ALLEGHENY VALLEY SCHOOL NEWS Regis Champ Retires
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PERSPECTIVES Providing community residential environments and therapeutic programs throughout Pennsylvania for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Vol. 25 No. 1 Spring/Summer 2011 ALLEGHENY VALLEY SCHOOL NEWS Regis Champ Retires At the end of 2010, after 38 AVS’ standards for quality that Regis demanded became ingrained years of service, President & throughout AVS. “Rege was the ultimate leader,” comments CEO Regis G. Champ retired Western Region Director Gary Hoffman. “Whether he was digging from Allegheny Valley School in deep to help me solve complex work issues or supporting me (AVS). In 1972, at the personally, he was committed to the responsibility of his encouragement of his sister leadership.” who was a nurse at AVS, Mr. Mr. Champ gives credit to his leadership team for AVS’ success. Champ took his first post at the Along with Champ, the AVS leadership team has longevity in single-site organization. Regis serving the organization and its mission – with tenures averaging 20 took the job thinking it would years. When he decided to retire, Regis was confident that he was be temporary (he was planning leaving AVS in strong and stable hands. on attending law school). In addition to leading AVS, Regis served for more than 25 years However, after spending time as a member of the Pennsylvania Association of Resources (PAR) as the Social Service Director, Board of Directors, including time as Board President. PAR is a AVS got into his system—and statewide association with the mission, “to build the capacity of the Regis G. Champ didn’t leave. private sector to fully support Pennsylvanians with autism and Demonstrating his leadership intellectual disabilities according to their needs.” In 2002, Regis skills early on, when the Senior School (now called the Pittsburgh was given PAR’s Keystone Award. Campus) opened in 1973, Regis was named its administrator. Only After his retirement, his interest in and involvement with AVS five years later (1978), Champ was named AVS’ CEO; he became continues through his service as a member of the Board of Directors President & CEO in 2001. of the AVS Foundation, an independent private foundation that During his tenure, AVS grew from one location with 90 includes in its philanthropy generous support for AVS Capital consumers, to providing services to more than 900 children and Development Fund projects. Regis is enjoying this new stage in his adults through 125+ programs and facilities throughout Pennsylvania. See “Champ” continued on page 8. Friends of AVS Golf Open Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix The Friends of AVS Golf Open Presented by AVS Foundation will be The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (PVGP) presented by held on Monday, August 15 at Churchill Valley Country Club. This year’s Shop ‘n Save is gearing up for its event will honor Regis G. Champ and his 38 years of service to Allegheny 29th year. The PVGP will present Valley School. Honorary Chairpersons are Parie and John Duggan. 10 days of vintage sports car racing, During the evening’s dinner, Regis Champ will receive the first AVS car shows and motorsport activities CHAMPion Award. In December 2010, Regis G. Champ, President & Chief to delight the quarter million fans Executive Officer of Allegheny Valley School (AVS), retired after 38 years of during the July 15-24 events. service. For his dedication to the vulnerable individuals served by AVS, and At Allegheny Valley School, for living our mission, we are delighted to name Regis G. Champ our first proceeds from the Grand Prix AVS CHAMPion. Champ will be honored throughout the day of golf and help to purchase much needed at the awards dinner. equipment, improve facilities, Proceeds from the golf open will benefit the Capital Development Fund to expand programming and so help cover expenses not directly reimbursed by Medicaid including property, much more. For the Autism equipment, program expansions and facility renovations. There are many ways Society of Pittsburgh, the proceeds help to provide a to participate including sponsorships, underwriting opportunities, golfing, comprehensive array of autism-specific information, donating or dining with us. referral and advocacy services to families and For more information or to register for the event please call Amy Rocini professionals. at (412) 299-2229 or visit our website at www.avs.net. We hope you will For more information on the 2011 events, please visit join us for a day of golf, or join us in the evening for the awards dinner. www.pvgp.org. We hope to see you at the activities in July! 1 www.avs.net WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA NEWS Pittsburgh Campus Activities Holiday Activities In December, individuals from the Wood House went Christmas caroling throughout the campus. They dressed in nostalgic capes, overcoats and top hats and were joined by staff and volunteers. After a night of singing, everyone gathered at the Wood House for The Shrine Circus hot chocolate and cookies. During