Community

Connections 2017 - Volume 2

Thursday, September 7, 2017 Kingston Park, Chatham

Registration: 4:30 p.m. Kick-off: 5:00 p.m. Let’s Celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday!

Join us for our 20th Annual Walk-A-Thon for great food, prizes, and fun! Together we will reach our $20,000 goal. Visit www.clc-k.ca for all the details! All proceeds used to provide support and services to people who have an intellectual disability and reside in Chatham-Kent

Attention People, Families Receiving Support, and Community Partners On July 1, 2017, legislation comes into full effect that will make it illegal for organizations to send Commercial Electronic Messages (CEMs) to individuals or organizations without their explicit consent. In an official capacity, our agency is adopting “MailChimp” as a platform to help us track this consent, as well as, to streamline our e-mail strategy by allowing recipients to choose their interests regarding agency communications to unsubscribe or manage subscription information with every message sent. Visit our website at www.clc-k.ca to subscribe to our newsletter, receive sponsorship and volunteer opportunity information, and receive information to donate or plan a gift in your Will. Message from the Executive Director

Welcome to the 2017 summer edition of the Community Connections Newsletter. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Community Living Chatham-Kent’s 62nd Annual General Meeting PRESIDENT was held on June 20, 2017. A warm welcome is extended to Stephen Andari new Board Members Val Oriet, and Doug Toland. Bob Birnie, Bruce Cockburn, Gord Crompton, and Derek Robertson exited VICE PRESIDENTS the Board. Thank you for your numerous contributions and all the Jack Barei best in the years to come. Zoli Horvath Michele Rice Recently, a staff from the Ministry of Community and Social Services conducted a Quality Assurance Measures (QAM) ELECTED MEMBERS Compliance Review. The process included an assessment of the Cheryl Prince Host Family Program, four locations, Board of Directors’ records, Terri Bell and a review of agency policies and procedures. Community Gerry Bossy Living Chatham-Kent was compliant in every area that was Doug Toland applicable—a tremendous accomplishment. Valerie Oriet May was Community Living Month. Our Flag Raising Ceremony and Barbeque at the Civic Centre APPOINTED MEMBERS went very well. The day began in Council Chambers. Mayor Hope, and Samantha Johnson Connie Marion each addressed the audience. Janet Thomas, and Manon Parisien-Robert, were announced as the recipients of the Rob McLandress Make A Dream Come True Fund, and Howell’s Marine EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR was presented with the Joyce M. Carr Champion Award. We then raised the CLC-K flag outside Ron Coristine where OPSEU Local 148 President Wayne Easterbrook, Jennifer Ganley, Lisa Gee, and Rhonda Campbell hosted a terrific barbeque.

This agency again made a terrific contribution to the community. Two teams, the Big 3 and CLC-K Crusaders, participated in the Heart & Stroke Big Bike Ride raising a combined total of $3,432.25. Grace Negri-Stirling captained the Big 3 team while Nicole Roeszler captained the CLC-K Crusaders team. Jackie Choudhry and Derek Gore were the top fundraisers.

The 20th Annual Golf Tournament was held on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Deer Run Golf Course. The weather, golf, fellowship, and food were great. Jack Barei, Dave Page, Gerry Bossy, Angela Corso, and Nicole Roeszler organized another outstanding tournament.

I would like to recognize two people for their contributions to this agency. Bill Labadie raised $2,213 via “Bill’s Bowlathon” in May. He donated the money to CLC-K, specifically to the Children’s Respite Program. A new twist to this year’s golf tournament was that every participant received a gift card. Shayna Bossy collected thirty-one gift cards for the tournament. Each of you is an incredible person, and we are grateful for your generosity.

On behalf of CLC-K, I wish you a safe and enjoyable summer.

Ron Coristine, Executive Director Happy 150th Canada!

Valerie Oriet Doug Toland

2 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS • 2017 - Volume 2 COMMUNITY LIVING MONTH

Central Admin. staff showed their support by wearing green and blue on May 1, 2017, encouraging local businesses to participate.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated Community Living Month with us! May is always a special month to celebrate the abilities of people and to bring awareness about Community Living Chatham- Kent.

