were dressed to the nines
and Rinaldi’s Salon ensured their hair and
make-up were just perfect.
Jamie & Tara from CHAY FM 93.1 emceed
with their usual aplomb, even leading the
audience in an impromptu rendition of O
Canada requested by model Zach Truen.
A tribute was paid to former staff member
Karen Binns who worked tirelessly
supporting the silent auction of the fashion
show for many, many years.
This event raised approximately $15,000
for Simcoe Community Services.
Documentary narrator Allison Bobbette
shows off her fashionable side
Taylor made his best moves on the runway
Fan favourite Fiona Fryer hams it up on the runway
Danielle Veen shared some professional
moves on the runway
Emcees Tara Dawn Winstone and Jamie Hall help
Zach Truen sing an impromptu “O Canada”
Jocelyn & Albert Druer pose with firefighters Tony & Shannon
Thank you to everyone who supported this event including the event, table, model raffle and goody bag sponsors, silent auction donors, the models, the volunteers and those who attended.
Event Sponsors:
Melchior Management •RBC
Raffle Sponsor:
Table Sponsors:
Goody Bag Sponsors:
Model Sponsors:
Fox’s Bakery & Deli • Janet Kemp Ladies Fashion
Hogben, Mayhew, Hill • IBEW Local 636 (2) • Janet Kemp Ladies Fashion
Lamontagne Fundraising
Bonnie Martino • Motion Specialties • Orillia Mazda • Pharmasave Allandale
Michael & Marion’s • Old Navy
Pharmasave Simcoe • Joanne Quinnett • Service Master Clean of Barrie
In-kind Sponsor:
Slessor & Periard Insurance Ltd. (2) • John E. Sweeney • Thor Motors
Cintas
Wardle-Harris Auto Service
Allandale School Transit • F.J. Galloway Associates Inc.
Mac Lang Orillia • Piper Barber Insurance Agency
Bradford Greenhouses • Cravings • Janet Kemp
Door Prize Sponsor:
Bonnie Martino
Silent Auction Donors:
Ann Green Yoga • Apto Haven Farms • Barrie Family Chiropractic • Barrie Hill Farms • Barrie Kitchen Saver • Barrie YMCA • Beverly Tire & Auto • Karen Binns • Cora’s • DJ Meats • Dawn Dobell • D.O.K. Automotive
Earth’s Berries Soap Nuts • Elizabeth’s Hair Design • ET Optical • European Food Centre • Flags Unlimited • Giovanni & Perri • Good Life Fitness • Infant Development Program • Kim and Peter Ing • Java Cup Co
Lynn Jessop • Kempenfelt Windows & Doors • Lamorie Massage Therapy • The Lemon Tree Bakery • Lyndsey Stevenato Children’s Therapy Services • M.A.C. Cosmetics • Make Good Choices • Mike Martino • Lieve McPhee
Molson Coors Canada • MyDharma • Brenda Nightingale • Scholars Choice • Self Salon & Spa • Shapes Hair Studio.com • Westowne Dental
Thank you to the committee who put the event all together –
Linda Bainbridge, Angie Pidutti, Bonnie Martino, Lorrie Truen, Dawn Dobell, Caitlin Foisy, Kamila Romanowicz and Lynn Strachan.
Igniting the unlimited potential of all people
SIMCOE COMMUNITY SERVICES
39 FRASER COURT
BARRIE ON L4N 5J5
40764047
Awareness - May 2014
David Barber, President
Spring has been slow in coming
and the snow seems like it wants to
keep its icy grip on the land forever.
Sooner or later, it must surrender to
the warmth of the sun and give up
the ghost of winter past. Our own
winter in the Developmental Services
Sector appears to be on the cusp of a
bright new day. The Select Committee
on Developmental Services and the
efforts of the Ontario Ombudsman
look to have prompted the Provincial
Government of Ontario to recognize
the dire need of individuals and families
waiting for services and supports. They
have promised, in the new budget to
be introduced on May 1st, 2014, more
that 800 million dollars over a period
of three years to address many of the
pressing issues with which we are
faced. This is the largest investment
that any government has ever made in
our sector in over 60 years. However,
if the budget is defeated, there will
be an election and this promise will
be lost. Any new government will
not be obligated to maintain this
commitment.
