“THE KOKUA SPIRIT”“Kokua’s Mission is to provide citizens with disabilities the support they need to lead full and meaningful lives.” www.kokuaservices.com

August 10, 2008 Volume 4, Number 8

FUN THINGS TO DO: Lacey Community MarketAugust 9, and Sept 13, 2008, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Huntamer Park in Woodland Square

Olympia’s Music in the Park 8/13, 7pm at Sylvester Park. Ft. Lewis Army concert Band. More information 357-8948

Olympia Harbor Days 8/29 – 8/31, Friday 5-8pm, Saturday and Sunday 10-7 Percival Landing in Olympia. For more information see website: harbordays@comcast.net

Southwest Washington Fair 8/12 – 8/17 (Tuesday thru Sunday) Chehalis, WA For more information, call the fair office (360)740-1495

Pierce County Fair 8/7 – 8/10 (Thursday thru Sunday) at Frontier Park in Graham, WA. More information, call (253)847-4754

Contact us to have your newsletter

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT KOKUA? Jesse W went to see his parents in Vancouver, WA. He got a new mattress and is waiting for his communication board to be programmed. Dean H is enjoying his work at The Farm and really likes attending the MELE sessions. He went to visit his brother in Rochester and had a good time. James M is doing a lot of art work and coloring. He would like to buy a TV and has been looking at them at Wal Mart. Danny C has been reading his tribal newspaper every month with staff. He has been making more connections in the community and is planning to attend some local events this summer. He is also working on building job skills. Charlie B recently had an overnight visit at his parent’s house. He’s been taking advantage of the summer weather with daily bike rides and community outings. He’s also planning some rides with his friend Bill C in the next few weeks. Do you enjoy hanging out at Starbucks, Cutter’s Point, or other coffee houses, listening to music and people watching? John C is looking for a coffee buddy! If you are interested, please contact John’s staff at Carpenter Hills Loop house. Bryan C has been doing well. He had the chance to see the new Batman movie, “The Dark Knight”. He really enjoyed it. Rick F is doing well. He and his staff Tony have been planning Rick’s trip to the San Juan Islands, where he will be going in August. He will be leaving on August 12 and returning August 16. He is very excited. He bought himself a cell phone and a digital camera for the trip. Rick will be back just in time for his birthday on August 17 – Happy Birthday, Rick! John W is doing well, also. He is really enjoying his new job with the DMV. He will be having a birthday in August, too – August 7. Happy Birthday, John! Scott B has been doing a great job with his apartment and his meds. Way to go, Scott! The gentlemen who previously resided at the Hoffman house moved this last month into a new house on Chambers street. The word is that it is a great house – and has a really nice deck. Jack D is still working for Morningside. His hours were just recently increased, so he’ll be working an extra 2 hours every day. Gene W is doing well. He’s still enjoying his woodcarving class that he takes at the Senior Center. Ed W. is still painting. He has a good supply of paintings hanging around his house that are for sale ($40 each). Give him a call at the Chambers St. house if you’d like to view his “gallery”. Gary W is having a birthday on August 4th. Gary spent a recent weekend visiting his family and had a great time. Jeff D is excited about swimming again soon and about his new wetsuit. All the ladies at the 22nd house have been looking forward to the Kokua picnic. Cecelia M has been enjoying the weather and helping staff and her roommates. Maggie P has been a consistent winner at Senior Center Bingo! She also seems to enjoy staff assisting with styling her hair. Beverly G had a blast in Everett and says Dave, aka “the boy” is planning to come down for a visit! Manuela C continues to practice her computer skills. She also went to visit her “buddy” for

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delivered by e-mail. Contact us: (360) 705- 4665 or e-mail sally@kokuaservices.com

NEW FACES AT KOKUASeveral new employees joined Kokua’s ranks this last month:

Derik Solberg will be working at the 25th Loop House. Derik was born in Nuernberg, Germany and enjoys football, watching WPT (world poker tour) and card games.Amanda (Mandi) Conwell was born and raised in Olympia and loves photography, being outdoors and spending time with friends and family.Sarah Jensen will be working as a fill-in. She was born in Portland, Oregon. She enjoys going to Mariner Games and spending time with her family.Amanda Harris was born in Chicago, IL. She will be working in the Angela House for now. She enjoys kickboxing, making jewelry, and “watching any movies that aren’t chick flicks.”Gina Grocott is a native of Olympia. She’ll be working at the 22nd House. She played soccer for 13 years and enjoys making necklaces, puzzles and drawing.Noreen Tangredi was born in Bronx, NY. She has 2 Yorkie dogs that are her spoiled babies. She loves to cook and create new, original meals. She enjoys fashion, jewelry and shoes (to a fault!) She likes exploring new areas, antiquing, window shopping, gardening and riding her bicycle. She likes to make people laugh and looks forward to getting to know everyone at Kokua and building new friendships.Welcome to all new employees – we’re glad you’ve joined us!

REMEMBER “OPEN SWIM” FOR SUMMER

lunch in Centralia. Bill C had a birthday last Sunday and celebrated with a small party with cake and ice cream in his home. The previous week, Bill played softball at the Special Olympics and his team won 2nd place in the regional games and he won

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What’s Happening at Kokua, Continued from page 1

a silver medal. Congratulations, Bill! Following are a few pictures from the game.

KOKUA KUDOS“Everyone appreciates being appreciated. Try to catch people red-handed in the act of doing something right – and praise them for it.” A gigantic THANK YOU! to Amanda Cordero, Jill Ralph, Sara Chafe, MaryAnn Yarber, Wendy Yarber, Sean Bonneprise and Juleene Jenkins for being so willing to fill open shifts for Independent Living Team A. You guys are amazing. I appreciate your hard work! From Nicky Crow Thanks to Yolanda Worrall for acting as Team Leader at the Carpenter Hills house on the days Hana is attending school. From Judy Cline Thank you to my teammates for covering my shifts when we broke down while out of town. From Oline Horton Tracy Baum – we wish you a speedy recovery from your foot surgery. You will be missed. Dawn Stewart – thanks for all your hard work. We hate to see you go. Good luck in school and all that you do. Keep in touch! From the 25th Loop Team Kudos to Andy Wedlund and Mick Gallagher for making Danny’s first DECOD visit a success. I appreciate your willingness to “go the distance” to make this happen. Kudos to every single staff member on the Carpenter Hills team. You all have really pulled together to cover open shifts and ensure the clients needs are met. I appreciate your unity, effort and teamwork. I’m thankful I work with such great people! WELCOME! To Morgan Picton and Sunshine Rhodes – you are great additions to the Carpenter Hills team and Kokua as a whole. From the Carpenter Hills Loop Team. I’d like to give kudos to all the Kokua staff – everyone does an excellent job – whether you’re in the office or out in the houses. Special kudos to Valarie, our Mental Health Specialist, (and also extra kudos to Lisa Nelson, because she made me do it.) Great job, everyone. From Tony Benavente Thank you so much to everyone who helped out with the Hoffman house move. Sean and Valarie for leading the moving team on move day. Diane for making the arrangements for the movers and the truck, Chris for getting the new refrigerator, Rose for getting all the services turned on, Mary Ann, Cary, Carol and Valarie for cleaning at the Hoffman house, Cary,  Andy, Nathan, Nicky and Crystal for helping with the unpacking at the new house, and all the Hoffman staff for getting things packed up and ready to move and getting the guys settled in the new house. I hope I didn't miss anyone. I really appreciate all of your hard work. From Judy Cline Kudos to the Chambers house team and everyone who helped with the

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SWIMMINGLacey Parks is sponsoring “Open Swim” this summer – at River Ridge Pool. It will be held thru 8/22, 1-3pm,Mon thru Sat. The pool has a hydro-lift (basket-type) to lift or lower swimmers into the pool. More info, call 491-0857

NEWS FROM PREVIOUS KOKUA EMPLOYEE

We got a note from Brittany Levesque, who now lives in Pasadena, CA. She got a part as an extra on the show “Cold Case”. She plays the part of a 70’s disco roller skater in a bright red dress. The show is to be aired in October as either the 2nd or 4th episode and it’s called “Roller Girl”. Watch the show and watch for Brittany!

THE GAMBLING SCARECROWS If you were lucky enough to be at the Lacey Music in the Park performance on July 30th, you enjoyed the rollicking country music of the Gambling Scarecrows.  The drummer for this fine group was none other than Kokua's own Devin Giles.  Devin is co-leader of Kokua's music program, MELE. 