COMMUNITY LIVING FLAG RAISING AND BBQ

Our Flag Raising and BBQ was held on May 2, 2017 at the Chatham- Kent Civic Centre. The ceremony began at 11:00 a.m. and followed with a BBQ sponsored by OPSEU Local 148.

Thank you to Subway, Maple City Bakery, and Schinkels Meat Market for their generous support to the BBQ.

Congratulations to Howell’s Marine who was the recipient of the Joyce M. Carr Champion Award.

Congratulations to Janet and Manon, the Rob McLandress Make a Dream Come True Award recipients

Janet’s dream is to be able to experience a vacation, as she has never had the opportunity to enjoy a few days away for fun and relaxation. Janet is thrilled with the chance to visit Niagara Falls, tour the botanical gardens, and ride the Maid of the Mist boat cruise.

This long-awaited vacation will definitely be a trip that Janet will remember for a lifetime!

Manon is an eager four-year-old in Junior Kindergarten, and is growing by leaps and bounds! Manon has the dream of going on a family vacation to Storybook Gardens and the London Children’s Museum. Manon would like to see the world around her, as she has worked hard to develop the skills to follow instruction and stay alongside her family on outings.

Manon’s hard work and determination are being rewarded with this dream coming true!

Community Living Chatham-Kent • 650 Riverview Dr., Unit 2, Chatham • PO Box 967 • 519-352-1174 • www.clc-k.ca 2018 Lottery Calendar

Community Living Chatham-Kent is excited to announce the 5th Annual Lottery Calendar, Cooking Up Dreams! This tasty treat will contain 12 months of recipes from people within our family at Community Living Chatham-Kent.

During the 12 months beginning on January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018, we will draw a daily prize in the amounts of $20 to $1,000, or gift cards from participating retailers.

With the purchase of a $20 calendar, the purchaser will be eligible to win one or more times throughout the year as the ticket stub is returned to the draw each time.

Calendars will be available for purchase beginning October 2, 2017!

FOOD CRAWL - Thursday, July 20, 2017

We are thrilled to announce the 2017 Food Crawl is SOLD OUT!! Thank you to everyone for your support!

The 2nd Annual Food Crawl will feature different menu items from a variety of restaurants in Chatham-Kent. The night will be a fantastic opportunity to try new appetizers, mingle with a group of friends, and celebrate summer!

184 participants will enjoy a fun-filled bus ride between 6:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., where they will have approximately 30 minutes at each restaurant to enjoy delicious food options.

Participating Restaurants include: • Chatham Breakfast House & Grille Churrascaria • Chilled Cork Restaurant & Lounge • Chatham Bowlerama • Frendz Tapas Martini Lounge • Boston Pizza

Thank you to our Food Crawl Planning Committee - Jodi Goss, Natalie Jansen, Jodi Skipper, Jamie Cartier, Annette Nealey, Diana Lambert, Luke Bellefleur, Rochelle Stothart, Angela Corso, and Nicole Roeszler.

Thank you to all our generous sponsors including 99.1 FM CKXS, CM Print, Walker Marine, Brad Campbell – St. Clair Insurance, Sun Ridge Enterprises, and Chantelle’s Salon and Spa.

4 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS • 2017 - Volume 2 20th Annual Golf Tournament presented by Waste Connections of Canada

Community Living Chatham-Kent was thrilled to host its 20th Annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Deer Run Golf Course. The day was full of sunshine, delicious food, and laughter. The tournament was successful due in part from the generous support of local businesses. A very special thank you to Waste Connections of Canada for being our Presenting Sponsor.

We are so pleased to announce our gross revenue was over $19,000!

Congratulations to Karen, Kyle, Rylee, and Lisa for being the Brian Panyi Memorial Team Challenge Award recipients.

Thank you to all our valued volunteers: Suzanne, Terri, Jackie, Chris, Virginia, Jennifer, and Alex. You are truly appreciated!

