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SPIRIT NEWSLETTER - June 1997
Chairperson's Message
I recently had what may have been the most incredible experience of my life! Many of you may know that I have been spending a lot of time on the Internet over the past two years. I have quite a few e-mail pals and, contrary to what some people think, the people out there in cyberspace are wonderful! Unfortunately, the media only draws attention to the negative things that can happen with the Internet. That is one reason that I would like to share my story.
I have been corresponding with a particular e-mail pal in Holland for about one and a half years. A few weeks ago, he wrote to me saying that he would like to visit me. He wrote that he could get a good deal on a flight if he could come in two weeks. He wanted to know if it was okay with me for him to come, and he needed to know by the next day. Well, I did not know how to handle the situation! I had heard about some of the negative things that could happen through the Internet, and I did not want to have a negative experience. On the other hand, I did not want to pass up the opportunity to meet a new person and possibly have a great experience. So, after consulting with a few people, I decided to "take the plunge." I wrote to him and let him know that I would love to meet him.
After further e-mailing, we agreed that we would meet at my parents' home in Niagara Falls. I would have gone home that weekend anyway, and I thought that by meeting him there, we would both feel less awkward.
He arrived on the Victoria Day weekend. I was both very nervous and very excited. I worried that we might not like each other, since I knew that writing to each other was not necessarily the same as dealing with each other in person. However, when he arrived at my parents' house, I could sense that things would be okay.
The next seven days were incredible! Initially, this gentleman and I felt a bit awkward with each other, as many people do when they first meet. Being at my parents' home took some of the pressure off of the two of us to get along. But then we returned to Kitchener, and I was very nervous about how things would work out.
We spent the rest of the week together and I felt a lot of different things that week. At first, I felt very strange about being with someone all day. I have lived alone for 15 years, so it took some adjusting to being with someone all day. But that feeling was quickly replaced by a very comfortable feeling. Near the end of the week, I could not help wondering if this was what it felt like to be married! I thought "If this is what it feels like to be married, it's not at all a bad feeling!" I felt so comfortable with this person. I was not at all self-conscious with him, and I found that very unusual.
The day came for him to leave and as soon as we said our good-byes, I began to feel very lonely. I sent him an e-mail before his plane had even left the ground!!! He has been home now for a few weeks and we have been e-mailing every day, sometimes for several hours at a time. We have developed a very special bond and I am savouring every moment of it.
He is hoping to come back again soon, possibly in September, and I am looking forward to that. I cannot help thinking that if I had not allowed him to visit, I would not have had this wonderful experience.
The moral of this story is - take risks. Be open to new things. You might be pleasantly surprised. Yes, it's scary to take risks but without them, life would be boring. For those of you who do not have an Internet account, I strongly encourage you to get one. If you have a disability and have a membership with K-W Access-Ability, you can get an Internet account through the agency at no charge. What could be better?! You might not have the same experiences that I am having, but if you don't try it, you'll never know! The Internet has enriched my life more than words can say, and I hope it will do the same for you!
Stay tuned for the next chapter in the story of my Internet life!
Joyce Nieuwesteeg
Chairperson
IN MEMORIAM
A LIFE
I breathe, I sleep, I wake, I die.
I breathe to live a life,
A life of irrational reality
Where love and hate are masked
By my own hypocrisy.
I sleep to dream a life,
A life of irrational prose
Where marked significance cries
As the only thorn upon the rose.
I wake to see a life,
A life blinding to my eye
Burning a retinal image clear;
Echoing the solemn word, die.
I die to leave a life,
A life uncertain in space
Where time is warped and free?
A chained tear falls from my face.
Hans Volker Boehme
1947 - 1997
Beatrice (Bunny) Waechter
Bunny passed away at her home on May 29, 1997. Bunny was an advocate for improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities. Her many accomplishments include the formation of ALPHA K-W (Action League for Physically Handicapped Adults), initiating "travel tips" & founding the "Employer of the Year" award (while employed as Community Development Manager for the Ontario March of Dimes). She was one of the three founding members of the Shamrock Housing Cooperative, the first of its kind in Canada to incorporate 24 hour attendant care along with individual accessible units.
