Community Living Cambridge Newsletter Winter 2016 edition

AG E N C Y N E W S INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES

Special points of interest:  Fashion Show

WINTER EDITION

DECEMBER 2016

 ARC latest update

Snow has arrived!

 Community Networks

And what be er way to signal that Christmas is just around the corner than seeing snow laden trees and a beau ful pris ne white blanket covering the ground.

Inside this issue: Fashion Show

02

Santa’s visit was Nice!

04

“The future is bright!”

Thanks to AMJ Campbell

06

Participant Christmas Dance

08

ArtShine comes to CLC

10

Local Employers Honoured

12

News from Volunteer Services

14

About our Newsletter: Editor in Chief: Denise Gruber Editor, Layout and Design: Grace Santos Gould Proof: Barb Chapman

This past year of 2016 has been filled with opportuni es and challenges within and for the agency, some of them coming at breakneck speed. This required us to be nimble and crea ve in our responses and planning and I would like to say that I have sincerely appreciated the sup‐ port from you, our broader CLC community, during these ‘quick turns’. Your though ul ques‐ ons, unique ideas and willingness to respond as we have reached out reinforce our under‐ standing that we are in this together …. thank you.

The hustle and bustle of the season, with all the tasks s ll needing to be accomplished, can some mes overshadow the successes and celebra ons of 2016. I’d like to share some of my observa ons of a few milestones I witnessed through this past year. 

With the help of community dona ons and a huge financial gi by the Galt Cambridge Li‐ ons Club we were able to take delivery on an amazing 9 passenger wheelchair accessible van  In partnership with Cambridge Rehabilita on Homes we were able to open a new transi‐ onal mentor home for young people from the child welfare system to the developmental sector  Canadian General Tower selected Community Living Cambridge as one of its’ chari es of choice for the year 2017  Several awards were directed to CLC and some amazing staff ‐ Jane Stanley won the WOW award from the Chamber of Commerce for ‘Going Above and Beyond’ in her work ‐ Jonathan Turnbull was nominated for Employee of the Year through the Cam‐ bridge and North Dumfries Community Awards ‐ Community Living Cambridge won the Best Community Entry 2016 Award for its’ float in the 2016 Santa Claus Parade – thanks to AMJ Campbell for partnering with us Working together with par cipants, Board of Directors, families and staff we finalized our plans for transforma on of Arc Industries from the sheltered workshop to a Life Style Learning Centre and in mid‐ October began the ‘makeover’, with expecta ons for comple on by early February.

So although we’ve been incredibly busy, it has paid off with so many posi ves … 2016 has been a very good year!

On behalf of myself, the Board of Directors and all the staff teams that make Community Living Cambridge ‘home’ I’d like to extend warmest season’s gree ng. May your holidays be filled with peace, joy and www.communitylivingcambridge.ca love! Merry Christmas and a safe New Year!!

Denise Gruber Execu ve Director

AGENCY NEWS

A special

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Fabulous Fashions, Beauty Redesigned The 8th annual fashion show and silent auc on was held on Thursday November 10, 2016 at Bingeman’s. The Bollywood theme provided the 450 a endees with a spectacu‐ lar display of models, fashion, colour, dance, music, and celebra on.

To the following sponsors:

"Fashions fade, style is eternal." —Yves Saint Laurent

GOLD SPONSORS INTEGRATIS BENEFITS SOLUTION INC. DR. ERNEST MORIN PRESTON CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC C WARREN PLUMBING D&Z RENOVATIONS MAJESTIC AUTOMOTIVE SILVER SPONSORS MEDPRODIRECT LIBRO CREDIT UNION

Our models did an outstanding job on the catwalk wearing the fashions provided by Gadsby’s, Addi on Elle, Sophie’s Gown Shoppe, Collins Formal Wear, and Maurice’s. The Happy Pappy Band provided the music, while Gayle O’Brien and Darryl Law from Dave FM were our emcees.

This year’s event had an excep onal display of silent auc‐ on items and draws.

Congratula ons to Janice Baumbach who won the raffle prize of 2 ckets anywhere Westjet flies and Diane Drover who was the winner of the Rimowa luggage.

We cannot achieve the success we did without the gener‐ ous dona ons of our sponsors towards the event, and the contributors to the silent auc on items. We also owe a huge thank you the 60 volunteers who worked relessly before, during and a er the event to ensure its success.