Eagle Sponsors Gold Sponsors

Local 148

The Scramblers

Hole Sponsors Golf Cart Sponsors Alexander & Houle Funeral Home Great West Life OPSEU - Local 148 ATW Automotive Huron Construction Queen’s Court Luxury Living Belfor Property Restoration JOBWORX Ridgetown Foodland Benefit Broker Services KPMG Stompin’ Grapes Winery Chatham Radio Cabs Magermans & Raeys Insurance The Scramblers Completely You Mathews, Dinsale & Clark LLP Walker Machine Ltd. Giant Tiger MC Business Solutions Waste Connections of Canada Wright’s Electric

Community Living Chatham-Kent • 650 Riverview Dr., Unit 2, Chatham • PO Box 967 • 519-352-1174 • www.clc-k.ca More Than a TRULY GREEN Thumb

Brian has a zest for life, and a love for things truly green. That is, Truly Green Farms.

Each morning you can find Brian working meticulously along with his coworkers. Brian is a sought after employee, without him, production waits. Throughout the mornings at Truly Green Farms, coworkers rely on Brian to wrap packaging, run for needed items in the greenhouse, and keep areas clean and safe. It’s not unusual to hear, “Hey Brian, I need you over here”.

Brian loves what he does. He is proud to be a valued employee of Truly Green Farms, and part of an extended family of dedicated workers. “I enjoy coming to work, and sometimes I can bring home some tomatoes for family and friends. They like to eat the tomatoes, and it makes me happy.”

Matt Korpan, Greenhouse Manager and Food Safety of Truly Green Farms, knows the meaning of what it means to be truly green. The quality is not only shown in what they grow, but in the connection he has with the employees. Since 2013, Matt has overseen the grow facility on Bloomfield Road in Chatham. Walking through the greenhouse, it is evident the pride he has for the facility, and his respect for Brian, and staff.

Community Living Chatham-Kent’s JOBWORX – Employment Services program was branching out to recruit new and innovative employers across the Municipality. A great connection was found in the work through Truly Green Farms, as the greenhouse operators were looking to hire locally. Over some time, a great relationship was formed with Truly Green Farms. Brian was a great fit from the start.

The JOBWORX program provided Brian with job coaching for two months directly at the greenhouse. This provided Brian the best transition, and the greenhouse the ability to know supports are in place to ensure success for all.

JOBWORX – Employment Services continue to be available to Truly Green Farms as needed for support, and to open doors for other job creation opportunities.

Truly Green Farms connect to GreenField Ethanol and utilizes their waste heat and carbon dioxide as part of the grow operations. Currently tomatoes are grown on 45 acres, which is half of a four phase expansion project employing nearly 200 people. The tomatoes are sold to Mastronardi produce in Leamington and locally throughout Chatham-Kent.

6 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS • 2017 - Volume 2 P A R T N E R S

Bill’s Bowl-a-thon – May 6, 2017

On Saturday, May 6, 2017, at Chatham Bowlerama, Bill’s Bowl-a-thon took place. After 27 games, 68 strikes, and 105 spares, Bill raised over $2,200 for Community Living Chatham-Kent—an inspiration to everyone!

Special thanks to Bruce Cockburn from Chatham Bowlerama for being the event sponsor, and a terrific supporter of Bill. Monies raised will help to support the recreational summer camp programs for Children’s Respite.

Big Bike for Heart & Stroke – May 17, 2017

Thank you to everyone who climbed aboard the Heart & Stroke Big Bike on Wednesday, May 17, 2017. Community Living Chatham-Kent entered two teams and together they raised a combined total of $3,432.25 for the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Thank you to the riders, fundraisers, and everyone who made a pledge. Thank you to Grace Negri-Stirling for being the team captain for The Big 3 bike. Thank you to Nicole Roeszler for being the Community Living Chatham-Kent team captain.

Congratulations to Derek and Jackie for being the top fundraisers!

It’s All About Giving Back . . .

