January 2017 Issue

Alf to celebrate 85th birthday in July

Decorate Your Door Contest Joanne the accomplished artist

Alf McKee will celebrate his 85th birthday at the Trinity Church, 245 Mill Rd., Goderich from 1-5.Music will be provided by Kim Souch. Best Wishes only.

Community Living’s annual Heartwarming Luncheon has been warming hearts, lives and tummies in the dead of winter for 29 years now.

This year, the agency’s annual fundraising luncheon on Friday, February 10 at the Goderich Legion, is expanding to include a warm welcome to the Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund Awards, to be included as part of the day’s festivities and program.

The Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund was created in October 2009 to honour the dedication that PC Dave Mounsey of the OPP had to his community and to donate life-saving defibrillators to public access buildings. Since its creation, the Fund has donated 63 defibrillators, mostly in Huron County, in the memory of fallen Police, Corrections, Fire, EMS and Military members who died in the line of duty. Two lives have been saved with DMMF defibrillators.

In 2012, the Fund wanted to further 'give back' to the community and created the Order of the Good Samaritan as a thank you to those community volunteers who donate their time to make their communities better. The Order is broken down into:• Sgt Margaret Eve Award for Volunteer of the Year• Cpl Matthew Dinning Award for Volunteer for Veterans and Service Persons• PC Vu Pham Award for Youth Volunteer• Paramedic Paul Patterson Life Saving Award• SC Bruce Crew Sportsmanship Award

The Heartwarming Luncheon, a tasty tradition of the winter season, will again provide lunch for over 800 patrons, prepared served and delivered to homes and local businesses by a dedicated group of volunteers, whose efforts help raise needed funds for programs and services.

Branch 109 on Kingston Street will be decorated to reflect a Valentine’s Day theme and for a bargain price, patrons can enjoy beef or turkey on a bun, complete with condiments, a piece of fruit and tasty dessert. Coffee and tea is available to all diners and draws on a number of attractive door prizes are available to all patrons. Lunch sittings begin at 11:30 a.m. and continue through to early afternoon.

Posters advertising the event will be posted in local businesses and tickets are available by contacting the central administration office in Goderich at 519-524-7362. Tickets will also be available at the door at the Goderich Legion, Kingston Street.So plan to bring a group to lunch at the Goderich Legion, Friday, Feb. 10 or contact the administration office for free delivery.

The Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund was founded by OPP Patrick Armstrong in 2009 in honour of OPP Constable Mounsey of Blyth who died in a single-car accident while on duty. Mounsey was a volunteer firefighter and was involved in local organizations and before his death was training, along with his partner Brenda, for an organized run to raise money to place a defibrillator for the local fire department.

Heartwarming Luncheon to include Dave Mounsey Memorial Fund Awards on Friday, Feb. 10

Community Living annual fundraiser will also recognize community volunteers

Community Living-Central Huron, 267 Suncoast Dr. East, Box 527, Goderich ON N7A 4C7 Ph: (519) 524-7362 Fax: (519) 524-1511 Email: clch@clch.ca

For more information, to make a donation, become a Volunteer or Member, please complete this section and return it to our office, address above.

I would like to become a Member, annual cost $5.00. I support the Agency’s policies, purposes and vision. Being a Member entitles me to receive a copy of the Agency’s quarterly Newsletter, information on upcoming events and activities, a copy of Community Living Ontario’s newsletter (www.communitylivingontario.ca) and be eligible to vote at the Annual General Meeting.

I would like more information about Community Living-Central Huron and/or I would like information on becoming a Volunteer.

Enclosed is a donation in the amount of $ __________. Receipts will be issued for donations of $10.00 or more.

Membership Application Form (Please Print) Thank you for your support! Name & Address:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Phone No.: _____________________________ Date: _______________________

Email.: _____________________________________________

“People live in dignity and share in all aspects of living in their community.”