The Fabulous Fashions, Beauty Redesigned came to life to realize a par cipant’s hopes and dreams. In the eight years, the show has raised over $175,000, making it an event that has an impact on lives of many par cipants by funding some of the programs we provide. By Miriam Bugeja, Chair Fabulous Fashions Commi ee Our sincerest thanks to Lori Hill for the wonderful photos!

BRONZE SPONSORS COMFORT PLUS HEATING & AIRCONDITIONING PRESTON MEDICAL PHARMACY COWAN INSURANCE KARANDA PROPERTIES

www.communitylivingcambridge.ca

PHOTOS AT FABULOUS FASHIONS BEAUTY REDESIGNED BY LORI HILL

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“Everyday is a fashion show and the world is the runway.” Coco Chanel

www.communitylivingcambridge.ca

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory” ~ Dr. Seuss

Page 4

Santa’s visit was nice!

Photos taken on Sunday, Dec 4th when Santa came to visit North Lodge. It was a nice day! Thanks Sherri Weaver for taking wonderful photos and the collage. Thanks to Tracey Preiss as well for invi ng Santa. www.communitylivingcambridge.ca

INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES

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In memory of Jimmy Jon Barber 1952‐2016 It is with great sadness to inform you that Jon, a long‐ me resident of North Lodge & ADP passed away peacefully Dec. 14, 2016 at Cambridge Memorial Hospital.

A Celebra on of Jon’s Life will be held on Feb 8th, 2017 which would have been his 65th Birthday. Please join us to honour his memory, more details will follow. An obituary is posted in Corbe ’s Funeral Home website.

Jon spent his life defying the odds, figh ng many ba les and determined to enter the hearts of all of those who knew him. Rest easy dear Jon. On behalf of teams at North Lodge and ADP, thank you all for the overwhelm‐ ing support, kind words, and messages we received during this difficult me.

Please keep his Family in your thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Odelia White www.communitylivingcambridge.ca

“ W h e n s o m e o n e y o u l o v e b e c o m e s a m e m o r y, t h e m e m o r y b e c o m e s t r e a s u r e . ”

Season’s Greetings from North Lodge!

“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” ~ Peg Bracken

AGENCY NEWS

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“The Future is Bright!” Thanks to AMJ Campbell!

The Grinch failed at stealing Christmas cheer! Everyone had a wonderful me at the Cambridge Santa Claus Parade. Our sincerest thanks to AMJ Campbell Western Ontario for making our day merry and bright when we were invited to be the designate community partner again for this year and next year. The award we received for ‘Best Community Entry’ we proudly accept for AMJ Campbell, we would not receive this without your help our ambassadors of goodwill! To all who volunteered, a special thanks to you for your generosity!

www.communitylivingcambridge.ca

Spreading Christmas Cheer!

Christmas Cheer, chocolate and sweets were a wonderful surprise at the main office by the Mercer Road Reindeers! Thanks folks ... and Merry Christmas to you!!

Congratulations Sandra!

Buy your Nevada Tickets from Mr. Convenience Too in Beverly St. Sandra Goodwin of Special Olympics Ontario a ended an event held in November in Toronto.

Proceeds Sandra proudly held her 35 year plaque from SOO. Congratula ons Sandra for all you do! benefit Community A B e a u t i f u l Po e m Living Cambridge I know you only want me near To keep me free from grief and fear To keep me safe from needless strain To keep me far from pain I know you only want the best You hope to hope, an all the rest Is only doubt and only dread For all the me that waits ahead.

I know it is hard to let me go But if you can’t, I’ll never grow You have to learn to leave me be You have to agree I must be me … ~unknown~

A DV ERT I S E

WITH US!

For advertising rates/inquiries call Grace at 519 623-7490 www.communitylivingcambridge.ca

“I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.” ~ Charles Dickens, Ebeneezer Scrooge, A Christmas Carol

Page 7

AGENCY NEWS

Page 8

PARTICIPANT CHRISTMAS DANCE 2016 A sold out crowd of 250!

Food and dancing all night long!

41 Raffle prizes!

Parting gifts for everyone!