Given the work that has been done to
date, my expectation would be that any
new government would still be forced
to recognize that there are substantial
unmet needs in the Developmental
Services Sector that require a
significant resource commitment. The
Transformation Process cannot take
place without additional dollars being
allocated where necessary.
The new Ontario Not-For-Profit
Corporations Act has NOT been
officially declared and, if an election is
called in May of 2014, this too will die
on the table and not be passed. There
has been a delay in implementation
for a period of some two years.
Several of the changes that have been
proposed in voting rights and Board
participation have been found to be
unacceptable to many organizations.
Finding volunteers willing to serve and
who have the specialized knowledge
that allows them over time, to make
a considerable contribution to their
organization of choice, has become
more and more difficult.
SCS has just held its annual Fashion
Show and it was, as usual, a splendid
success. Thanks to all of the volunteers
who sacrifice countless hours of their
time to make the arrangements for
the clothing, find the people to do the
modeling; arrange for the venue and
food and generally ensure we all have
a good time.
Congratulations to Jamie and Tara
of CHAY Today @93.1 FM for over
15 years of hosting this event. Thank
you to The Ranch for providing the
venue for the second year in a row.
A big thank you to all of those who
contributed food, appetizers and other
special services that makes this night
one that people keep coming back to,
year after year. Well done.
In conclusion, thank you to MPP
Garfield Dunlop who every year comes
out with his lovely wife Jane and donate
their time to our modeling efforts.
Thank you also to MPP Rod Jackson,
who is another tireless advocate for
people with an intellectual disability,
for dropping by and sharing his good
wishes.
Our next event is the SCS Golf
Tournament on Friday, June 20th,
2014, at the Hawk Ridge Golf &
Country Club in Orillia. I look forward
to seeing many of you at this event. I
cannot tell you how pleased we are with
the community support that we get for
our special events. Your participation
makes a very big difference in the lives
of the people we support and we thank
you.
David Barber
President SCS
2014 Youth March Break Retreat
During the 2014 March break, Simcoe Community
Services held its 4th annual Youth Retreat at Geneva
Park. This is when youth of all abilities are able to
gather together, and participate in a variety of learning/
social activities as a group. I had the privilege of being a
volunteer at this retreat, and had the best time ever. It was
amazing to see the youth with smiles on their faces and
hanging with friends but most of all, enjoying themselves.
As a volunteer, it was all about interacting with the youth
and ensuring that their experience was fantastic.
A lot of activities were packed into the 3 days and 2
nights to ensure everyone acquired new skills, had
the opportunity to participate socially as well as be
entertained.
I’d like to give thanks to all the donors who made this
event possible. The presenters were amazing and Geneva
Park did their usual great job in accommodating all of
our needs. I think the “youth favourite” was seeing Luca
Lazy Legs, who is an amazing role model.
Without the support of many donors, community and
partners this event would not have been possible.
Luke McGann, Nathan Wesley, Kevin Corriveau, Leah Desmoreaux, Nicole Moran, Jasminn Canavan,
Tracy Handy, Hannah Pitkin, on the floor - Paige White
Luke McGann
Donors: City of Orillia • Honda Canada • Knights of Columbus Orillia • Luca ‘Lazylegz’ Patuelli
Ministry of Transportation • National Bank – Financial Fixed Income Group • Optimist Club of Barrie Orillia Lions Club
Retired Teachers of District 17 • Rotary Club of Orillia • Simcoe Community Services Foundation • United Way Greater Simcoe County
Grab Bag Sponsors: Autism Ontario • Canadian Mental Health Association
Closing the Gap Healthcare Group • Georgian College – Bear Essentials Store • Giant Tiger
Home Hardware • I Run & Rock • Kerry’s Place • Leon’s Orillia • Mapleview Family Dentistry
Morris & Turnberry Electric • O.P.P. • My Sister’s Place • Patrick Brown MP
Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit • Stone Gate Inn, Orillia • Talbot • Taylor Made Goya • YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka
Preschool Services
Lovingly remembered, Not Soon Forgotten!
In November 2013, the Grandparents, Parenting Again Support Group lost a long-time member. Eileen Nadon
was an inspirational member of the “Grands”- a group for grandparents who have the sole responsibility for raising
grandchildren- who accepted the role of dedicated parent and loving grandmother with grace and single-minded
determination. Eileen served to remind us that life is a blessing to be cherished, despite its challenges – and Eileen was
no stranger to life’s challenges as she became the single parent to 2 growing grandsons.
