Edition 14 - December 20, 2007

IN THIS ISSUE...

1) ON OUR OWN TOGETHER TOO PART I
2) HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN NIGHT IN REVIEW
3) NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY SETS RECORD
4) THANK YOU: QUICKIE, BMO, SENS
5) SMILE MINI-BANQUET IN REVIEW
6) PARENTS GO FACE TO FACE
7) JOURNEYS GETS FIRED UP
8) SMILE: SOLVING PROBLEMS
9) RECIPE FOR SUCCESS UPDATE
10) GIVE FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

ON OUR OWN TOGETHER TOO PART I

The first edition of the On Our Own Together Too transitional housing program came to a successful conclusion on December 15. OOOT-TOO features two months of supported independent living in a full-featured two-bedroom apartment.

SMILE participants Brodie and Heather (celebrating, right) served as the pioneers for OOOT-TOO, and they were clear upon the conclusion of the program that they were not in any hurry to return to their family homes - not because they do not miss their parents and siblings, but rather because they enjoyed the challenges and rewards of greater personal responsibility.

OOOT-TOO is supported by a three-year grant from the Community Foundation of Ottawa, and will serve a total of 18 individuals by 2010.

HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN IN REVIEW

This was the second Family Fun Night of 2007-2008 and also the second time in the new location at the Good Companions Centre. The reviews are in, and the feedback can be summarized as follows: this was perhaps the best Family Fun Night of all time!

There was something in the air from the very start. The mingling activity was embraced enthusiastically by parents, participants, and siblings as they sought out personal details from others to fill in their bingo card. The holiday quiz games were also received with a nice mix of competitive spirit and togetherness. And it was all capped off perfectly with special guest Maureen Moloughney whose marvelous guitar and voice sent everyone home wanting more.

But the somewhat unexpected highlight of the night was a collaborative performance of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Many laughed so hard they were in tears. The finale is too difficult to describe, so the curious are invited to view the final round of this performance on video.

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY SETS RECORD

Over 425 tickets have already been sold for the LiveWorkPlay New Years Eve In Ottawa party in the ballroom of the Crowne Plaza, easily surpassing the old record of 260 in the old penthouse location. With a pending sellout of 500 seats, 8 new tables have been added making 80 extra seats available. Tickets can be purchased online only (no telephone sales) until they sell out from newyearseveinottawa.com.

Special thanks to out to A-Channel and The BEAR 106.9 FM for their on-air promotions in support of the event? Don't delay, buy today!

THANK YOU: QUICKIE, BMO, SENS

The Quickie store on Stonehaven Drive in Kanata is now selling break-open lottery tickets in support of LiveWorkPlay with expected net revenues of $10,000 or more per year.

The BMO Fountaion of Hope Employees' Foundation has contributed $5000 to LiveWorkPlay in support of the On Our Own Together affordable housing initiative (permanent housing). Kanata branch manager Peter Strittmatter dropped by in person to present the cheque (pictured right).

The Ottawa Senators Foundation (Go Sens Go!) has granted $5000 in support of the Journeys program for youth intellectual disabilities.

SMILE MINI-BANQUET

After a very busy fall season SMILE participants and staff gathered in the banquet room of Biagio's Ristorante to celebrate their accomplishments. Everyone remarked on the increasingly meaningful nature of the achievements being celebrated. "I moved out on my own" and "I am enjoying my volunteer work at the Ottawa Food Bank" and "I am taking the bus instead of getting a drive with my parents" are examples of what some participants chose to share.

The mini-banquet (so-named in deference to the public "big banquet" known as Engines of Success that takes place in June) also offers the opportunity to practice public speaking and also public listening.

When is the last time you saw a group of more than 30 people sit silently listening to a speaker finish what they were saying despite a hot meal sitting in front of them? Well, it happened. SMILE participants have a lot of respect for each other, and this is just one small way that they showed it at the December 2007 mini-banquet!