“Christmas, my child, is love in action.” ~ Dale Evans

WHO COULD ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE! A big THANK YOU to all the wonderful volunteers and staff who helped bring the Spirit of Christmas to life for this event.

Submi ed by: Mary Dutkewicz, Commi ee Co‐Chair

www.communitylivingcambridge.ca

Page 9

Our sincere thanks to Lori Hill for taking the beautiful photos at the Participant Christmas Party!

www.communitylivingcambridge.ca

“ C h r i s t m a s i s d o i n g a l i t t le s o m e t h i n g e x t r a f o r s o m e o n e . ” ~ C h a r l e s S c h u l z

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…

“Christmas is the season of joy, of holiday greetings exchanged, of gift-giving, and of families united.” ~ Norman Vincent Peale

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ArtShine Comes to Community Living Cambridge!

During an 8 week session, which started in September, 8 eager ar sts met every Thursday a ernoon and created fun art projects using various materials. Each week the not‐for‐profit ArtShine program offered a new art medium for our budding ar sts to try! They explored pain ng, pastels, drawing and printmaking, through step by step instruc ons provided by a talented ArtShine Art Instructor. Every art project was broken down into fun and achieva‐ ble steps, which le lots of me for enjoying social me with friends!

Actual artwork created by our artists Stay tuned for more opportuni es in the New Year to sign up for this new and exci ng art program! Remember to check the Club & Classes 2017 lis ng as it becomes available for more details. Submi ed by: Joe Sousa, Sup‐ ported Employment Services

Another Successful Season for the Grass Assassins The Grass Assassins training program was up and running again for the 2016 season.

The season provided employment opportuni es for a total of 7 par cipants at various points. And for the first me ever, our first female Grass Assassin! All crew members earned minimum wage.

This season ran just shy of 6 months. When the grass stops growing, we have leaves that need to be raked, picked up and hauled off! Various levels of support were need‐ ed at different mes to run this program successfully. We were lucky to have a co‐op student from the Developmental Services Worker program assist with the day to day opera ons of the program during the busiest part of the season.

Some of the Grass Assassins discovered they were definitely not meant for yard work!

Some are going to pursue similar employment, while others’ success came from learn‐ ing, growing and gaining self‐esteem and surprising themselves with what they are ca‐ pable of achieving when the people around you believe in you! Submi ed by: Teresa Medeiros, Community Op ons www.communitylivingcambridge.ca

AGENCY NEWS, INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES

Page 11

Community Connections Employment Highlights

No one has a bigger smile at work than Bruce Bernard.

Bruce started working at Costco this year and he really looks forward to his days at work and the varied jobs that make his employment inter‐ es ng.

His favourite job is packing purchases in carts and cha ng with the Cost‐ co customers.

Costco Front End Manager, Linda Makel states, “Since joining the front end team, Bruce has proven to be an all‐around player. He gets along with everyone, at all levels. He is always willing to do whatever is asked of him.”

Judging from that happy stance at the front entrance of Costco, we think Bruce has found a place where hard work is rewarded, and he’s enjoyed mee ng new friends.

Submi ed by Jane Spina, Job Coach Community Connec ons

Don’t be Afraid to Try! Lauren and Stacey volunteer with the Cambridge Chris an Gleaners every Tuesday.

They usually label the soup bags, but this week with a big order being prepared to ship out, Lauren and Stacey were encouraged to try something new. It’s not always easy to step out of your comfort zone, but these two ladies stepped up and accepted the challenge.

Lauren placed four bags of soup into a pail and Stacey pounded the pail lid in place with a mallet before placing it on a skid. They each tried the different jobs and as you can see from the pictures, they enjoyed the process very much.

On a daily basis, volunteers from many walks of life give of their me and energy to slice, dice, scrape, and mix soup for the Cambridge Chris an Gleaners. Lauren and Stacey are proud to be a part of this volunteer commu‐ nity. They would like everyone who reads this not be afraid to try something new. A er all, you may find out you like it.

Submi ed by: Nicole Fraser, Community Connec ons

www.communitylivingcambridge.ca

“I wish we could put up some of the Christmas spirit in jars and open a jar of it every month.” ~ Harlan Miller

- Bruce Bernard -

“Christmas is not as much about opening our presents as opening our hearts.” ~ Janice Maeditere

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L o c a l E m p l oye r s H o n o u re d Community Living Cambridge was once again involved with the Employment Facilita on Network Commi ee of Cambridge and North Dumfries (EFN). We helped plan the 11th annual Employer Recogni on Event.