NEW TEAM FORMING! Kokua has been chosen to provide support for two young ladies who are recent high school graduates. One of the ladies from the current

move-- Good Job! Thanks. From Nathan Sanchelli Sara Chafe, Lakeisha Allen and Andrea Membreno – thanks for being there and for all you do! From David Raddatz Kudos to the 22nd team for being patient while we train our new staff. Thanks to Sally for being so helpful with that card! Also thanks to the Resource Team for assistance with outings, rides and planning the picnic! Thanks Lynn for always coming through in a pinch, and BIG thanks to all who helped fill-in! From Mel Smith A heartfelt thanks to Crystal Pogue for going above & beyond at the last minute to ensure all who wanted to attend the picnic could be there. Thank you for making a difference! From Diane Lamb

EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE AWARDS FOR AUGUST 2008Independent Living Team A is recognized for all the fill-in shifts they have been doing.  Everyone has gone far beyond the call of duty to ensure that clients are taken care of. Great job team! 

Jill Ralph is appreciated for teaching the sign language class and providing the skills needed to help staff communicate successfully with clients. Moreover, Jill is very thorough about documentation and proper follow up on client concerns. Thank you Jill!

Choua Chhim is recognized for her dependability and for the quality of care she provides clients.   Kokua appreciates Choua’s strong work ethic. Excellent Job!

Theresa Sheadel is recognized for providing quality care to clients and supporting her teammates during a staff shortage, all with a smile and happy disposition. Thank you Theresa!

KOKUA TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE The transportation committee has completed it’s first meeting and has come up with numerous ways to save the company money and increase the independence of our clients.  The goals are set and subsequent meetings will be held to delve into data collection and troubleshooting.  The changes recommended by the committee will be thoroughly examined and put through trial runs before implementing as company policy.  We look forward to the future of independent transportation and the utilization of need-based assistance.  Whoo hoo!

Volunteer Program Update Welcome Diane Grossman to Kokua. Diane met Denise H and Donna, her mother, at the open Board meeting last month and has since completed her volunteer training. Denise and Diane go swimming together at the YMCA. We are glad you are a Buddy! Thank you also to Judy Murphy, Don Murphy, Linda Murphy, Kitty Center, Pat Clark, Terry Steinbrugger, Candy Zhao, Sandy Wilson, Tammy Stark, Elisabeth Schafer and Renuka Vallarapu.  

Cooking Class. Our cooking class with Elisabeth Schafer will resume on Wednesday, September 24. Not only are the classes fun but they are recipes that you will want to cook again and again at home. If you would like to join, please call Cary at the office at 705.4665 ext 108.

Shop at Ralph’s or Bayview Thriftway and Help 3

household on 54th will be moving into the new home to make it a threesome. The house is located on 28th Avenue in Lacey, within walking distance to Wonderwood Park. It is a lovely home on a quiet street. Tracey Moog will be Team Leader for the new team.

KOKUA EMPLOYEES:

If you’re feeling weighed down with: Family Problems, Stress, Anger, Job Concerns, Alcohol orDrug Problems, Depression or Anxiety, Parenting, Grief, or Relationship Problems, you’re covered by:Employee Assistance Service Call 493-7867

RECRUIT NEW EMPLOYEES FOR KOKUA AND EARN $$

Kokua is still giving out bonuses for referrals. Here’s how it works.Talk to people you know who you think would make great Kokua team members. Give them an application or Kokua’s phone number with Dominique’s extension #105. Have them tell Dominique that you’ve referred them. She will complete a referral form so you can get the credit for the referral. (A referral form must be completed and in the new employee’s file for you to receive the bonus.) If your referral is hired and completes the 90 day probation period, you will receive a $50.00 cash bonus. If your referral remains a Kokua employee for a year, you will receive a $100.00 cash bonus. We have several employees who have already

Support Kokua Stormans Inc. believes strongly in giving back to the community and has provided Kokua with “Community Rebate Cards”. Whenever a purchase is made with the card, 1% of the total purchase will go back to Kokua. It’s that simple! I would be happy to mail cards to you and if you want to get a few extra for friends and family that would be great too! Kokua thanks you for your help.Cary Richardson, Volunteer and Internship Coordinatorcary@kokuaservices.com or 360.705.4665 ext. 108

KOKUA COOKSGO GREEN!Submitted by Chris Rasmussen-Barsanti

In summertime fresh greens are abundant and reasonably inexpensive. We could learn a lot from our grandparents for who ate “greens” on a regular basis. Ounce for ounce they are the most nutritious food available in the local grocery.