PARENTS GO FACE TO FACE

Facebook...it's the social networking website that has taken the world by storm, and Journeys and SMILE participants are riding the wave! Along with the fun and opportunities made possible by Facebook and related websites, also comes a number of safety issues and concerns. At last month's LWP Annual Family Conference many parents were asking for help with Facebook issues, and in response LiveWorkPlay staff hosted an evening workshop.

Originally scheduled for 90 minutes, the evening stretched to more than 150 minutes as the workshop attendees created their own accounts, became familiar with safety and security issues, learned how to use privacy settings, and practiced communicating with their inbox, wall, and applications.

If you are a Facebook user, be sure to search on LiveWorkPlay and join our Facebook group! You will find photo albums, videos, links to all of our events, and more!

JOURNEYS GETS FIRED UP

Professor Jeff Manthorpe from Carleton University spent the night with Journeys participants and got the group fired up with a variety of scientific experiments!

Jeff specializes in the study of synthetic organic chemistry. This is important for everything from pharmaceuticals to herbicides, but it also means he is really good at burning things in a fun but safe way!

The group also experimented with various elements of the periodic table and had some fun with dry ice! Professor Manthorpe was a big hit and Journeys participants will be happy to see him back in the future.

SMILE: SOLVING PROBLEMS

Not to be outdone by Journeys, SMILE participants are working with their own academic connection, Professor Ann-Louise Davidson, also from Carleton University.

Ann-Louise has been working with the SMILE problem-solving group to identify challenges people with intellectual disabilities face in their daily lives. The goal is to come up with tools that can help participants increase their independence through the use of technology. This could include for example the use of personal digital devices to store video information to support everything from using bus routes to cooking a favourite recipe.

"The underlying assumption for my work with LiveWorkPlay is that through the use of participatory action research and information/community technology we can find helpful tools to promote self-advocacy," says Professor Davidson.

RECIPE FOR SUCCESS UPDATE

The search for a new home for the annual Recipe for Success Culinary Adventure & Charity Auction has come to a successful conclusion. There is a new venue and a new date for 2008.

The event is moving to the ballroom of the Hampton Inn Ottawa. The convenient location (next to the baseball stadium) is just off the 417 and features plenty of free parking. The ballroom will mean plenty of seating for everyone, and perhaps most importantly, Executive Chef Derek Ragnitz will help LiveWorkPlay continue the tradition of delicious and interesting cuisine that has always been a hallmark of the event.

GIVE FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

After reading this blog you may find yourself wondering how it is possible that so much has happened since the last edition of just one month ago. It takes a combination of dedicated volunteers, staff, board members, families, and community partners to make it happen. And it also takes money, of which there is simply never enough.

LiveWorkPlay has a very short list of personal donors, but you can help change that! Making a donation has never been easier - it can be done as a single contribution, or better still via a monthly deduction. Just $8.33 per month results in a donation of $100 a year! You can also donate to LiveWorkPlay in the name of another person as a tribute or as a gift. Please visit our donation page to set up your contribution today!

We hope you have enjoyed this 14th edition of LiveWorkPlayNews 2007. If you have received an email about this blog in error and/or you would prefer not to receive future LiveWorkPlayNews messages, simply click here and follow the simple instructions. That same web page can also be used by newcomers who would like to join LiveWorkPlayNews, so feel free to share the address with friends, colleagues, and family who might like to subscribe.

Edition 13 - November 20, 2007

IN THIS ISSUE...

1) GOLF TOURNAMENT SCORECARD
2) HALLOWEEN/HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN
3) NEW YEAR'S EVE IN OTTAWA UPDATE
4) ANNUAL FAMILY CONFERENCE NEWS
5) SMILE TRAVEL UPDATES
6) JOURNEYS LOOKS AHEAD TO ACES
7) SMILE MINI-BANQUET SET TO GO
8) CONGRATULATIONS MEALS ON WHEELS
9) UNITED WAY/CENTRAIDE OTTAWA CAMPAIGN

GOLF TOURNAMENT SCORECARD

The numbers are in on the first annual LiveWorkPlay golf tournament organized by O.B Villeneuve Insurance and Quelmec Loss Adjusters. Thanks to 144 golfers and more than a dozen business supporters including major sponsor Marcomm Integrated Business Solutions, an incredible $20,000 was raised! The organizing team has already started work on the 2008 tournament, which is Thursday, September 25, once again at Greyhawk (we'll switch to the Talon course for this one). The online registration is already available and additional major sponsors, contests, and prizes can be expected!

