1) APRIL EDITION OF THE BUZZ NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE
2) RMHC SUPPORTS COMPUTER LITERACY
3) THIRD ANNUAL ROGER DODGER JUNE 1-3
4) VISIONING DAY FRIDAY JUNE 9
5) SUMMER BLAST-OFF BBQ POOL PARTY SATURDAY JUNE 10
6) ENGINES OF SUCCESS BANQUET WEDNESDAY JUNE 20
APRIL EDITION OF THE BUZZ NEWSLETTER NOW AVAILABLE
Those on the LWP mailing list should already have their copy in hand, but those who are new to LiveWorkPlay or would prefer to read it online can go to http://liveworkplay.ca/BUZZ and view the current edition as well as a selection past editions. There are a dozen stories in the current issue featuring lots of great photographs.
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES SUPPORTS COMPUTER LITERACY
Ronald McDonald House Charities has announced a grant of more than $13,000 in support of technology upgrades and additions to the LiveWorkPlay Internet Centre (LWPIC). The improvements will include the purchase of LCD monitors as well as replacement of some computer towers that are more than five years old. The LWPIC continues with heavy use from SMILE participants but is now frequented on Friday nights by Journeys enthusiasts.The computer centre will also be a part of the ACES summer learning program starting in July. For the first time ACES participants (ages 13-20) will have LiveWorkPlay email accounts that they will be able to access onsite but also from home. This supports self-advocacy for participants by providing them additional means to keep track of their schedule and new developments with lesser reliance on parents and staff.
THIRD ANNUAL ROGER DODGER JUNE 1-3
The third Annual Roger Dodger Volleyball Tournament is set for Friday, June 1 – Sunday, June 3, once again at the Tay River Tent & Trailer Park in beautiful Perth, Ontario (see www.taypark.com). The tournament benefits LWP, but the entire affair is organized and managed by volunteers without involvement of LiveWorkPlay staff. The event name comes from Roger Albert, grandfather of Sarah Albert, a SMILE participant at LWP. LWP family, friends, staff and volunteers are invited to participate by putting together their own teams, or enjoy watching the games from the bleachers, and tuck in to mac and cheese with baked beans. Contact rona@magma.ca to register!
VISIONING DAY FRIDAY JUNE 9
First on the June event schedule comes Visioning Day on the morning of Saturday, June 9. Attendance is crucial for participants and family members who want to contribute to the continuing improvement of the LiveWorkPlay organization. RSVP forms should arrive at every household by the end of this week. Please complete them and return them to the office asap to help staff organize the event appropriately.
Last year’s Visioning Day provided critical information about LiveWorkPlay progress with respect to self-advocacy, and one important outcome was the Self-Advocacy In Action conference in November 2006. Positive outcomes from the conference are still being reported. Find out more about Visioning Day at http://liveworkplay.ca/VISIONINGDAY
SUMMER BLAST-OFF BBQ POOL PARTY SATURDAY JUNE 10After the intensity of Visioning Day, this is a day for nothing but fun. There’s no agenda, and no reports will be issued. Enjoy a swim, take part in a cannonball contest, or just chill on a lawn chair enjoying delicious barbecue favourites. It’s up to you! Please return the RSVP form so the right amount of food and drinks will be on hand. Find out more about the Pool Party athttp://liveworkplay.ca/POOLPARTY
ENGINES OF SUCCESS BANQUET WEDNESDAY JUNE 20
The Engines of Success Recognition Banquet was developed as a means of including the entire LiveWorkPlay community and all of its supporters in a celebration of the year’s achievements. For program participants it is an opportunity to practice public speaking and take the spotlight to share their accomplishments in front of peers and family. It is also a rare opportunity to give a public thank you to the many dedicated LiveWorkPlay volunteers who contribute their time and energy to LWP programs and events.
For private sector, public sector, and non-profit partners it is a chance to see firsthand what their contributions mean to the LiveWorkPlay community and to be recognized for their important role in making it all happen.
As with last year, there will be some short films released for the first time. Last year’s “Out Of The Box” video was a huge success, and has been downloaded from the LWP website thousands of times by individuals and organizations across the world. Will this year’s video releases be just as popular? Come on out on June 20 and be the first to see them. Please RSVP as soon as possible, as seating at Lakeside Gardens is limited. Find our more about the banquet at http://liveworkplay.ca/ENGINES
SUPPORT LIVEWORKPLAY: MAKE A DONATION
LiveWorkPlay is working hard to help people with intellectual disabilitiesenjoy a better quality of life. Please help support these efforts with acharitable contribution to LiveWorkPlay. Donate online with 0%administration fees at:http://canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=76323&Language=en(if the above link does not work please use: http://tinyurl.com/63m8u)You can also direct all or part of your United Way contribution toLiveWorkPlay. Please see http://liveworkplay.ca/UNITEDWAY for adonation form.Donation cheques can be addressed to:LiveWorkPlay153 Chapel Street, Suite 300Ottawa, ON K1N 1H5Telephone contributions:Julie Kingstone, 235-9550 x 222 Thank You
SMILE = Skills and More for Independent Living and Employment (ages 21+)
SMILE-TOG = SMILE – The Original Generation (older SMILE participants)
SMILE-TNG = SMILE – The Next Generation (younger SMILE participants)
ACES = Active Community Experiences in Summer (ages 13-20)
Journeys = ages 13-21 and still in school