Community Living - Central Huron recently held a Decorate Your Office Door contest at the Rattenbury Street office in Clinton. Staff members Sharon Allison, Lisa Boyd Kirven,

Liz Herman and Andria Croteau are pictured in front of their prize-winning door. Nice work ladies!

CP. David Mounsey

Volunteers make the Heartwarming lunch.

These three pieces of art were created by Joanne Dundas, an individual supported by Community Living. Joanne began

taking art lessons a few years ago and pictured are three works she donated to the agency. They are on display in the

front office. Joanne has agreed to contribute an original piece of art to the Golf Classic auction in June.

Golf, photos and daisies are a big part of fundraisers this yearGerbera Daisy SaleJust in time for Mothers’ Day, the annual Gerbera Daisy Sale is a perfect launch to Community Living Month. Individuals involved with the Employment Support Program organize the sale which takes place during the week before Mothers’ Day, May 14, 2016.Colourful Gerbera Daisies will be available for sale at the main administration building on Suncoast Drive, Goderich and various locations around town including Scotiabank, on The Square; the Beer Store and Suncoast Mall.

11th Annual Goderich and District Golf ClassicThe major fundraising event for Community Living continues to be the annual golf tournament in June. Last year, the two-day event raised nearly $30,000, raising the ten-year total to about $210,000. The funds help the non-profit agency to offer meaningful services, day options and in-home support to more than 100 adults with developmental disabilities. More than 300 individuals with physical and developmental disabilities will benefit from community programs and services.This year’s event will be held June 16 and 17 at Goderich Sunset Golf Club and details and registration forms will be made available in the coming weeks.

Story continued from page 3

I hope people had a wonderful Christmas and New Year and can reflect back on 2016 with positive thoughts of many accomplishments.

Welcome to 2017, the year ahead looks like it will be full of activity for Developmental Services, just as 2016 was. In 2016, Community Living-Central Huron was impacted by the additional funding to the Passport Program for adults and Special Services at Home for children. The Agency participated in the Multi-year Residential Planning Initiative, the Employment and Moderization Fund, Survey of Personal Outcomes, Compliance - Quality Assurance Measures, Risk Assessment, Developmental Services Consolidated Information System (DSCIS), only to name a few. Staff assisted individuals who once resided at one or more of the 12 former Institutions to complete the necessary documentation in order that they may participate in the Class Action Law Suit. Many staff also participated in various educational opportunities throughout the year.

Above are only a few of the items that created busy-i-ness over the past year. Most importantly staff have supported people to achieve and work towards their goals, such as: taking a family vacation; go on holidays with friends; attend classes and learning opportunities of persons’ choice; attend festivals, theatre and concert events; take day trips and to attain employment and volunteer activities. Thank you, to each and every person that makes these excursions and opportunities happen. Appreciation is also extended to the Board for their generosity in financially supporting individuals with such events.

Throughout this newsletter you will learn more about a number of upcoming events for 2017. Thank you for your continued support and I look forward to another successful year.

Rosemary Foran, Executive Director

Christmas was a wonderful and busy time around the Community Living- Central Huron activity centre.

The season kicked off with the annual Christmas party held at Holmesville Friday, November 18, 2016. More than 95 people attended the festive gala and buses provided transportation for those that required it. Even Santa was able to make a welcome visit in advance of Christmas Day.

The 2016 Christmas Bazaar on Dec. 8 and 9 at the activity centre, was a visual and sensual delight!

Christmas crafts and holiday items, carefully crafted for weeks before the bazaar, were on sale and formed a tantalizing, multi-table display while patrons were easily tempted by an assortment of baked goods and draw prizes.

The annual Holiday Campaign, conducted through the mail with local community partners who continue to support and assist individuals, was an unqualified success, raising $1,867.

Thank you for the support. The bazaar was a great success this

year! We were grateful for the generous support from so many individuals. You may have baked delicious treats or donated knitted items, handcrafted gifts, draw prize gifts, or supported us by purchasing craft and baked goods. Perhaps you were a lucky winner at our draw tables. Thank you, everyone!

