Catalysts JUNE 2006 Board Bulletin: Wheelchair Regatta was a Success Bay. Volunteers from the Marine More than 27,000 Kennedy School Corps provided the muscle to help get alumni reside in 137 countries and guests on and off the yachts. After the serve in a wide range of positions in cruise, guests enjoyed lunch and the public, private and nonprofit entertainment at the yacht club. sectors. Community Catalysts’ Kevin and his family will Board Member Kevin temporarily relocate to the Casey was recently Cambridge, MA area during accepted into the Degree his tenure. San Diego Consumers, Employees, Board members Program at Harvard and Friends of Community Catalysts getting ready University’s John F. Kevin has also committed to for a ride around San Diego Bay courtesy of Silver Gate Yacht Club’s Wheelchair Regatta Kennedy School of remaining on Community Government. Catalysts’ Board. Community Catalysts Board Members Debra McQuillen and David Bond The JFK School of Congratulations to Kevin (also board members of Silver Gate Government is the and his family! Yacht Club) volunteered for the 47th world’s most eminent Kevin Casey, Community Catalysts Board Annual Wheelchair Regatta held at social science research Member To find out more about the Silver Gate Yacht Club on Shelter institution – housing 15 the JFK School of Island. The yacht club welcomed research centers and institutes and Government visit their website at approximately 580 guests with more than a dozen executive (http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/). disabilities aboard beautiful yachts for education and degree programs – a guided cruise on the San Diego with worldwide reach and influence. Fresno is CARF Ready Thanks to all the staff for all their help preparing for CARF and not only to Fresno emlpoyees but to our Regional Manager Claudia Hutchinson and Shelley Cook, Sylvia Ruiz, Irasema Garza and Rene Washington. Our survey is June 26-28. Wish us luck! Our consumers went to Yosemite on Saturday May 27. It is beautiful up there right now. Our Special Olympics team for lawn bowling placed fourth in their competition. Consumers who participated were Aaron M., James K., Gail L., Greg B., and Lucia R. Consumers at Yosemite Congratulations guys! Happy summer to everyone! Merced is Full of Graitutde Merced Community Activities Program had their 3rd Annual Parent/ Consumer Meeting. Topics discussed at the meeting were Transportation, Policy & Procedures, Calendar Events, Safety Drills, and Consumer/Parent participation. Parents, consumers, and staff had a great time learning about the program and participating in our "What do you like about Community Catalysts?" with candy bars. Great compliments were given and everyone recieved a candy bar for their participation. The Community Activities Program participated in the Le Grand Community Day Parade, and the theme this year was 50 Years of Disneyland. The consumers marched while holding a banner, distributing candy, and wearing their Mickey Mouse ear name plates. They won 1st place in the Community Programs Participation section of the judging. They each received a first place ribbon and were invited to participate in next years parade. We would like to thank our program aide for making the lovely banner and for making the Mickey name tags. THANK YOU VERONICA! Salinas Flies Through May This past month the Salinas office had a couple of activities with the C.A.C. On May 11, 2006 we had a Mother’s day event where consumers created cards and personalized mugs for Mother’s day. On May 19, the C.A.C. had a carwash in Seaside to raise funds for their future trip to Disneyland in July. The consumers are really excited about this trip. We would like to thank Growers Express, LLC. for their $200.00 donation for the C.A.C. activities. Happy Birthday to our ILS Coach Celia Rodriguez. The winner for the monthly Safety Raffle was Maggie Ambris. This month was a busy month for Maria Myrtle. Maria got back from a short trip to Hawaii the first week of the month. Two weeks later she received a promotion to Lead Case Manager. New title means new business cards, why stop there? Change my last name. Congratulations Maria DeLeon! The consumers also went to the sock hop at the Springtime Reunion Car Show. There they danced all night to “oldies but goodies” and got to see a great Elvis Presley impersonator. The Merced team would like to congratulate Our Office Assistant, Sylvia Ortiz for being selected as employee of the month. YOU ROCK SYLVIA! Congratulations Annabell Saldana, who was recently promoted to Community Integration Coach. Keep up the great work! Jane Wilkinson is in the process