This event took place on October 20th at the Galt Country Club to recognize and acknowledge the employers in Cambridge who have gone above and be‐ yond in helping people with employment barriers by providing work experi‐ ences, training or employment opportuni es. These employers were formally recognized at a breakfast ceremony sponsored by the Workforce Planning Board of Waterloo and the Region of Waterloo.

Community Networks nominated Expressway Trucks for their con nued support of our Supported Employment Program and their commitment to Adrian Harron who has been employed with Expressway as a janitor since January 2012. They were awarded with a piece of artwork by local ar st Greg Paulter to commemorate the occasion.

Submi ed by: Teresa Medeiros, Community Op ons

The Garden of Growth — a featured summer project Stage 1: Plan ng of the Seeds. In the summer the Par cipants of Laurel Street were dig‐ ging into a new “Seeds” project in the literary sense. The garden was cul vated, the seeds planted and the watering was underway each and every day.

Time was put into cha ng with the group about the importance of the following:   

Natural and whole foods without pes cides, ea ng foods that are good for you.

The advantages of spending me outdoors and breathing in fresh air.

The social me of sharing morning coffee around the garden or Iced Tea in the late a ernoons.  One on one chats about gardening and other important issues.

Henry, Neil & Jeff

A big thanks goes out to Nancy Cater for helping us get this project underway before she was off to Lauris blossoming into a full me posi on herself.

Stage 2: The Harvest where we picked, gathered and shared our vegies.

Stage 3: Social Fes val; where we enjoyed the fruit and vegies of our labor! We invited groups over to share our friendship and recipes for our upcoming cook book.

Stage 4: Coming up with a Community Cook Book with a collabora on of recipes and pic‐ tures gathered from our experiences. Hoping to capture... good friends, good food and good advice all in the Book. By Genine McLaren

Neil ,Nancy,Pete www.communitylivingcambridge.ca

AGENCY NEWS, INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES

Program Development:  Instructors are si ng down with individuals to go over their survey ques onnaires and help them with any concerns they may have. They will also be tracking those who are interested in work to set up me trials in early January 2017.  The schedule of ac vi es for Franklin Boulevard will be sent out by email and hard copy next week. Please keep this handy for registra on in mid‐January to help you make your choices.  Programming at Franklin Boulevard will change seasonally (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall) and run for 12‐week sessions. This first session will only be an 8 week term as we are star ng in February.  Some ac vi es in the new building will have limited spaces. To facilitate individual preferences, registra on will be based on a ranking system – for each slot you are at Franklin, you will provide a first, second, and third choice for the ac vi es you pre‐ fer. Registra on will take place directly a er the holiday and we will provide a pro‐ gram schedule in late January (including an invoice for any fees). To make registra‐ on easier, we will highlight your current scheduled days for the ini al programming session. You can only register on your scheduled days. Some programs will be offered on more than one day. You may choose to par cipate in the same ac vity on more than one day, if you wish.  We will include all of this informa on as part of the package being mailed out.  If you have any ques ons regarding the programing feel free to contact Karen or Kerri.

Construc on Update:  The ceiling in the middle room has been painted and dry walling has started.  The “finishing touches” are being made to the back area with an cipa on that floor‐ ing will be installed some me next week.  We will send out a separate email of photos next week.

Work Update: As noted above, we are tracking those interested in having a work component in their day.  Part of the expecta ons for work will include a review of a endance and punctuali‐ ty, and the ability to complete 90% jobs that will be offered in the area at the deter‐ mined rate of produc on.  We plan to have the selec on process complete at the same me we send out regis‐ tra ons for programing to allow for individuals to know what their op ons will be for their week. 

Karen Ferguson, ARC Industries 466 Franklin Blvd. Cambridge 519‐621‐0680 Check out our website : www.arcindustriescambridge.ca www.communitylivingcambridge.ca

“Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love!” ~ Hamilton Wright Mabie

FRANKLIN BOULEVARD PROJECT Latest Update

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VOLUNTEERS

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"Christmas is the day that holds all time together” - Alexander Smith

News from Vo lunteer Services:

Make A Donation and make a difference today!