HALLOWEEN/HOLIDAY FAMILY FUN

LiveWorkPlay Halloween Family Fun Night took place on October 26, and there were lots of changes for this year's event. Most important was the switch to a larger venue at Good Companions Centre so that everyone could share the experience together in the same room. The massive turnout had staff and volunteers scrambling for tables and chairs, so for the December 14 Holiday Family Fun Night there will be seating for 100 ready to go!

Families can help organizers better prepare for this event by registering online for FFN, and every other LWP event. Be sure to visit the online registration page to sign up! It's fast, it's fun, it's easy!

NEW YEAR'S EVE UPDATE

The New Year's Eve In Ottawa party in the ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel is more than 25% sold out and ticket orders are coming in every day. This includes some large orders, most notably a group of 15 coming all the way from Mexico! This is the first LiveWorkPlay New Year's Eve event to feature a full live band, and Sticks 'n Stones are ready to rock the house!

The ticket sales campaign is just getting started, with A-Channel working on a public service announcement that will hit the airwaves before the end of the month, and daily mentions on The BEAR 106.9 FM that will also start in November.

Do you have your tickets yet? Don't delay, buy today!

ANNUAL FAMILY CONFERENCE NEWS

The Second Annual LiveWorkPlay Family Conference "A Good Life Includes Sexuality" on November 17 drew 35 participants from Journeys and SMILE and 40 parents for a total of 75 delegates!

Topics included everything from healthy communication to legal rights and personal values. There was a lot of territory to cover, and not one of the three breakout sessions managed to discuss every topic on the agenda.

The key outcome from "A Good Life Includes Sexuality" was identifying that more needs to be done. The participants were just warming up and getting truly comfortable with the topic by the time the day was over!

SMILE TRAVEL UPDATES

Travel has been an important part of SMILE for more than five years. There are three trips targeted to different groups of participants scheduled in the next 16 months! After that, there will be a new routine with everyone invited to take part in a single trip every year, most likely in the month of February.

First up in the current series of trips, SMILE-TNG is off to Santa Monica in February. At the end of July everyone is invited to take part in a summer excursion to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Finally, in the winter of 2009 the SMILE-TOG group is off to Florida!

Why travel? In brief, it's an incredible way to learn and practice everything that SMILE is all about: self-advocacy, planning, organizing, self-reliance, interdependence, coping, and of course learning more about the world! Participants returning from SMILE trips typically report feelings of improved self-esteem, confidence, and pride. It's a lot of work for all concerned, but well worth it!

JOURNEYS LOOKS AHEAD TO ACES

With the tremendous success of SMILE trips, it was only a matter of time until Journeys participants started to say "What about us!?!"

The response? The ACES (Active Community Experiences in Summer) program will be adapted this year to feature two sessions of travel to Montreal!

Participants will spend five days planning activities and learning about their destination, and then enjoy three days and two nights of travel.

SMILE MINI-BANQUET SET TO GO

Details for the December 11th SMILE Mini-Banquet were announced today. About 30 participants are expected for the private party at a west end Ottawa restaurant, where they will share stories about their challenges and accomplishments and gear up for the winter.

The September-December session at SMILE has been jam-packed with steps big and small in the pursuit of a good life. This includes new paid and unpaid work, transitions to new homes, and other achievements that will be marked at the banquet.

CONGRATULATIONS MEALS ON WHEELS

The annual Meals on Wheels Ottawa banquet on November 14 was attended by a full table of LiveWorkPlay volunteers past and present. The highlight and also most difficult moment of the afternoon was paying tribute and saying goodbye to Pauline Uston, the Manager of Volunteer Services who has retired after more than two decades of service. Pauline has always been a key figure in the partnership with LiveWorkPlay.