Executive Director's Address
"Summer's here, and the time is right for dancing in the street"
As soon as the weather begins to turn warmer, we begin to feel brighter and more energetic. Well, get ready for action this summer, because we have a great summer staff ready to work with you. With a few surprises thrown in for good measure, this could be the best summer yet!
You will notice that Rita Rudolph and Bill Zebedee are involved in a multitude of projects. Our agency needs to raise money and we need your help. If you can help out, please do. If you have friends or relatives who might be willing to work Bingos for us, please ask them. Thank you to those who have assisted with Zehr's tapes, and selling of tickets, we appreciate your help.
While during the recent Federal Election, the economic forecast was for a bright future, we in Ontario still have yet to face the full impact of many of the changes. One change which concerns me deeply is the funding responsibility for transportation services such as Project Lift. As of January 1, 1998, responsibility of funding of transportation services will no longer be shared by the province and the municipality. The municipality will no longer fund education. Instead Kitchener and Waterloo will be responsible for funding areas formerly under provincial jurisdiction, including transportation. What kind of commitment do members of the Councils of Kitchener and Waterloo have to barrier free transportation for citizens who cannot use the conventional transit system. With a municipal election coming up in November 1997, it would seem vital to our community to find out the support which we might expect from various candidates. I know that this is information I wish to have before I vote.
As you will notice under "upcoming events", our Annual General Meeting has been rescheduled for September 4th. I hope all of you will come out and join us for the evening.
I hope everyone has a wonderful summer. I know you will if you get involved in our Summer Programme '97.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to United Way for their continued support, this year and in the past.
- Chris B. Hodnett
GREETINGS FROM YOUR SUMMER STAFF
Hi!! Welcome to our Summer Programme for 1997. Amanda, Karyn, Natalie and I are looking forward to a great summer of new and exciting experiences. I am studying Recreation Therapy at the University of Waterloo and I'm sure that this summer will provide me with excellent opportunities to learn from you and, most importantly, have a fantastic time.
- Shannon Hebblethwaite
Summer Programme Supervisor
Hello. My name is Amanda Soikie and I will be working with you throughout the summer in the Recreation Programme. I'm a student at Queen's University and I am currently working towards my BA H in Biology and Women's Studies. I'm looking forward to meeting you all and having a fantastic summer together.
It's finally summer! My name is Karyn Thompson and I am one of the Recreation Workers who have been hired to execute the Summer Recreation Programme. Currently, I am a senior student in the Outreach Program at Sheridan College in Brampton. I am looking forward to meeting all of you and participating in the numerous events offered by K-W Access-Ability. I am positive that this summer will be one for the history books. See you at the events!
Hi. My name is Natalie Tewfik and I'm very excited to be one of the Summer Recreation Workers at K-W Access-Ability this year. I attend the University of Waterloo, work and am active within the community. I look forward to meeting you, getting to know you and I hope for a fabulous summer full of great new experiences.
P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK News
Greetings once again from P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK.
Spring cleaning went well this year. With the help of our volunteers, we reorganized the P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK area to free up more storage space, as well as to provide for greater accessibility and safety. We also sorted and took inventory of our hardware, software, and adapter cards. A database to track at a glance the programs on all of our computers has recently been developed by one of our volunteers.
The Kurzweil Reader is once again up and running smoothly, allowing students who have limited eyesight to scan and read magazine articles or books. As well, the laser printer can now be directly accessed from three of our computers. The waiting list for loaner computer systems for home Internet access continues to grow.
National Access Awareness Week was a great success this year. P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK members and volunteers were directly involved in the days set aside for education and employment issues. Also on hand were representatives and displays from the Waterloo County Board of Education, Wilfrid Laurier's Special Needs Office, the University of Waterloo's Office for Students with Disabilities, the Children's Rotary Centre, the Worker's Compensation Board, CNIB, and Vocational Rehabilitation services.
A pizza party to honour our long time volunteers, and to unveil our new Pentium computer and Video Conferencing system was held in May. Since then our volunteer base has increased even more, both in the number of volunteers and in the range of talents they bring to our programme. As spaces have become available, there have been a number of individuals who have been pleased to be moved from the list of pending students to full student status.
It has been helpful and appreciated by us when volunteers (or students with independent status) take the time to update the daily session progress report. A few moments effort on everyone's part saves all of us time in the long run.