Eileen believed that all children are special and each has their own gifts and needs. Through all the challenges of
raising a family on a senior’s fixed income, Eileen dedicated herself to the best possible outcomes and shared her
positive energy and joy with all who crossed her path.
The positive work and loving care that Eileen shared with her family and community was recognized by the
membership of I.A.T.S.E local 58 Union of Stage Workers in March 2014. Eileen’s son, Chris, accepted the motion
from his membership council to acknowledge the
group of remarkable grandparents who take on the
responsibilities of providing safe and loving homes to
their grandchildren. Through Chris Nadon, Simcoe
Community Services’ “Grands” program accepted a
$1000 donation in memory of Eileen Nadon.
Eileen was able to live a life that was rich in love,
humour and dedication – qualities that define a
life as well lived. On behalf of the Grandparents,
Parenting Again Support Group, many thanks to the
membership of the I.A.T.S.E. who recognize Eileen
Nadon and the joys and challenges woven into the
grandparent/grandchild family in our community.
Kyle (grandson), Fernand (son), Leanne Ross, Cathy (daughter), Chris (son) in back row
Leanne Ross
The Hub Has Arrived!
Simcoe County is now home to its first Early Learning Hub
and Simcoe Community Services is taking the lead in this
commitment to families. Through the Best Start committee,
several community partners have joined together to provide
a comprehensive program that offers supports, activities
and education to preschool families. The partnership is
comprised of the following: Simcoe Community Services
Ontario Early Years and Resource Teacher programs;
CAP-C (Community Action Program for Children); Innisfil
Public Library, Lakeshore Branch; Innisfil YMCA; RVH
Preschool Speech and Language program; and the Simcoe
County District School Board. Providing so many programs
in one location has created opportunities for families to
connect with service providers to support the growth and
development of their children.
The community partnerships are benefitting families and
service providers alike. Working together, sharing familiar
space and providing a support network for families builds a
foundation for a stronger community.
There’s always something happening at the Innisfil Early
Learning Hub. If you would like to learn more, please
call the Ontario Early Years Centre 705-792-7878 or visit
the Simcoe Community Services homepage at www.
simcoecommunityservices.ca.
Leanne Ross
Awareness - May 2014
Community Living
Smartboard Success
Enjoying the Sights of Costa Rica
Recently Graeme Thomas and his roommate went to
Costa Rica and the beautiful mountains, weather and
lifestyle inspired Graeme to try his hand at poetry.
Pure Vida
Found just above the Equatorial Line
Lays a sliver of paradise of Heavens Divine
Through clear blue waters of reflective light
The peaceful serenity of a moon-lit night
A pulsating of the heart emotions flow
A hand grabbed hold that never lets go
An exhilarating dance, a life changing thrill
A love so pure time stands still.
Graeme and roommate Kevin enjoy
the scenery in Costa Rica
Graeme Thomas
Something Smells Good!
“Yum! What’s that I smell baking?” This is a common question on Wednesday mornings at
Assikinack Public School! Our “bakers” must be here! Yes, the Simcoe Community Services
(SCS) Baking Team is here and hard at work baking their latest creation for our Breakfast
Club Program. The program currently runs once a week on Thursday mornings before
school starts from 8:30 - 8:45 a.m. A parent volunteer and student leaders host the Breakfast
Club for the students who may not have had breakfast that morning. They serve up a freshly
baked nutritious snack so that those students can start
their day of learning on a full stomach. The wonderful
baking team from SCS became a part of our Assikinack
Family over three years ago and have become quite
famous among our students and teachers. They get
regular visits from students, especially from Joey who
likes to get in on the action and teachers alike who are
hoping for a little sample too. While the baking is in
the oven the SCS baking team is hard at work filling
up our snack bins for the week. Each class receives a
full snack bin once a week with nutritious snacks that
help to supplement students’ lunches when needed.
It’s a great partnership for both Assikinack and SCS.
Without them the Breakfast Club program and Snack
Bin program would not be able to run and we wouldn’t
have met these generous volunteers who come into our
school weekly and brighten our day with their baking
and big smiles!