It has been a busy Fall and Holiday season. Volunteers are very important to us. With new program changes coming in February 2017 we need more volunteers now than ever before. If you or someone you know might be interested in volunteering some me dur‐ ing the day or in the evenings send them my way. I can help get the applica on process started before our new programs are unveiled. Read about the volunteer jobs we are recrui ng for here.

There are several ways you can donate:

Volunteers Wanted:

1. A one-time donation by mail or in person:

Bingo Volunteers ‐ We are always recrui ng fundraising volunteers to help with various fundraising events but especially for our ongoing Bingo events.

Our reception staff is available over the phone at 519-623-7490 to process your donation by Credit

Leisure Buddies ‐ We are currently looking for three male volunteers to go on ou ngs with male group home residents. If you are interested in sports and fishing give us a call.

2. A one-time donation online via CanadaHelps.org 3. Enroll in our monthly giving program: 4. Give a lasting gift For more information go to

Volunteer Drivers ‐ We have been looking for a few volunteer drivers to help transport a couple of day program par cipants home at the end of the day (3pm). If you have an hour between 3 and 4 pm once a week then please contact the Volunteer Coordinator for more details.

Come Volunteer! You know you want too…..! You can become one of our Amazing Vol‐ unteers!

Contact our Volunteer Coordinator: Sandy Caple for more informa on on how to get in‐ volved and be a Community Living “Super Hero”.

Sandy Caple can be reached at ARC Monday to Thursday between 9am and 3:30pm 519‐ 621‐0680 or by email: scaple@clcambridge.ca

A special thanks to Courtney Medeiros

http:// A special “Thank You” to Courtney Medeiros who volunteered at the Par cipant Christ‐ www.communitylivingcam mas Dance on Dec 7. She has been a wonderful volunteer for a li le over a year. Recent‐ bridge.ca/get-involved/ ly she went way above and beyond the call of duty when volunteering at our Par cipant donate Christmas dance and helped clean up a huge mess in the bathroom area. Needless to say we are really, really apprecia ve of your help and willingness to get messy.

Courtney ‐ You’re a Peach! Thanks for all your hard work!

“There is no greater commitment than when people give of themselves. Volunteer ac vity is the ul mate demonstra on of caring”. John W. Amerman www.communitylivingcambridge.ca

Page 15

Halloween - a way back playback

Wonderful me was had by all!

Thank you Kathy Lewis for the wonderful photos!

SOO Athletes Recognized Special Olympics Ontario athletes were at the City Hall Recogni on event that was held October 20th, 2016.

The wonderful athletes were recognized for all their hard work in their chosen sports.

They were in uniform all decked with their shiny hardware they earned from the sum‐ mer SOO games.

On behalf of Community Living Cambridge congratula ons! We are so proud of you!

Thank you Janet Baumbach for the photo and Sandra Goodwin for all your help!

Flash from the Past

Athletes par cipa ng in the 1991 Ontario Special Olympics tournament held at Collins Bay Peniten‐ ary, pose with previous Recrea on Coordinator, Claude Clou er. Go a love those knee high socks from back in the day! www.communitylivingcambridge.ca

Yes folks, that’s a young Winston Reid with those shorty‐shorts on!

“It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air.” ~ W.T. Ellis

Valen ne group a ended a Halloween Party, all dressed up for the bash.

160 Hespeler Rd. Cambridge, ON N1R 6V7 Phone: 519 623‐7490 Fax: 519 740‐8073 E‐mail: info@clcambridge.ca

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We’re on the web!

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UPCOMING CLC EVENTS 2017:

SAVE THE DATES!  Franklin Drive official opening ceremony in Spring 2017

INSPIRING POSSIBILITIES

NEWS ARTICLES WANTED: This newsletter edition contains wonderful inspirational stories thanks to everyone for sharing their stories! I wouldn’t be able to do it without your help.

The next edition will be our Spring edition which will be released in Feb. 2017. Please send your articles in as soon as you have them ready.

We are always looking for content related to:  Events  Milestone Birthdays  In Memoriam  Advertising  Program offerings  Fundraising  Candid pictures Any content that Inspire Possibilities are greatly appreciated! Thank you!

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gsantosgould@clcambridge.ca

Wishing you and your Family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

From Community Living Cambridge www.communitylivingcambridge.ca