It was only fitting that Lucas Rodgers, the first SMILE participant to ever volunteer with Meals on Wheels, should receive his thousand hours of volunteer service pin on the same day that Pauline's retirement was celebrated. Lucas and Ian Murphy both volunteer weekly with Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers, while other SMILE participants are part of a team that serves a route every Wednesday with a LiveWorkPlay staff driver.

UNITED WAY/CENTRAIDE OTTAWA CAMPAIGN

On September 21, 2007, United Way/Centraide Ottawa announced its largest fundraising goal ever of $29.7 million for the 2007 campaign. LiveWorkPlay is helping out in various ways including participation in the Speaker's Bureau. CEO Keenan Wellar and SMILE self-advocate Jennifer Harris have thus far made 3 visits to local workplaces to share stories about how LiveWorkPlay is making a difference and the importance of United Way support.

You can direct all or part of your United Way contribution to LiveWorkPlay. Please click here
for a donation form.

We hope you have enjoyed this 12th edition of LiveWorkPlayNews 2007. If you have received an email about this blog in error and/or you would prefer not to receive future LiveWorkPlayNews messages, simply
click here and follow the simple instructions. That same web page can also be used by newcomers who would like to join LiveWorkPlayNews, so feel free to share the address with friends, colleagues, and family who might like to subscribe. If you have any difficulty with subscribing or unsubscribing, send details to keenan@liveworkplay.ca.

Edition 12 - October 23, 2007

IN THIS ISSUE...

1) HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN NIGHT FRIDAY
2) ON OUR OWN TOGETHER TOO UPDATE
3) HAVING A BALL ON NEW YEAR'S EVE
4) ANNUAL "A GOOD LIFE" CONFERENCE 11/17
5) UNITED WAY/CENTRAIDE OTTAWA CAMPAIGN

HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN NIGHT FRIDAY

LiveWorkPlay Halloween Family Fun Night takes place October 26, and there will be lots of changes for this year's event, as well as the December and April versions.

First, FFN events have moved to a larger venue at The Good Companions centre, so that everyone can share the experience together in the same room. Second, families can now register online for FFN, and every other LWP event. Be sure to visit the online registration page to sign up!

ON OUR OWN TOGETHER TOO UPDATE

The On Our Own Together Too (OOOT-TOO) housing initiative was launched with a packed Open House on the evening of September 27th. This new transitional housing program is being supported by the Community Foundation of Ottawa for the next three years. The first two participants to experience two months of supported apartment living moved in October 13 and have had a very successful two weeks. They have managed their daily routines and also hosted gatherings for friends and family!

OOOT-TOO will provide participants and their family members with an evaluation targeted to meeting their personal housing objectives on the path to the ultimate goal of independent living in the community, now enjoyed by about 25% of SMILE participants.

HAVING A BALL ON NEW YEAR'S EVE

After six straight sold-out years in the penthouse of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, the LiveWorkPlay New Year's Eve party has moved to the ballroom! We're also please to announce that A-Channel Ottawa is returning as our television media sponsor, and we welcome local superstars Sticks 'n Stones as our live musical act for the night. You have probably seen the band playing Marshy's at Senators home games!

There is special earlybird pricing available for members and groups, so get your tickets now and save! Read the Frequently Asked Questions and order tickets: www.NewYearsEveInOttawa.com.

ANNUAL "A GOOD LIFE" CONFERENCE 11/17

LiveWorkPlay's second annual A Good Life family conference takes place on Saturday, November 17. The 2007 theme is "A Good Life Includes Sexuality" and there are separate sessions for parents and participants, as well as lunch and a group wrap-up of the day's events.

Another suggested title for the conference was "This is not your Grade 8 health class" because the sessions will target real issues of safety and quality of life that impact daily on people with intellectual disabilities and their families. Please register online, the conference fee is just $20 including lunch and space is limited.