We understand that some students may wish to partake of the summer weather, and that their schedules may need be accommodated. That's not a problem, but please let us know so that others may use the computers. And beyond all that, here's wishing everyone a great summer!
-Ronald Fleming
Message from the Webmaster:
Our web site on the Internet is currently being reorganized and hopefully improved on. New things are being added. Plans for the future include a "Creativity Corner" where members of K-W Access-Ability can display their poetry and other short writings. Members are welcome to submit their material any time they have something ready. Submissions are to be given directly to Kathryn Cowan or e-mail her at kcowan@kwa.on.ca. If you would like to learn more about the Internet and the World Wide Web, please contact Ron Fleming, Manager of P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK.
STAFF NOTES
Hi, my name is Dubravka Metikos. I have been with K-W Access-Ability for almost four months as Administrative Assistant. The time has passed quickly for me, especially during the first month when I learned about the agency and met a lot of new people.
I am working on our membership and volunteer database and collecting missing membership and volunteer forms. Some of you I have already met when I asked you for fill out a form, so you know this part of my job. I am also working on statistics and a lot of other things.
I am glad that I had chance to attend Hockey Night on April 5th, 1997. Our team played against Conestoga-Rovers and, of course, won. It was nice sport night with a lot of fun.
I am really happy that I am working at K-W Access-Ability. I am enjoying my job and all the people I meet in our agency.
- Dubravka Metikos
Hi, this is your trusted (and persistent) Fund Development Coordinator, Rita Rudolph. I am still very glad to be working with K-W Access-Ability being challenged with this enormous task! Everyone has been very supportive, and helpful, providing me with excellent ideas. Please continue your interest in our activities. I enjoy talking with each of you about your ideas.
Fund Developing takes a lot of time, planning and preparation. The Fund Raising Committee has met several times, and organized our ideas. Many of these ideas will be not be noticed until next year!
Throughout this newsletter you will notice several events coming up. I would like to encourage you to continue to support and participate with all of our programmes. I look forward to seeing everyone soon!
During National Access Awareness Week, I spent Thursday dealing with recreational issues. We had a busy display upstairs in the mall talking about our craft group, music therapy, Easter Seals, Central Ontario Developmental Riding Program, our new tandem bike club, and of course, HOCKEY! I would like to thank volunteers: Denise Beaumont (from Easter Seals), Jerome Hawco (from C.O.D.R.P.), Joanne Lang (our talented crafts teacher) for spending their time speaking to the public on this sunny day!
As well on this day, the Tri-City Storm played a challenging game at the Waterloo Recreation Complex with a local media celebrity team! Players on the media team were from CKMS, CKCO-TV, and CHYM-FM. Even though they lost, we hope that they enjoyed the evening as much as we did! Thank you to our fans for coming out to cheer for us!
- Rita Rudolph
HOCKEY NIGHT at CRA was on Saturday, April 5. The Tri-City Storm electric wheelchair hockey team played an exciting (and entertaining) game with the CRA Partners. The Tri-City Storm won the game 2-0 with some incredible help from our guest player Ted Scharf. We enjoyed our post-game food and festivities at Fed Hall at the University of Waterloo. Conestoga Rovers & Associates are very generous to K-W Access-Ability and donated $3500 to us. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them again for their wonderful and continuous support. That evening Michael Hulme won our first 50/50 draw. We greatly appreciated everyone who sold and purchased tickets. Hopefully, the rest of us will have better luck winning our future 50/50 draws!
K-W Access-Ability will soon be opening an arts and crafts store! Please come and see us. There will be a wide variety of items for sale, made by our members, at reasonable prices! In about a month you will see items for sale in our display window. Come visit!
We are still accepting Zehrs receipts. Each $450.00 of receipts will give K-W Access-Ability $1.00. So far we have submitted over $44,000.00 to Zehrs which has generated $50.00 for us. Please keep bringing them into the office and we'll keep giving them over to Zehrs. Thanks to everyone who has brought them in so far. Find 2 others to save their receipts. Please print your name on the back of your tapes (or bundle) when you bring them to the office. We will be making monthly updates to calculate which member brings the most Zehrs receipts for the summer!