of completing a course in the American Sign Language at the Merced College to better assist our hearing impaired consumers. Thank you for your dedication! Congratulations to the following graduates: Veronica Castaneda (Martha's Niece) graduated from Vanguard University, Costa Mesa with a BA in Psychology; Amanda Oseguera (Sandra's Sister) a high school graduate, and Richie Samonian (Sylvia's Nephew) a junior high graduate. Linda N. (Merced Consumer) will be celebrating her 10th year with Community Catalysts of California. Rebecca M. (Merced Consumer/Advisory Area Board Representative) will be celebrating her 5th year. We are proud of both of them. San Diego Floats into June San Diego would like to send our best wishes to Joanne Moffet (SE Coach) for a speedy recovery and return to work. Congratulations to Carrie (IL/SL Coach) who has purchased a new Ford Focus. Bettina (SE Coordinator) just returned from a 10 day trip to Peru, where she visited with her family and was able to see the newest family members (2 new babies joined the family in the past 4 months). Bettina also used her trip to Peru to take over supplies for her daughter who will be going to school there for a few months. Thank you to Keltoum and Carrie (IL Staff) who keep the San Diego office supplied with home made treats. We always look forward to our staff meeting because we never know what new food these two will be bringing. In May we had our 2nd Annual "Benny Bowl" (in memory of a consumer who passed away in 2005). It is always a fun time. We had 12 clients participate this year. Steven B. (SE Client) Consumers Christina C. Steven B. took home the "Benny Pin", which is given to the person with the overall highest score. He also received the "King Pin" for having highest male bowling score. Christina C. (IL & SE Client) was the highest female bowler and received the "Queen Pin". Debbie C. is becoming very active with Peoples First. She helped coordinate the guest speaker for the last Peoples First Meeting. Way to go Debbie! San Diego Consumers and Staff enjoyed a day on the bay where the Silver Gate Yacht Club held their 47th Annual Wheelchair Regatta Sunday June 4, 2006. Consumers and staff enjoyed a guided tour of the San Diego Bay followed by lunch and entertainment at the yacht club. Please see board section for more. Catalysts NEWSLETTER Ukiah has A Pizza Party May 19th was an eventful evening for the consumer advisory committee. We had our first outing, A PIZZA PARTY!!!!!! About twenty-five consumers and staff attended. We talked about upcoming activities, finalized a date for the bake sale, discussed up coming fundraisers. Needless to say, we all left happy and stuffed. Paul R. started his work-training program at Mayacama on May 30th. He is so excited about his new job, and he gets to ride his new bike to work! Albert P., Katie, and Diana went to the Opportunity Fair at the Sonoma Developmental Center to advocate for Supported Living. Their table was displayed with company brochures, pens, post-it notes, etc. There was a puppet show for all to watch after lunch. Albert had a great time seeing all of his old friends. They asked about Marie, and how she was doing. They wished she had come along. On Sunday, Erik L. and JD helped decorate the Special Olympics float with red, white and blue streamers, banners and flags. Monday was the Memorial Day parade with a lot of beautifully decorated floats, local marching bands, and horses. Erik L., JD, and, Joe were in the parade, riding on the float they helped decorate. Visalia Is Getting Ready We would like to congratulate LorraineHalliman. She is now a grandmother ofa beautiful baby girl! Her name isAniya. The Visalia office is working very hardpreparing for the CARF survey at the end of this month.Keep up the good work! We would also like to thank the Coalinga office for lending their Office Assistant, Irasema. She’s been a great help to us! Catalysts NEWSLETTER Coalinga Plays Bocce Ball During the month of May consumers here in Coalinga were very busy. They had their first Mothers Day Basket Raffle from which money raised will go toward their annual trip. This fundraiser was quick, easy and a great success. They were also able to celebrate Cinco de Mayo at West Hills College, go to the Fresno Dance, and celebrate Michael T.’s FUN FACT: Bocce Ball birthday by having Chinese food for lunch Coalinga consumers Bocce Ball Team Bocce is a precision sport closely related to and having cake and ice cream at the bowls and pétanque with a common program. The Coalinga Bocce Team also participated in the ancestry from ancient games played in the Bocce Tournament and came in 2nd place