COME ON OUT TO THE UNCLAIMED ITEMS SALE

Heartwood House is home to LiveWorkPlay and a community of 15 non-profit organizations working together to better serve their constituents and the community. In addition "The House" also operates the OC Transpo Lost & Found service, which is made possible by many volunteers including several from SMILE at LiveWorkPlay.

Twice a year Heartwood House hosts an Unclaimed Items Sale where those items that could not be reunited with their owner are sold to the community. It's like a giant indoor garage sale! The fall version is this Saturday (October 27th) starting at Noon. It's a good idea to get there early. There will be a line but it is well worth it for the hundreds of amazing "priced to sell" items.

UNITED WAY/CENTRAIDE OTTAWA CAMPAIGN

On September 21, 2007, United Way/Centraide Ottawa announced its largest fundraising goal ever of $29.7 million for the 2007 campaign. LiveWorkPlay is helping out in various ways including participation in the Speaker's Bureau. CEO Keenan Wellar and SMILE self-advocate Jennifer Harris have thus far made 3 visits to local workplaces to share stories about how LiveWorkPlay is making a difference and the importance of United Way support.

You can direct all or part of your United Way contribution toLiveWorkPlay. Please click here
for a donation form.

We hope you have enjoyed this 11th edition of LiveWorkPlayNews 2007. If you have received an email about this blog in error and/or you would prefer not to receive future LiveWorkPlayNews messages, simply
click here and follow the simple instructions. That same web page can also be used by newcomers who would like to join LiveWorkPlayNews, so feel free to share the address with friends, colleagues, and family who might like to subscribe. If you have any difficulty with subscribing or unsubscribing, send details to keenan@liveworkplay.ca.

Edition 11 - October 9, 2007

IN THIS ISSUE...

1) LOTS OF GREEN AT INAUGURAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
2) ON OUR OWN TOGETHER TOO OPEN HOUSE
3) GETTING ORIENTED, STAYING CONNECTED
4) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2007
5) HAVING A BALL ON NEW YEAR'S EVE
6) UNITED WAY/CENTRAIDE OTTAWA CAMPAIGN


LOTS OF GREEN AT INAUGURAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

The September 25th charity golf tournament hosted by Quelmec Loss Adjusters and O.B. Villeneuve Insurance has raised more than $15,000 for LiveWorkPlay. Special thanks to Marcomm Integrated Business Solutions for contributing to this amazing result as a major event sponsor! Golf

It was a gorgeous day at the Greyhawk Golf Club, with sold out attendance of 144 golfers enjoying the Predator course with four hole-in-one contests. Although no one took home the top prize of a $20,000 automobile from Southbank Dodge or any of the three $10,000 prizes that were also available, the enthusiasm of the LiveWorkPlay volunteers out on the course helped ensure a memorable day for all.

Following 18 holes of golf there was a delicious roast beef dinner, dozens of door prizes, and a brief live auction highlighted by a dinner for eight at
Tosca Ristorante. Top prize of the day for the Closest-To-The-Pin contest was a return flight for two courtesy of Porter Airlines.

See
http://liveworkplay.ca/GOLF for pictures from the tournament and the banquet.

ON OUR OWN TOGETHER TOO OPEN HOUSE

The On Our Own Together Too (OOOT-TOO) housing initiative was launched with a packed Open House on the evening of September 27th. This new transitional housing program is being supported by the Community Foundation of Ottawa for the next three years. The first two participants to experience two months of supported apartment living are moving in October 13th!

Each participant will receive support and evaluation on an ongoing basis, and a final report upon graduation providing suggestions to help them in realizing their individual future housing goals.

OOOT-TOO follows the success of the
OOOT-1 and OOOT-2 group housing projects at Carleton University in 2003 and 2004.

Open HouseThis new initiative is designed not only to give participants the opportunity to spend time living outside the family home, but also to provide an experience similar to that of condominium living, a permanent housing solution that LiveWorkPlay has been supporting for the past year. This includes providing supports to families who have purchased their own condominium units, as well as raising funds to purchase units for those who cannot afford an ownership solution.