Michael and Crystal Gage are pictured here having fun supporting the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent.

Community Living Chatham-Kent • 650 Riverview Dr., Unit 2, Chatham • PO Box 967 • 519-352-1174 • www.clc-k.ca Discovering Dreams,

Kevin has always had a passion for racing at our local South Buxton Raceway or watching NASCAR. During the winter months, Kevin’s passion is driven towards hockey. Some of Kevin’s favourite hockey teams include the Maple Leafs, Senators, Detroit Red Wings, and our local Junior B team, the Chatham Maroons!

On April 19, Kevin was able to fulfill one of his dreams by attending a Toronto Maple Leafs playoff game! Watching the players in person definitely beats watching them play on a television screen! While attending the game, Kevin even had the opportunity to give the infamous “Dart Guy” a high five!!!

Kevin’s smile is worth a thousand words! Glad you had a great time Kevin!

Marc had the pleasure of meeting Billy Gunn, a former World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/E) star at a Border City Wrestling (BCW) event on March 25, 2017.

Marc has watched Billy Gunn’s wrestling matches on television in the past and was able to meet with him in person at the event. Marc hugged Billy Gunn and was able to sit on his lap and have a picture taken with him. Marc also purchased an autographed photo of Billy Gunn at the event.

Marc gave Billy Gunn a “Hooray” cheer and a high five when we left.

ROSES FOR ROTARY

Steven, Darren, and Joanne had a great time helping with Roses for Rotary ON on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at the Portuguese Club.

8 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS • 2017 - Volume 2 Connecting Lives

Helen Enjoys Pet Expo 2017

On April 13 and 14, 2017, Helen and staff ventured to Toronto to spend the night and enjoy the day at the 2017 Pet Expo held at the Convention Center.

She was up early to get ready and go to the show. She spent a lot of time in the cat section seeing all different breeds of kitties. She snuggled with a sugar bear, watched a dog fashion show and everywhere she went she was greeted by a dog. She especially liked the smaller cute dogs that were dressed in clothes.

Helen said she would definitely go again and would recommend it to all animal lovers.

Mother’s Day crafts using flowers donated by the Glasshouse Nursery and Garden Centre.

Thank you to Christine Casier, Direct Support Professional (DSP), who donated her time creating wonderful memories.

Community Living Chatham-Kent • 650 Riverview Dr., Unit 2, Chatham • PO Box 967 • 519-352-1174 • www.clc-k.ca PEOPLE IN THE SPOTLIGHT

DAVID JUSTIN

I love living in Canada Canada is a great because I feel safe. country because I enjoy living in we have freedom. Canada has a great Chatham because environment for it is quiet and it is plants and wildlife. not a very big city. I My favourite thing love singing along to to do in the summer the anthem during is camping. We are Chatham Maroon lucky to have such hockey games. nice campgrounds.

What does being Canadian mean to you?

SUSAN TODD

I am proud to be I love our national Canadian. We live anthem. I also love in a beautiful and hockey. I’ve been friendly country. to Ottawa to watch My favourite place the Ottawa Senators to visit is Niagara play, and it was so Falls. I have been fun. I love being there three times. Canadian because I My dream is to visit feel safe. Edmonton one day.

10 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS • 2017 - Volume 2 UCC Dress Down Day

Community Living Chatham-Kent was thrilled to partner with Ursuline College and receive the money raised from their February Dress Down Day. Each month UCC students are given the opportunity to dress down for a donation of $2, and the money raised is donated to a variety of charities throughout Chatham-Kent.

February’s Dress Down Day raised a total of $1400! While Student Council is in charge of overseeing and running each dress down day, the students in the picture are from a grade 9 math class that took on the important responsibility of counting and rolling all of the money.

Thank you to the staff and students at UCC!

Hockey Blast

Community Living Chatham-Kent partnered with the St. Ursula Knights of Columbus for the Hockey Blast on Saturday, May 20, 2017. The day included road hockey games, and skilled activities for kids 7-14 years of age. Children’s Respite enjoyed participating in the shooting contest, and were happy to receive t-shirts provided by Knights of Columbus.