the holidays, the AVS choir performed a Christmas show On April 9, 155 residents and their accompanying staff for the residents at attended The Shrine Circus at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Campus. residents enjoyed seeing the clowns (including America’s Everyone sang along to Favorite Clown, Bello Nock), animals and especially Christmas carols and Spiderman. watched staff members Arrangements were made for the residents who utilize perform The Christmas wheelchairs to enjoy the show and the action up close! Story. Many individuals Since 1993, The Syria Shriners have donated 100+ circus performed solos and the admissions to AVS each year. AVS would like to especially Pittsburgh Campus Bell thank Paul Leavy, Circus Chairman, for providing another Choir entertained wonderful experience for the consumers. We are extremely everyone with holiday grateful for The Shriners’ continued support. favorites. John sings along to the music. Polar Bear Plunge Holiday Trip On December 4, more than 500 people, including several employees from AVS, took the Polar Bear Plunge into the Allegheny Armond and Scott from the Cedar House spent a holiday River by Heinz Field. Plunge participants set vacation in Lancaster, PA. The gentlemen and accompanying staff a fundraising goal and received pledges rented a suite at the Hilton where they enjoyed the buffet and from family, friends and colleagues for sipping hot cocoa by the fireplace. Their trip included a visit to the their commitment to being “freezin’ for Sight & Sound Theatre’s performances of Voices of Christmas a reason.” The Polar Bear Plunge and Miracles of benefits more than 20,000 Pennsylvania Christmas. They also Special Olympics athletes – the state’s went to the Strasburg largest year-round organization devoted to Rail Road where sports training and competition for children they took a train ride and adults with intellectual disabilities. in a presidential A number of AVS consumers attended to cheer-on the plungers. suite through Amish Before the event started, they were invited to a reception on the country while Gateway Clipper Fleet where they met former Pittsburgh Steelers indulging in cheese- player Jerome Bettis and other supporters from the area. cake and hot cocoa. Scott and Armond at the Strasburg Rail Road. Pittsburgh Campus Red Hat Society Members of the Red Hat Society participated in a tea and arts and crafts social. The ladies made a craft while sampling many teas. They had a great time admiring each other’s red hats and purple outfits. Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Concert The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) performed an outreach concert at Pittsburgh Campus in January. Their beautiful music touched the hearts of more than 100 residents and staff members as they clapped along to songs. A big thank you goes to all of the talented musicians who helped to bring many smiles to the faces of our consumers. The PSO has been performing outreach concerts at AVS since 1994. We are grateful to the PSO for continuing to include AVS in their outreach program. AVS consumers and staff members with Jerome Bettis. www.avs.net 2 WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA NEWS Thank You CentiMark Corporation Foundation On April 20, Senior Accountant Mike Craig from CentiMark Corporation visited AVS’ Pittsburgh Campus with a special treat for the residents and staff. In celebration of Easter and spring, CentiMark Corporation Foundation donated a $50 gift card to either Target, Kmart/Sears or Wal-Mart to each individual residing at the campus. They also donated Sarris Candies chocolate bunnies for the staff members. “We are so pleased to share these special treats with the clients at Allegheny Valley School,” said Kathy Slencak, Manager of Public Relations at Centimark Corporation. Thank you to CentiMark Corporation Foundation and Mike Residents Ellen Ruth, Yvonne, Damon, Karen, Dennis and John Craig for making this spring extra special for everyone at AVS’ with Mike Craig from CentiMark Corporation. Pittsburgh Campus. Clearview at the Tea House On April 6, the ladies at Clearview participated in a tea at The Johnston House in Mars, PA. The house is a restored farmhouse that serves traditional afternoon tea and has a beautiful shop filled with antiques, special treats and unique and handmade gifts. Five of the Clearview ladies belong to the Red Hat Society and one is in training. Everyone wore their red (or pink) hats decorated in striking purple. They dressed up in their best attire and enjoyed a day of beautiful surroundings and great friendship. The owners and staff of The Johnston House greeted the ladies with kindness and much attention; others having tea commented on the ladies’ beautiful hats and outfits. The consumers enjoyed flavored teas served in beautifully painted tea pots, delicate sandwiches and quiche, golden crumpets served with fresh crème and homemade preserves, and a variety of desserts and chocolate candy. After the tea, they toured the house and admired the gorgeous Anna, Mary and staff member Jessica enjoy tea at surroundings.