The most commonly available greens are spinach and Swiss chard. Here are a couple of easy recipes for including in your summertime fare.

Hot Spinach Salad

1 10 ounce bag of fresh spinach3 small red potatoes, cooked and diced2 hard cooked eggs, sliced½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms (optional)½ small red onion, diced3 bacon strips, diced½ teaspoon cornstarch¼ cup apple juice2 tablespoons vinegar1 tablespoon sugarSalt and pepper to taste

In a bowl, combine the spinach, potatoes, mushrooms and eggs. In a skillet cook the diced bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and drain on a paper towel. Sauté the onion in the drippings until tender. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel. Remove the skillet from the heat. In a measuring cup combine the cornstarch, apple juice, vinegar and sugar. Stir until smooth, then pour into the skillet and mix with the drippings. Put skillet over low heat and stir constantly until the mixture thickens. Pour over the salad, mix and serve.

Swiss Chard Italian Style

2 tablespoons of butter2 tablespoons of olive oil1 tablespoon of minced garlic½ small red onion, dicedJuice of one fresh lemon4 tablespoons of water1 bunch of Swiss chard, washed and coarsely chopped3 tablespoons Parmesan cheeseSalt and pepper to taste

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received their $50.00 bonus for referred employees, and they’re on their way to receiving that $100.00 bonus!

EXTRA HELP NEEDED

Kokua Employees: As many of you are aware, some teams are very short staffed right now. Anyone who is interested in extra hours and is willing to get trained in other homes, please contact Andria Membreno at 705-4665 ext 120. Thank you.

Heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the chard, water and lemon juice. Cover and cook until wilted. Add a tablespoon or two of additional water if needed during cooking. Stir in the cheese and serve. _______________________________________________________WARNING: PUNS AHEAD!

- Energizer Bunny arrested; charged with battery.- A pessimist’s blood type is always b-negative.- Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?- A gossip is someone with a great sense of rumor.- Reading whilst sunbathing makes you well-red.- Without geometry, life is pointless.- When you dream in color, it’s a pigment of your imagination.- Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana- Shotgun wedding: A case of wife or death.

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KOKUA’S PICNIC WAS “MAGICAL” Kokua’s annual picnic was held August 6 at the Tumwater Historical Park. The weather cooperated and it was a beautiful, sunny day. We had a large turnout of clients, family, friends and staff who enjoyed the good food and amazing entertainment. Thanks to everyone for bringing the delicious food. We’d also like to thank everyone for their help setting up, serving and cleaning. A special thanks to Brandy Hahn for helping the Resource Team for the day. Thank you to Tony Benavente for providing his sound system for the day. The entertainment began early with a steady stream of singing on the microphone by James Martin, Bryan Crabbe, Kim Rodriguez, Sue Walden and Cecelia Meyers. There was also lots of jamming on instruments by Keith Wilcox, Beverly Gibson, Jeff Dean, Mike Craig and Derek Escabi.

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Special thanks go to our guest performer, Master Magician Jeff Evans, who bedazzled the crowd with his amazing and really, really funny performance. His show had everyone laughing, enjoying themselves, and shaking their heads in wonder at his astounding magical abilities. His presentation is “interactive”, so many attendees assisted Mr. Evans in his performance including Kim Rodriguez, Beverly Gibson, (who’s ring was polished by the “ring polishing machine” that was invented by Mr. Evans). Cecelia Meyers, Laurie Holman and Lisa Nelson also offered their assistance.

Mr. Evans works as a part of AMAZEMENT PRODUCTIONS out of Tacoma. They provide entertainment for both private and corporate events by appointment. You can view samples of some of their shows on their website at www.amazementproductions.com. Thanks again to Mr. Evans for an Amazing Presentation!Below are pictures from the Jeff Evans’ performance and picnic pictures are featured on page 6.

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