Congratulations to all the winners who left with medallions. Blake Scaman’s name will be engraved on the Hockey Blast trophy, as he won the skills competition for his age group.

Thank you to Terri, Derek, Brett, and Saaj for volunteering!

Community Living Chatham-Kent • 650 Riverview Dr., Unit 2, Chatham • PO Box 967 • 519-352-1174 • www.clc-k.ca Each of us represents a star. MAKE A DREAM HAPPEN EVERY MONTH Sometimes we shine with the rest, sometimes we twinkle alone, and Join the Dream Makers Monthly Giving Program and your regular sometimes, when we least expect it, monthly financial commitment to Community Living Chatham-Kent will enchance the lives of the people we support all year long. we make someone’s dreams come true. A gift of $10 a month for example, works out to only $2.30 per week but accumulates to $120 in a year ... and while you may not be able to donate $120 at one time, spreading it out over 12 months makes it easier to make an impact right now. Increase your monthly gift to $20 or $50 and the impact grows.

Monthly donors will receive an official income tax receipt annually. Please know that you can change or cancel your donation amount at any time.

Your regular gift will make it possible for us to enhance our programs and services in many ways.

Here are some examples of how your recurring gift will be used: • Program supplies such as craft materials, computer equipment and speciality software, learning materials such as books and movies • Recreational opportunities such as pool or gym rental, bowling, admission to local attractions • Repairs to residential homes such as roofs, windows, doors • Replacement of furniture and other household items as needed • Specialized assistive devices and equipment

Thank you for considering this opportunity. If you have any questions, please contact me at (519) 352-1174, ext 232, or by e-mail at [email protected].

Angela Corso Manager of Community Relations

Yes, I want to help people connect with their community—simply complete this form and return in the enclosed envelope (please print) Name:

Address City Postal Code

Telephone I would like to make a donation of $500 $100 $50 $20 This is a one-time gift of $ Payment Options: VISA By cheque (payable to Community Living Chatham-Kent)

M/C Monthly automatic bank withdrawal

* Should you choose to donate by credit card or automatic bank withdrawal, a member of Community Living Chatham-Kent will contact you to collect your information Donate online by visiting www.clc-k.ca and click on Donate Now Visit our website at www.clc-k.ca to subscribe to our newsletter, receive sponsorship and volunteer opportunity information, and receive information to donate, or plan a gift in your Will. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations over $20 Official charitable registration number 100931203RR0001 Information provided is strictly confidential and will not be sold or traded with any organization.

12 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS • 2017 - Volume 2 PLANNED GIVING

You can change Impossible to Possible with a legacy gift to Community Living Chatham-Kent.

Celebration Gifts In lieu of a gift for that celebratory occasion, consider providing a donation, honouring that special someone on their birthday, wedding, or anniversary.

Bequests Memorial Gifts Leave an estate gift knowing your To honour a loved one’s memory support will live on. in a special way.

To learn more about leaving your legacy, visit www.clc-k.ca

Contact Angela Corso [email protected] or call 519-352-1174

Community Living Chatham-Kent • 650 Riverview Dr., Unit 2, Chatham • PO Box 967 • 519-352-1174 • www.clc-k.ca Are you looking for some local entertainment . . . come out and enjoy a game of bingo at the Riverview Bingo Palace. Wednesday, July 5 - 1:45 p.m. Thursday, July 13, 6:30 p.m. is Charity Bingo Night Tuesday, July 18 - 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, July 25 - 9:45 a.m. Thursday, August 3 - 9:45 a.m. Friday, August 18 - 11:45 a.m. Monday, August 28 - 9:45 a.m.

Service Anniversaries

Marleah Burnett 30 years Sherry Chevalier 25 years Stephanie Baudik 10 years

Gerda Larose 25 years Kim Goyette 20 years Dawn Johnston 5 years

ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION

Community Living Chatham-Kent is a non-profit charitable organization. The agency was started by volunteers and parents of people who had an intellectual disability. These visionaries wanted to see their loved ones living in and contributing to the life of their community.