In the past year ten SMILE participants have moved out. OOOT-TOO will help mainly younger
SMILE participants in their early 20s to learn more about their needs and abilities, and also give their parents the opportunity to experience a different lifestyle of their own! Check out pictures from the Open House at http://liveworkplay.ca/OOOT-TOO-OH.

GETTING ORIENTED, STAYING CONNECTED

The annual Orientation event featured attendance of close to 100 participants and family members! This year there was information presented not only about the upcoming year at LiveWorkPlay but also topics of general interest like the
Ontario Disability Support Program and the Community Bus Pass.Orientation

The session called Staying Connected was all about how the LWP website is now featuring a
Members Only area with tons of information targeted mainly to parents of Journeys and SMILE participants. The Members Only area is accessed at http://liveworkplay.ca/MEMBERS.

To see dozens of photos from the Orientation please visit:
http://www.liveworkplay.ca/ORIENTATION.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2007

The
Annual General Meeting took place on September 19th. The Board of Directors presented information about their work in 2006-2007, including their efforts to bridge with Annual General MeetingJourneys families to get a better understanding of their present and future concerns and needs. The Executive Staff reported on programs and events, and reviewed financial information, highlighted by the purchase of two condominium units that are now home to four people with intellectual disabilities. See photos and read the full minutes from the meeting: http://www.liveworkplay.ca/AGM.

HAVING A BALL ON NEW YEAR'S EVE

After six straight sold-out years in the penthouse of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, the LiveWorkPlay New Year's Eve party is making a big move. No, the party is staying at the same hotel. New Year's EveConfused? Don't be! Come on down to New Year's Eve In Ottawa - now in the ballroom of the Crowne Plaza. We're also please to announce that A-Channel Ottawa
is returning as our television media sponsor!

This will make room for another 200 guests, and also for a big stage so live band Sticks 'n Stones can rock the dance floor all night long! Also new for this year the event has its own website with online ticket sales. There is special earlybird pricing available for members and groups, so get your tickets now and save! Read the
Frequently Asked Questions and order tickets:
http://www.NewYearsEveInOttawa.com.

UNITED WAY/CENTRAIDE OTTAWA CAMPAIGN

On September 21, 2007, United Way/Centraide Ottawa announced its largest fundraising goal ever of $29.7 million for the 2007 campaign. The goal was unveiled at the annual campaign kick-off at the Ottawa Congress Centre. The breakfast event was attended by more than 1,400United Way
of United Way/Centraide’s supporters, volunteers and donors, including LWP volunteer Jenn Ryan and SMILE participant Laura Stewart.

You can direct all or part of your United Way contribution toLiveWorkPlay. Please see
http://liveworkplay.ca/UNITEDWAY for a donation form.

We hope you have enjoyed this 11th edition of LiveWorkPlayNews 2007. If you have received this email in error and/or you would prefer not toreceive future LiveWorkPlayNews messages, simply
click here and follow the simple instructions. That same web page can also be used by newcomers who would like to join LiveWorkPlayNews, so feel free to share the address with friends, colleagues, and family who might like to subscribe. If you have anydifficulty with subscribing or unsubscribing, send details to Keenan Wellar and ask for assistance.

LiveWorkPlay

LiveWorkPlayNews2007 - September 12 - Edition 10

IN THIS ISSUE...

1) ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IN 7 DAYS
2) SMILE HAD A BLAST IN BOSTON
3) GOLF TOURNAMENT NEARLY SOLD OUT
4) ORIENTATION NIGHT SEPTEMBER 28
5) COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SUPPORTS HOUSING
6) NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY NEWS
7) SMILE WELCOME BACK: ELECTION PREPARATION
8) UNITED WAY/CENTRAIDE OTTAWA CAMPAIGN

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IN 7 DAYS

The LWP Annual General Meeting takes place September 19th at 6:30. RSVP forms were sent out over the summer, so if you did not receive one but you would like to attend please contact Julie at 613-235-9550 x 222 and have your name added to the list.

