November 10, 2002
Inside ■ Mentor Day — p. 3 ■ Brain Injury Assoc — p. 3 ■ Arc Northland — p. 8
Memories — Page 7
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“Politics is about the improvement of people’s lives.” — Senator Paul Wellstone
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Volume 13, Number 11
SOURCES
RESOURCES
November 10, 2002
MINNESOTA IN MOURNING Sen. Paul Wellstone, 1944-2002; Sheila Wellstone, 1944-2002; Marcia Wellstone Markuson, 1969-2002; Mary McEvoy, 1953-2002; Tom Lapic, 1952-2002; Will McLaughlin, 1979-2002
Remembering Paul And Sheila Wellstone A
leader doesn’t stay home while others work. A leader doesn’t eat while others starve, or sleep while others stand watch. A leader doesn’t command people’s loyalty by fear, nor can he purchase it with money. A leader earns others’ loyalty by the sweat of his own back and the pains he endures for their sake. That which is the heaviest or harshest burden, he lifts up first, and sets down last. A
leader doesn’t require service of those he leads but provides it to them. He serves them, not they him. Paul Wellstone was a leader. He was the national champion of people whose lives have been touched by mental illness, and he served us for a dozen years. He never denied us, never was ashamed of us, never abandoned us, even though our cause and disease is “politically incor-
rect.” He acted and spoke with passion about us and took away our shame. He and Sheila gave us many gifts. Their love and passion for their causes and each other relit our pilot lights, and made us ask, “What do we love?” They inspired us, and woke us up to the possibility that we can change the world, that people with mental illness don’t have to sit at “the
back of the bus” anymore. Paul was a “one-of-a-kind,” but his passing isn’t the end of an era or a movement, it’s the beginning. Paul Wellstone will be remembered and honored as a civil rights leader, and his example will sow courage into our hearts. The standard of valor he set will inspire us to rededicate our lives. He was living proof that gentleness isn’t weakness, that true
strength comes not from the force of our bodies, but from the love and compassion of our hearts. The word courage comes from the Latin, “cor,” or heart. To have courage means to follow your heart. Paul demonstrated to us, every day, what true courage is: listening to, and then following your
heart, no matter what. Paul and Sheila Wellstone believed in us, cared for us and gave us hope. They were living proof that sometimes when we forget to see the face of God, it’s only because it’s so close in front of us. Pete Feigal
Celebration Of Courage Gala
Pledge of Peace In Honor of the Wellstones
by Sue Warner
by Ann L. Kranz
O
n Saturday, October 12, more than 700 people attended the RBC Dain Rauscher Celebration of Courage Gala at Medtronic World Headquarters in Fridley. In its seventh year, Courage Center’s signature event honors the professional achievements of people with disabilities and focuses on the benefits of employing people with disabilities. The evening began with a VIP reception for award winners and a silent auction, and was followed by a dinner and awards ceremony with presentation of the National Courage Award and the annual Rose and Jay Phillips Awards. This year’s National Courage Award was presented to
Twin Cities corporate executive, Vernon Heath. A cofounder and former CEO of Rosemount, Inc., Heath is well-known for his business expertise and his lifetime support of nonprofit organizations. Heath, who contracted polio at age eight, has brought forward his personal experiences, business skills and talents to influence and help create a stronger environment for people with disabilities in Minnesota. In addition to the National Courage Award, Phillips Awards were presented to five people with disabilities. The award honors those who have succeeded in their careers while also being involved in their community and in advocacy efforts. This year’s winners are:
Jay Johnson, St. Cloud Founder FENA Designs, Inc. Jay has fed his capitalistic spirit since his first job selling lemonade at age four in Cold Spring, Minnesota. A new world opened up to him following a spinal cord injury in 1989. He discovered computers and learned practical business skills that were complemented by a degree from St. Cloud State University. After some trial and error, FENA Designs, Inc., was born. FENA provides the technology to make it possible for people, who cannot do so on their own, to stand. Today, FENA Designs employs seven people and contracts with another 100. The standing
wheelchair he designed won FDA approval in 2001, and is being marketed nationwide. Damon Leivestad, Golden Valley Mechanical Designer, Thiele Technologies Damon loves computers and hockey, but not necessarily in that order. Damon grew up in St. Peter, Minnesota, before moving to Minneapolis where he attended an intensive ninemonth training program in computer-aided drafting. That led him to intern with Thiele Technologies of Minneapolis, where he is still employed as a mechanical designer. His coworkers praise both his work and his fund-raising ability, with his development efforts supportCourage Gala - cont. on p. 6
Hard to write. Hard to think. Hard to be amongst this grief. Distraught by Loss of Life, Loss of Hope, Loss of Love, Family. Advocates, Champions, Voices for the Underdog, the Meek. Little Man, Big Heart. Calm Intention, Fiery Esprit. Strong Woman, Subtle Skill. Compassion, Integrity, Charm. Sole Objector to War and Death. Faithful Believer in the Power of Peace.
Women, Children, the Vulnerable, Weak. Gimps and Crips, Queers and Fags, You wanted Us All on your Team. Appreciation of Difference, both Color and Creed. Fought for Farmers, Vets, Battered Women, Anyone you found in Need. A Life of Education Here and on the Hill. You Understood to Truly learn life’s lessons, one must at times just Listen and be Still. Upon your Death, I recommit my life to that which you believed. I pledge to Work in your Honor toward Justice, Freedom and Peace.