Your continued support for the Annual Christmas Bazaar is appreciated.

The Month of May is designated as Community Living Month and a number of events and fundraising activities highlight the role of the agency in the community.

Last Light and Photo ShowThe Last Light Photography Show and Sale, generously sponsored by Ontario’s West Coast (County of Huron Tourism) and Lighthouse Money Management, is the kickoff event for Community Living Month. This year, the presentation of awards will take place in four categories at a special reception at the Goderich Public Library Saturday, May 6, 2018.

The 10th Annual Show and Sale is open to photographers of all

levels of ability and encourages participation. Photo enthusiasts are asked to submit photographs in the categories: Colour - Blue; The number 10 - in support of the 10th year of the event; and photographs of Huron County community events such as fall fairs or festivals.

The Last Light Photo Show and Sale is presented in memory of Sarah Mann, a talented former reporter-photographer with the Goderich Signal-Star who was tragically killed in a car accident outside of Clinton in 2006. Sarah was ardent advocate for and supporter of Community Living.

For information contact Community Living at 519 - 524 -7362.

.Each year, an army of volunteers give selflessly of themselves to help individuals with physical and developmental disabilities live productive lives that contribute to the quality of life in their community.

For nearly six decades, Community Living - Central Huron has been meeting the needs of individuals and families with the generous support of community partners.

One of the most successful fundraisers for Community Living is the annual Golf Classic, raising more than $200,000 in ten years and a great percentage of funds raised comes from its annual ticket sales on a grand prize draw.

Again this year, the Benmiller Inn and Spa, has generously donated a romantic two-night getaway in a deluxe suite at the classic inn complete with hot breakfast and two dinners.

For the second year, Benmiller Inn has stepped up as one of the major sponsors for this fundraising event, offering a complete two-night romantic getaway, to raise funds for the agency’s commitment to programs and services for families and individuals in the Goderich - Clinton area.

For Benmiller Inn and Spa General Manager, Monique Wijnsma, the decision to support the local agency and its programs was an easy one to make.

“This is a very worthwhile cause,” Wijnsma said recently at the ticket launch in Benmiller. “It’s so great to be able to support the agency and the programs and services it offers.”

Only 900 tickets, selling for $5 each or 3 for $10, will be available for the June 16, 2017 draw, made at the conclusion of the Annual Charity Golf Classic at Sunset Golf.

Tickets are available from a number of golf committee members in the community or by contacting Community Living - Central Huron at 519-524-7362. Tickets will also be available for sale at the Community Living main office at 267 Suncoast Drive, East.

Proceeds from all community events sponsored by Community Living, financially assist families and individuals in offsetting the costs of programs, respite, special diets and equipment and to provide music therapy and day programs. Last year, the annal golf classic contributed nearly $30,000 towards the purchase of an accessible van, used to transport individuals to community events and activities.

Thank you to staff and volunteers for providing meaningful opportunities

Christmas Bazaar lights up the Activity Centre

Fundraising events in 2017 support programs and services

Community gingerbread house contestBenmiller Inn generously sponsors

Community Living fundraiser

Families and individuals enjoy outings, respite throughout the yearParty, bazaar and mail campaign were all successful ventures in 2016.

Draw for romantic two-night getaway and meals takes place June 16

Benmiller Inn and Spa General Manager, Monique Wijnsma helps Community Living Golf Classic

chairman, Tom Morris, with the launch of the annual draw prize that contributes to the major fundraiser

that supports meaningful improvement in the lives of many of the community’s developmentally challenged

citizens and their families.

Three individuals supported by Employment Services put in great effort increasing a gingerbread house

replica of the administration office and activity centre on Suncoast Drive as well as nine smaller buildings

representing the agency's locations.

The gingerbread creation was entered in a community contest and all submissions were on display at the

Suncoast Mall.

A youngster surveys the work of the group at the mall display.

Story continued on page 4