Feature Article October 10, 2001
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Community
Living North Frontenac celebrates 25 years of supports to the
communityby
David BrisonCommunity
Living has been in existence for 25 years providing supports for
the developmentally delayed in order that they can, according to
Executive Director Don Nielsen, Have an equal opportunity to
participate and share in the community.
That history, summarized in a series of recent articles in The News
(and now online in the NewsWeb where they can be accessed easily), was
celebrated at the associations annual general meeting on September
20.
Board President Bob Miller acknowledged the 2000-2001 board: Vice
President Winton Roberts (who has been a member of the board for the
last seven years and will serve again); Treasurer Bruce Geddes;
Secretary Ann Otonicar; Directors Patty Hallgren, Kevin Raison, and
Chris Henderson; and consumer representative Melvin Lapointe.
A program highlight was a one-man play, Cecils
Dream Vacation performed by Ron Flaro a moving (and funny)
account of one mans quest for a job as a street cleaner, which he
landed, and his dream vacation in Toronto where he was able to do all
those things that others didnt think he could do on his own (he
wasnt sure he could himself).
Keith Powell from North Pickering, representing the Ontario Community
Living associations, commented, Sharbot
Lake has many things that they have done very well.
They seem to have avoided the mistakes made by many such as
thinking that there is a substitute for the family.
Keith also showed the audience copies of recent association posters
which sum up what community living organizations try to accomplish.
The posters show an adult, with sayings such as, Scott
just turned 37 and he finally got a real job imagine how he feels.
The Employee Excellence Award was given to Joe Jarvis, and a Ten Year
Service award was presented to Deb Ryckman.
Winton Roberts, on behalf of the board, awarded an Honorary Life
Membership to Bob Miller. Winton
praised Bobs leadership abilities, Bob believes in harmony
he listens, keeps people together, and then gets them to act. He is a good person to have as President.
Winton then (at what I would guess to be a height of 5 ft. 3 inches)
stood on a chair to have his picture taken with Bob Miller (who I
would peg at 6 ft. 4 inches). With
the help of the chair, he actually was able to look down on Bob.
Don Nielsen reported on the health of the association and concluded
his comments by saying that he was pleased to be able to return full
time to the association. He
has been seconded half time to an association in Napanee, but is now
returning.
As a final fitting touch, Steve Butler said to all those present,
Thanks for putting me in my new apartment its so cool.Check out previous articles on the
history of Community Living.