A big thank you from Assikinack Public School!
Tania Goulding - School Council Chair
Ben Warnaar helps with the snack bins
I Love Dogs!
My name is Perry and I like dogs - big
dogs, little dogs, all types of dogs. I like going
to DOLRA (the dog off leash recreation area)
behind the Molson Centre on Bayview and
Mapleview, on Thursday afternoons with my
friends from SCS Ferris Lane. We get to sit
at the picnic table right in the middle of all
the action. I like watching the dogs play and
sometimes I get to throw a ball or frisbee for
them. Mostly, I like it when the dogs come up
to me for a pat on the head or a cuddle. Some
days when we go to visit, there are over 30
dogs at the park. Most of the dogs and their
owners are getting to know me and I enjoy
the visit. Perry LOVES the dog park
Perry Tambasso & Debbie Titmarsh
Mark has been supported by Community Support Services (CSS)
for many years. Recently Mark expressed to his community
support worker Claire Lavigne, that he was interested in finding a
job. Claire put the referral in to Job Readiness and after 38 years,
Mark returned to class. When Mark was in school there were no
Smartboards. In fact, there were no computers. Life was very
different. Technology was
just starting to become a
part of our lives and most
people were reluctant to
try it. This was not the
case with Mark. He was
somewhat curious about
the Smartboard when he
arrived in Job Readiness.
He watched the younger
participants use it with
confidence.
When he
was asked if he would
like to try and write on
the smartboard, Mark
walked over to it and did
exactly what he had seen
everyone else do. After his
first encounter with the
Smartboard, there was no
Mark shows off his new technology skills
stopping him. He learned to
scroll the board up and down, erase and move from one page to
the next with a touch of his finger. This new technology was
embraced by Mark - a lesson we all can learn from.
Ann Franssen & Kim Bartley
Got My G1
Andrew set out on the journey to get his G1 license. Mission
accomplished, but not without a lot of hard work. Over the past
year and a half Andrew met with a support worker on a weekly
basis to review the Driver’s Handbook, focusing on the rules
of the road, road signs and completing online tests. Andrew
describes the
support
he
received
as
helping
immensely. He
appreciated
having
the
steps broken
down
for
him
and
the
content
framed
in
ways
that
were easy to
u nd e rst and.
Andrew spoke
of his fear of
failing
and
was reminded
Andrew shows off his G1
of all his hard
work and dedication. Andrew remembers the day vividly, going
to write his test and having the option to have the questions
read to him. Andrew was so proud of himself when he was told
he PASSED! Andrew claimed he wasn’t sure he could do it on
his own and was happy to receive the guidance he did. Andrew’s
advice to anyone who has a goal in mind is “Do it now! Don’t
wait!” Andrew couldn’t wait to share the exciting news with
his parents. They too were so proud of his accomplishments.
Andrew celebrated with his dad over a beer. Andrew is waiting
for the snow to melt to get out on the roads and register for
Driver’s Education Training. We wish Andrew safe travels in
his next venture.
Simcoe Community Services Foundation
BINGO Volunteers
On April 29th, Simcoe Community Services and the Foundation co-hosted a celebration
for our incredible Bingo volunteers. Our gathering had 14 volunteers that have been
helping for many, many years as well as a few who have recently joined our roster. We
played our own game of “people bingo” where we got to know each other, shared some
treats and viewed the Rogers TV documentary “I Have a Voice.” The participation of our
bingo volunteers is extremely important in helping us raise funds to help the people we
support.
We are currently looking for MORE volunteers for our biweekly Bingos on Thursdays
from 1pm-3pm and Fridays from 3pm-5pm.
If you are interested in getting involved please contact the Fund Developer at
705-797-5276 or [email protected]
Louise Pope, Fran Steele and Liz Maguire volunteer
at BINGO to help raise funds for the Foundation
Awareness - May 2014
Developmental Services Worker Scholarship
For over 10 years Simcoe Community Services Foundation has awarded a deserving Georgian
College Developmental Service Worker student a $1000 scholarship to ease their financial burden.
This year Jessica Kling was the recipient because of her great academic standing and financial need.
Jessica has also been on placement with SCS in a number of our settings in Orillia getting first-hand
experience in supporting people with special needs.