SMILE HAD A BLAST IN BOSTON

Thirteen members of the SMILE-TOG* group enjoyed a trip to Boston from August 5-9. There was whale-watching, a play, riding the T, a world-famous pastry shop, and more. Experiencing a different city with peers can be a lot of fun, and the ability to travel with greater independence is one obvious way that LiveWorkPlay trips help support a good life for people with intellectual disabilities.

Another important intended outcome of LWP trips is for participants to develop their own sense of self as capable individuals, and to show the supporters around them (including parents and LWP staff) that the level of protection around them needs to be evaluated and adjusted over time.

Check out the pictures and videos from the trip at http://liveworkplay.ca/BOSTON and see the link at the bottom of this page to make a donation in support of future trips!

GOLF TOURNAMENT NEARLY SOLD OUT

Tournament organizers Quelmec Loss Adjusters and O.B. Villeneuve Insurance report that about 130 registrations have been processed, which leaves about 14 to go for the tournament to be officially sold out before tee-off on September 25th. It is hoped that the tournament will raise in the area of $15000 which would be an outstanding result for a first year event! For additional details see http://liveworkplay.ca/GOLF

ORIENTATION NIGHT SEPTEMBER 28

All parents, participants, and volunteers from Journeys* and SMILE* will be welcomed for the Annual Orientation on Friday, September 28. This evening event will provide critical information about the upcoming year. If you have not done so already, please RSVP to Julie.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SUPPORTS HOUSING

LiveWorkPlay has received a Strategic Impact Grant from the Community Foundation of Ottawa which will support a new transitional housing program for SMILE participants. Working with two individuals at a time, the On Our Own Together Too program will offer two months of supported independent living, and a final evaluation with recommendations designed to help participants and their families realize their housing goals. There will be an information meeting about OOOT-TOO on September 27th, contact Julie to RSVP.

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY NEWS

There have been dozens of inquiries about the availability of tickets for this year's New Year's Eve party in the ballroom of the Crowne Plaza, featuring live band Sticks 'n' Stones. The early bird public ticket price will be $100. There will be a special reduced price for LiveWorkPlay members with tickets available at the first Family Fun Night on October 26th. The ticket price includes admission and a gourmet buffet dinner.

SMILE WELCOME BACK: ELECTION PREPARATION

Participants who returned last week after a break in August have thrown themselves into the process of preparing to vote in the upcoming provincial election. There is less time available than there was for last year's municipal election, so until October 10th a special schedule will be in operation to give participants a chance to get ready. Check out the I AM A VOTER video on the LiveWorkPlay self-advocacy page at http://liveworkplay.ca/self-advocacy to see some of the results from last year's election preparations.

Also shaking up the SMILE environment are a number of newcomers, some of whom have moved up from Journeys, and others who are new to LiveWorkPlay. Visit the The SMILE Chronicles at http://www.liveworkplay.ca/TSC/ to find out more about how things are going!

UNITED WAY/CENTRAIDE OTTAWA CAMPAIGN

The launch of this year's United Way campaign takes place the morning of September 21. Visit http://www.unitedwayottawa.ca/ for tickets to the launch event and information about other ways to make a contribution.

This year SMILE participant Jennifer Harris and LiveWorkPlay CEO Keenan Wellar are contributing as members of the Speakers' Bureau. They have already made presentations to a business and a government agency to talk about the work of LiveWorkPlay and the importance of United Way support (the United Way contributes to both the Journeys and ACES* programs at LWP).

In the future it is hoped other participants will complete the Speakers' Bureau training program, as it is a wonderful opportunity not only to support LWP and the United Way but also to practice self-advocacy! See http://www.unitedwayottawa.ca/english/speakers.html for more information about the program.

SUPPORT LIVEWORKPLAY: MAKE A DONATION

LiveWorkPlay is working hard to help people with intellectual disabilities enjoy a better quality of life. Please help support these efforts with a charitable 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 to LiveWorkPlay. Please see http://liveworkplay.ca/UNITEDWAY for a donation form. Donation cheques can be addressed to: LiveWorkPlay153 Chapel Street, Suite 300Ottawa, ON K1N 1H5 Telephone contributions: Julie Kingstone, 235-9550 x 222 Thank You!