Community Living Chatham-Kent now supports more than 550 people and their families across Chatham-Kent, and employs over 270 staff.

Approximately 90% of funding comes from the Ministry of Community and Social Services. We raise the remaining funding through donations, fundraising, fees and grants.

We benefit from strong partnerships with the public, businesses, volunteers, social service agencies, health services, education, and all levels of government.

14 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS • 2017 - Volume 2 POSITIVITY DAY IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

Think Positive, Act Positive, Be Positive Positivity Day is a community- wide celebration of the benefits that come from having a positive approach on the way we live, work, and play.

Employers, schools, community groups and individuals will celebrate positive thinking throughout Chatham-Kent on Friday, September 15, 2017.

The day is meant to celebrate the benefits of positive thinking and the amazing potential positivity has to improve our lives and our community.

Join Community Living Chatham-Kent to Think Positive, Act Positive, Be Positive!

IT’S SIMPLE Think Positive—turn that frown upside down. It’s really incredible, when you think about the positive people who support our organization each and every day.

Act Positive—show you care, by using those positive thoughts and generate a positive act! Take a selfie, snap a group shot thanking someone for their dedication and hard work, surprise someone with a coffee break. Something simple to make someone’s day! Send us all your photos of the day for us to post a video collage. #whatsyourpositive

Be Positive—treat yourself! YOU ARE VALUED & WORTHWHILE! Keep your smile bright!

Our Goal—That all people live in a state of dignity, share in all elements of living in the community and have the opportunity to participate effectively.

Our Vision—Community Living ... Discovering Dreams, Connecting Lives.

Mission—Community Living Chatham-Kent provides support and services for people who have an intellectual disability.

Community Living Chatham-Kent • 650 Riverview Dr., Unit 2, Chatham • PO Box 967 • 519-352-1174 • www.clc-k.ca VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION – NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

Volunteers with Community Living Chatham-Kent create positive impact in our community. As a sign of our appreciation, CLC-K hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Event in April at Chatham Breakfast House & Grille, Churrascaria. We were thrilled to have Councilor Darrin Canniff as a guest speaker. Darrin spoke about the importance of volunteering in Chatham-Kent, and the celebration of Canada’s 150th.

Congratulations to the Gore Family for being the recipients of the Joan Olive Risdon Memorial Award of Distinction.

Thank you to all the Community Living Chatham-Kent Volunteers. You are making a difference!

VOLUNTEERS – YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Saaj is one of our valued and dedicated volunteers. He shows up an hour early for his bingo assignments, and is always greeting people with a smile. Saaj is known at the Riverview Bingo Hall for his extensive knowledge of elephants, as well as his great work ethic. Saaj is always willing to help at events wherever he is needed. He is dependable, and always wants to give back to Community Living Chatham-Kent.

Thank you Saaj for your years of volunteer service—we truly appreciate it!

Contact Nicole Roeszler, Supervisor of Volunteers and Events 519-352-1174, ext. 231 for volunteer opportunities

In Memory and Honourary Tributes Making an honorary or in memory gift is a wonderful way to acknowledge someone who has made a meaningful impact on your life, while also supporting an important cause. Bailey Sarah Cowell Gordon E. Eagleson Alf and Madeline Layson Joan Risdon Paul Cowell Jack George William Large J. Daniel Stone Jack Cowell Bill Gilfillan Shaun Luxton A. Sherwood Teresa Donais Jo-Ann Johns James Ouellette Flip Vandersluis Pauline Peirone Valere Vannieuwenhuyze

Where do I get more information? Contact us at 519-352-1174 Mail us at PO Box 967, Chatham ON N7M 5L3, or, Drop in at 650 Riverview Drive, Unit 2, Chatham ON We also invite you to browse our website (www.clc-k.ca ), like us on facebook, or follow us on twitter

16 COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS • 2017 - Volume 2