Jessica wrote this to share with our donors:
“I would like to start by saying thank in regards to being a donor for Simcoe Community Services
Foundation. As I am finishing up my final year within the Developmental Services Worker program,
I am excited for the future and what is to come from my career. I have worked extremely hard within
my program to do the best that I can both academically as well as being involved within the school.
Besides going to school full time, I also try to balance working a part time job on the weekends
to help pay some of the bills I have received while being in school. Living with my mother, who
currently is not working, has made me work that much harder to continue my education while
supporting my family.
Again I would like to say thank you for being a donor. Receiving this award means so much to me.
This shows me that working hard does pay off in the end.” Jessica
We wish Jessica well with her education and her career in the developmental services sector!
Lisa Spinks-Smith presents Developmental Services Worker student Jessica Kling
with the SCS Foundation award
presents:
The 19th Annual
Simcoe Community Services Golf Tournament!
Friday June 20th 2014 at Noon
Shotgun scramble start, best ball format
$150 per person ($160 after May 31st) (Includes: lunch on the patio, 18 holes, golf cart, banquet dinner, gift and charitable donation tax receipt for a portion of the fee)
Join Simcoe Community Services Foundation and friends on the golf course in support of youth with intellectual disabilities! Help us to achieve our goal of $30,000!
We are looking for foursomes, sponsors, silent auction and prize table donations.
For more information or to get involved, please contact the Fund Developer at 705-797-5276 or [email protected]
In Memoriam
Remembering David Harrison
Leslie David Harrison passed away on Tuesday
December 3rd. David was a very caring man
who loved his family very much. He always
looked forward to spending time with his
mom, Joan and his brother, Richard. David
always lived his life to the fullest and was always
“on the go”. David liked to go walking on the
trail near his home and enjoyed spending time
in his beautiful backyard. David loved the
outdoors and simply spending time outside
made him happy. He enjoyed going on trips
to Algonquin Park, and most recently went
there to see the fall colours. David was in awe
of the beautiful colours and enjoyed walking
on the trails. He was always willing to try new
things, from holding snakes and lizards to
going tobogganing and swimming. David will
be deeply missed by his family and friends, his
house-mates, his support staff, and the entire
Simcoe Community Services community.
Cheryl Laporte
Karen Binns
Karen Binns worked at
Simcoe Community Services
in the Resource Teacher
Program since 1995. Karen
was dedicated to the most
vulnerable in our community;
her passion for serving others
was evident to all who knew
her. She lived up to the title of
Resource Teacher in so many
ways but was known and loved
for her ability to source out
items, information, funding
or whatever was needed at
that moment in time. Karen Debbie Tremain presents Karen with a Gift of the Heart Award
for her commitment to children and families and
was generous to a fault and
for going the extra mile
will be greatly missed by many
including her co-workers, the families and children she supported,
her church family and most of all by her loving family, husband John,
daughters Dorothy and Jennifer and their spouses.
Michele Kapteyn
Simcoe Community Services Board of Directors
David Barber................................... President
Bob Kennedy................................... Member
Pat Mansfield................................... Member
Bonnie Martino................................ Member
Bari McFarland................................ Member
Jim McNamara................................ Vice President
Stewart McNeely............................. Member
Leslie Pressnail............................... Member
Valerie Scott.................................... Member
Lynn Stevenson............................... Member
Deborah Wall-Armstrong................. Member
Mitch Whyne.................................... Member
Marion Graves.............Chief Executive Officer
Mission Statement
We support people of all ages and abilities to realize
their full potential and to enhance their quality of life.
As a community, not-for-profit, multi-service
organization, we provide:
Services for children and adults with
intellectdual disabilities and their families;
Programs that promote the healthy
development of children of all abilities;
Services that respond to community needs
Simcoe Community Services
Foundation Board of Trustees
Ron Ptasiuk...................... President
Shelley Black.................... Trustee
Karl Cadera...................... Trustee
Brian Hobson.................... Trustee
Simcoe Community Services
39 Fraser Court
Barrie, ON L4N 5J5
Tel: (705) 726-9082
Fax: (705) 726-6875
www.simcoecommunityservices.ca
Pat Mansfield.................... Trustee
Maureen Noome............... Trustee
Lynn Stevenson................ Treasurer