Maple Lane & Beatrice milk bags are still being accepted at the office. Bill & Rita's desks are full of them and they are expecting the mound to be so big that they won't be able to see you come into the office with your next load. So keep them coming. We get one cent for every milk bag returned.
Interested in flying and photography? Ever hear of Carl Heibert? Would you like to see some of the great pictures he took during his cross-Canada flight by ultralight? We still have one of his books on sale here which we are selling for $50.00 + tax. If you are interested in seeing the pictures or purchasing the book, come to the office!
We are even helping other organizations with their fundraisers. We have information on the United Way's Slopitch Tournament; the Canadian Hearing Society's Mini-golf Tournament; and the Rotary Centre's 10km Classic Road Race. No doubt we'll have more posted in the office by the time you get this newsletter, so come and ask about them!
On July 31 & August 1, we will be having volunteers stationed outside various Zehrs locations in the area asking for Zehrs receipts and providing information on K-W Access-Ability. If you have a couple of hours to spare, please contact Bill or Rita and let them know. We are looking for volunteers to help. The locations that we are looking at are Waterloo Town Square, Stanley Park, Beechwood, Conestoga Mall and Highland Mills. If you live near these places and would like to volunteer, please let us know.
This summer we will be selling MacMillan's products. We will be selling cookie and muffin batters, as well as various meat products (wieners, burgers, chicken, freezer jams and fruit pies). K-W Access-Ability has sold MacMillan's products before. Everyone seemed pleased with their food. Products ordered before August 11 will be delivered to the office on August 25. Please call us if you are willing to buy or sell this great food.
Desperately Seeking Bingo Volunteers
K-W Access-Ability is in need of volunteers to work our Bingos. If you have experience with Bingos or have family or friends you think may be interested in supporting the agency, please give us a call. Fundraising is a new reality of 90's and we need your assistance.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Walter Werner, a caricature artist from KW, has offered to setup a table in Waterloo Town Square to sell his wares. He will be selling his art and giving us all the profit. Walter will in the mall on June 18, 19 & 20. His stuff is great, come see him and buy some of his stuff.
JOIN US FOR AN EVENING AT THE RACES!!
K-W Access-Ability is holding a very special fundraising event. We are teaming up with Elmira Raceway for a Fun Racing Day on Monday, June 23 at 6:00 pm. The total cost is $20.00 per person and all the proceeds will go to our services and programmes.
Included in the cost is a delicious home cooked meal with your choice of roast beef or roast turkey, assorted vegetables, rolls and salad, baked potato or rice, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, homemade fruit and lemon meringue pies.
Also included is a free racing program and knowledgeable Raceway staff to assist you in your betting. Racing at Elmira is now being broadcasted live to over 60 locations around the province, so the racing should be very exciting.
If you, your family and friends are interested in attending this exciting event, please call the office (885-6640) and talk to Rita or Bill. There are a limited number of tickets available so don't wait! For those people needing transportation, there is a limited number of accessible seating available to and from the raceway. Please call before June 20 to reserve your ride!
K-W Access-Ability is holding our 7th Annual "WHEELS ON ICE" - Electric Wheelchair Hockey School.
It will be on August 9th and 10th (Saturday & Sunday) at the Columbia Ice Fields at the University of Waterloo. We are looking for male and female athletes who use standard electric wheelchairs and who are interested in learning or improving their hockey skills. Athletes from Ontario, Quebec and U.S.A. are invited.
Instructors invited are local and national player and coaches. To register or for more information, please call Chris or Rita at 885-6640.
Thursday, September 4, 1997 (rescheduled from June 12, 1997 - Come out and join your friends at K-W Access-Ability's Annual General Meeting. Meeting takes place at the Viewing Lounge, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium Complex and begins at 7:30 pm.
The Bluebird and The Dove
These are 2 of my favourite kinds of birds. They make me feel free and alive. I think of Doves a lot. They are very special to me. I dream of Doves set free at a wedding. The Dove is a symbol of Love. Doves are very peaceful. Doves sometimes help with magic. Doves are very pretty and they're white. Doves are also a symbol of friendship. I think the Doves are pretty and they're rare too. It's easy to describe Doves. They are used to show beauty. They don't bite. They are very expensive. They are hard to get. They show a sense of freedom. They are hard to get. They show a sense of freedom. There are not too many in this world. Poachers like to try and catch them. They are hard to get a hold of. The Dove is friendly. I wish I had a Dove. I don't know how to take care of them. I see Doves a lot on television. Doves are happy birds.
