2 minute read
Anniversary of Good Times
Anniversary of Good Times
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Around 88 attendees shared laughter, joy and memories at the Vegreville Association for Living in Dignity (VALID) 65th Anniversary Gala at the Legion Hall on October 18.
The theme was silver and blue and the hall had picture-perfect decorations to compliment this idea.
Executive Director Lana Syms emceed the event.
Some interesting facts Syms compiled include the following: In 1959, Dr. Ross Caurns and community members started a special school for children with disabilities using the Beaver Bennett Scout Hut as a classroom. Dorothy Cairns was their teacher. 110 Workshop opened its doors in the spring of 1979. The RO 10 Bargain Centre opened as a joint venture with the Rotary Club in 1983, and they expanded to three residences in 1990.
VALID was formed in 1992 as an amalgamation between the Vegreville Association of the Handicapped and the 110 Vocational Training Centre. In 1997, Pot O’ Gold relocated from downtown to their new location. In 2011, their Complex Needs program was formed.
Syms went on to state that through the years, the value of the community and what they contribute to this organization is insurmountable. The organization currently has 65 staff members and they serve between 45 and 50 individuals.
Syms said they chose silver and blue as their theme colours a few years ago and they were just keeping with this for the gala.
Peter Skoreyko led the people in grace before the bountiful meal catered by Diane Fausak and crew.
An award ceremony was presented where staff with five or more years earned a certificate and a custom gift. New employees were given a flower.
Long-standing employees Karen Streets was honoured with the 35 Years of Service Award and Terry Seniuk received the award for 30 years. Streets expressed that she worked this long because of the awesome individuals they support.
Seniuk said it has been a great journey working for this organization as he enjoyed the challenge, and there was and still is a great bunch of people and staff to work with.
A draw was held before attendees began dancing the night away to New Wave Entertainment with DJ Norm.