which means they will Roman Empire. Developed into its present be going to Berkley next month to compete there. form in Italy, it is played around Europe and also in overseas countries that have received Italian migrants, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Argentina and Brazil, initially amongst the migrants themselves but slowly becoming more popular with their descendants and the wider community. Santa Clara has a Bride-To-Be On May 13, staff attended Ann Marie Miller's (Case Manager) bridal shower in Antioch, CA. There were lots of delicious Philipino cuisine and even chocolate covered strawberries, tuxedo style to choose from. Also, prizes were given out to winners such as lotion sets and candles. Ann received a lot of gifts from all the ladies. Everyone who attended this special event was very friendly and personal. After the shower, all the guests met up at Saddle Rack for some late night dancing. Ann was surprised when her name was called on for the bull ride. She had never rode a bull before but as soon as she got on, she was riding the bull as if she was a professional at it! Ann had so much fun and would like to thank everyone for making this day so memorable. Thus, in about 10 days, Ann will officially be off the market. Her wedding will take place at a beautiful golf course in Antioch, CA. More details will come your way...on the next newsletter! On May 24, staff celebrated Lupe's birthday at Chevy's. The food this time wasn't as good because the birthday girl and her guest decided to give the waiter a hard time, so everyone got the Chef's special. Let's just say this will be her last meal on us...hehe!! Modesto Says Hello to Summer Modesto consumer's have been getting ready for several summer trips. Consumer Mike B. is leaving for Camp Harmon the middle of June for a week long get-away. Consumer Marisa E. is also attending summer camp for the first time in June, as well. Both camps are located near the Santa Cruz coast and offers the consumers various activities during the campers stay. Consumer's, Ken and Thelma C. are making plans for a trip with the day on that Monday. It should be a lot of fun, and one of the first events in a long time where both Advisory groups have the opportunity to spend the day together. New mommy Kym Baker is back to work after taking time off to be with her newly adopted baby daughter, Mia. Kym says she is getting the hang of things, trying to juggle motherhood, working, as well as just finishing her family to Missouri in the near future, as well. schooling. Welcome back Kym! Modesto Advisory Members are looking Modesto Supported Living welcomes new forward to joining the Stockton Advisory group consumer, Cheneye W., who joined our team the on June 12, to spend a day at Rancho Seco end of April. Cheneye is an avid runner and campgrounds, where the Stockton group are recently took home first place in a Special camping overnight. We are making plans to Olympics track event. Welcome Cheneye! join them for a big BBQ and activities during Catalysts NEWSLETTER El Centro Gains More Participation Skills Coach Esperanza Rader is very happy and proud of her 10 year old grandson, Adrian who won the Imperial Valley School District “Student of the Year 2006” award. Adrian was in the top of his closs in all of his subjects at Martin Luther King Elementary School. A special ceremony is scheduled on June 2nd, at the school auditorium. Esperanza’s family will be there to support, care and love Adrian for his outstanding achievement. Congratulations Adrian and his family from our office, especially from Esperanza who has given much dedication to both her job and her family. The Imperial Valley Advisory group is active again performing a candle sale fundraiser to help build funds for the Committee. Now that transportation is no longer such a problem, our consumer participation in group activities has grown. We are glad we have the van! Our office was pleased to receive a visit from one of our in-program consumers Patty Beebe and her cute one in half year old daughter Charlene. Patty formerly was very active as an advisory member prior to Consumer Patty and her daughter her daughter’s birth. But Charlene. now has decided to participate actively again in the coming events. Both her spouse Leroy and herself are current ILS consumers. Patty wanted to share her case and thoughts for our newsletter not only as a consumer but as a parent being aware there are several among our organization whom would like to share their experience. Catalysts NEWSLETTER June Pet of the Month Modesto has a DUAL entry and would like to submit two new puppies as a team for Pet of