Bluebirds are peaceful too. They are a lot like the Dove. The only difference is the colour. They don't bite. They are very friendly. I find the Bluebird and the Dove a lot alike but I never dream of Bluebirds. It's just of Doves and Men.
- Jenny Scott
I Was Just Thinking
I sit here alone today. in my favourite old chair,
And from the living room window I alone do stare.
The green blowing summer grass does silently grow,
Soon to be covered with a blanket of soft snow,
And the coloured leaves, from the maple trees so tall
Will slowly disappear at the first sign of fall.
My health is failing, my life is changing for me.
Depressed and scared, and my family could see.
I had to keep my mind and strength,for a new life.
For I have four grandchildren, and a loving wife.
But I felt life was over, until I started to school.
From things I have learned, I realize I was a fool.
Life was to be cut short, this was going to be the end.
No one seem to care, until one day I met a friend.
This is a small school, a place for the misfortunate,
Disabled persons. the ones that we often forget.
Sometimes this life will not always treat us right.
Remain strong, stand up, and never give up the fight.
Because in this great big world, you will see by far.
That there will always be someone worse than you are.
As sure as there is a heaven, in the world up above.
Keep on smiling, and fill your life with LOVE.
Ron Sanderson/97
COMMENT FORM
In order to meet the continually changing needs of our members and the community at large, K-W Access-Ability is involved in an ongoing evaluation. Your input is vital to this process. If you have any suggestions for improving our programmes and services, or you just wish to comment on some aspect of Access-Ability, please use the form below. You may return it by mail or drop it off at the office. Thank you for your contribution.
This form may be returned to:
K-W Access-Ability
Waterloo Town Square, Concourse #7
75 King Street South
Waterloo, Ontario N2J 1P2
COMMENTS
Name:_______________________ Telephone:___________________
Do you wish to be contacted for further discussion?
Yes___ No___
NOMINATIONS FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF K-W ACCESS-ABILITY 1997 - 1998
Nominations are now being accepted for the Board of Directors of K-W Access-Ability. If you wish to serve on the Board or wish to nominate someone for the Board, please fill out the nomination form below. All nominations must be submitted in writing and must be received at our office no later than Thursday, August 28, 1997 at 5:00 pm. No nominations will be accepted after this time nor during the Annual General Meeting.
This form should be returned to:
K-W Access-Ability
Waterloo Town Square, Concourse #7
75 King Street South
Waterloo, Ontario N2J 1P2
I ________________________________________ ________________________ __________
NAME ADDRESS PHONE #
I wish to nominate:
________________________________________ _______
NAME ADDRESS PHONE #
to the Board of Directors of K-W Access-Ability
This nomination is seconded by:
________________________________________ ________________________ __________
NAME ADDRESS PHONE #
Nominations must be made and seconded by members of K-W Access-Ability. Each nomination form should be accompanied by a short biography of the nominee.
** Nominee should be in attendance at the Annual General Meeting, Thursday, September 4, 1997, 7:30 pm in the Viewing Lounge, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.
OUR STAFF
Executive Director - Chris Hodnett
Resource Information Person - Kathryn Cowan
P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK Manager - Ronald Fleming
P.H.I.R.S.T. LINK Tutor - Bonnie Rees
Administrative Assistant - Dubravka Metikos
Fund Development Coordinator - Rita Rudolph
Fund Development Worker - William Zebedee
Bookkeeper - Wayne Kaiser
Summer Recreation Supervisor - Shannon Hebblethwaite
Summer Recreation Worker - Amanda Soikie
Summer Recreation Worker - Karyn Thompson
Summer Recreation Worker - Natalie Tewfik
Waterloo Town Square
Lower Level
75 King Street South
Waterloo, Ontario N2J 1P2
519-885-6640 Voice
519-885-4526 TTY
519-885-4525 Fax
KWAA @ KWA.ON.CA
HOURS: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9-5 Wednesday 9-9
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