the Month! Chris Korelin's family has a new addition to their family. Cooper Tye McKorelin, a full bred AKC Beagle puppy, joined the family in March, following the loss of their "adopted" raccoon, Tyson. He has proven to be an excellent form of therapy for all of them. Jan Todd's family adopted a full bred AKC Golden Retriever pup in February. Her name is Abby Nicole Todd . Although AKC Beagle, the two canines are only three weeks apart, they are certainly Cooper Tye McKorelin reaching individual growth levels! They are both getting ready to begin "doggy" school in June, and rumor has it, will be planning a double "doggy birthday party" the first of 2007. Stockton Covers all the Holidays Stockton enjoyed Shirley Antonio would like to thank all a Valentine's Day the staff and consumers for their help party on and both homes for opening their February 17th at doors for these events. Planning and the Longview making the fliers would not be a home and an success without the help of Sharon Easter party at and Denise. Special Thank-you to the new Ray both! Hyde house on Consumer Aaron during the April 23rd . Both Stockton Advisory Committee will be Sharon Johnson and Linda Ellis-Ross at the Easter egg hunt. parties were a planning their annual camping trip Choice Conference huge success. At this year for the month of June. Look the Easter party the consumers for more information coming soon. few people stopped by and enjoyed great food and an egg hunt. complimented Community Catalysts' Chris Barton found the golden egg On Friday, May 12th Linda Ellis-Ross services and Linda & Sharon both with five dollars in it. Congratulations and Sharon Johnson of the Stockton reported that they had a good time. Chris!! office represented Community Catalysts at the Choice Conference. A Sylvia Ortiz Community Catalysts of California was excited to announce that Sylvia Ortiz the Office Assistant in the Merced office was selected as the Star of the Month for May 2006. Sylvia has been with our company for over 6 years. Recently she stepped up to the plate to assist in the Central Valley area in just about anything (i.e., creating, implementing, filing, typing, researching, etc,) that must be completed before the CARF inspection. Her excellent organizational skills, exceptional follow through and “Go-Go Attitude” is what Sylvia offers when getting the job done. Sylvia is always there to lend a helping hand and offer her ideas and suggestions to improve or maintain the flow of work. When there are deadline to be met, Sylvia is the one who completes the projects from beginning to end. She will offer her time to cover schedules either as a Skills Coach, a Social Recreation Aide or at a community event when staff is needed. Sylvia states that she enjoys being in the field with the consumers, which offers her growth and the ability to perform new things. Sylvia keeps the Merced office in tip-top shape (as well as runs a tight ship), extremely organized, and greets you with a smile on her face. Sylvia is truly a dedicated team player and it shows in her work performance and the services she provides. Merced is extremely grateful for every little thing she does and that is what makes Sylvia Merced’s Shining Star! Congratulations, Sylvia!! Consumer Catalysts of the Month - June 2006 Community Catalysts of California is proud to announce that Paul McCormack is our Consumer of the Month for June 2006. Paul has been with Community Catalysts of California for 13 years and 4 months. He is one of the most senior consumers in the HAB program in El Centro. He has been in our program since 1992. Paul works at Vons in Brawley as a courtesy clerk and is well respected and admired by all co-workers for giving good customer service to the community. He has a polite approach to people who go and shop there. He greets customers with a smile and works at a good pace. Paul is very proud of his job and to be a union employee. Paul’s favorite hobby is bike riding which he also uses as transportation to work. He keeps it well oiled and checks his tires regularly, so it does not break down on him. With his bike, Paul has no problem getting around town. When it comes to speaking out for his rights, Paul can surely make his voice heard! If something is not clear to him or he is in doubt he is not afraid to ask for clarification, so he is never caught off guard. Community Catalysts of California and the Butterfly Club are very proud of Paul and his achievements. Way to go!! Congratulations, Paul McCormack! Community Catalysts of California6050 Santo Road, Suite 145 ~ San Diego, CA 92124Phone: 858-569-1055 Fax: 858-569-1064Catalyst_home@sbcglobal.net