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We hope you have enjoyed this 10th edition of LiveWorkPlayNews 2007. If you have received this email in error and/or you would prefer not to receive future LiveWorkPlayNews messages, simply visit http://liveworkplay.ca/mailman/listinfo/liveworkplaynews_liveworkplay.ca or http://tinyurl.com/5nevs and follow the simple instructions. Those same addresses can also be used by newcomers who would like to join LiveWorkPlayNews, so feel free to share the address with friends,colleagues, and family who might like to subscribe. If you have any difficulty with subscribing or unsubscribing, send details to keenan(at)liveworkplay.ca and ask for assistance.

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*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

LiveWorkPlayNews2007 - August 3 - Edition 9

You can also LISTEN to this blog!

IN THIS ISSUE...

1) SMILE PREPARES FOR LIFT-OFF
2) TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE GOLF TOURNAMENT!
3) ACES COMES IN FOR A LANDING
4) 2006-2007 SMILE YEAR WRAPS UP
5) NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY NEWS
6) PREPARING FOR 2007-2008: SEPTEMBER

SMILE PREPARES FOR LIFT-OFF

The SMILE-TOG group is busy packing for their trip to Boston which is scheduled to begin at the Ottawa International Airport on Sunday. This follows previous major trips to Santa Monica, Miami, New York City, and Montreal. The trips expose participants to new levels of responsibility, challenges their coping skills, and develops self-management abilities while at the same time providing opportunities for great times and fond memories! Watch the LiveWorkPlay.ca home page for a link to pictures and movies from the trip!

TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE GOLF TOURNAMENT!


Please get your foursome together and complete your registration for the LiveWorkPlay golf tournament at Greyhawk (Predator) on September 25. Click on the "golfing bee" at http://liveworkplay.ca/ for a link to all the information including the registration form. The tournament is being sponsor by Quelmec and O.B villeneuve, and please note that registration forms go directly to Helen Wall at Quelmec (see address on regsitration form).

ACES COMES IN FOR A LANDING

The Active Community Experiences in Summer (ACES) program has come to an end for 2007. This year there was a record number of new participants and the new format of four one-week sessions seemed to work better for everyone. Older participants also had the opportunity to join SMILE for one week, where they accessed unique opportunities such as participation in the Meals on Wheels delivery team. Visit http://liveworkplay.ca/ACES for access to photo and video highlights of the summer (click on the picture marked "photos").

2006-2007 SMILE YEAR WRAPS UP

Self-Advocacy and More for Independent Living and Employment (SMILE) will take a break for three weeks when the Boston trip comes to an end. During the past month the group (which is now more than 30 individuals) spent less time with in-house sessions and more time taking advantage of the great outdoors. The year wrapped up today with a celebration at The Works in Westboro. It was an amazing year at SMILE that started with all the excitement of preparing to vote in the municipal election during the fall and then much of the attention focused on those making plans to move into their own homes throughout the winter, spring, and summer. Check out all the action with 19 photo albums at http://liveworkplay.ca/SMILE/SMILESUMMER2007.html

NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY NEWS

Facebook users can now RSVP for the New Year's Eve party which is expanding to the Crowne Plaza Ballroom, and will feature popular live band Sticks 'n' Stones to keep the dance floor jumping through the night! Tickets will not be on sale until the fall, but keep an eye on http://liveworkplay.ca/NYE for details.

PREPARING FOR 2007-2008: SEPTEMBER

Registration packages have gone out for returning Journeys and SMILE participants with a final deadline of September 6. There is huge demand for both programs and interested newcomers will be accepted for spots that are not taken by former participants who have not registered by the deadline. If you are unsure about part of the application, do your best to complete it and attach a note. Please do not wait until September to try to complete the application, as there will not be sufficient time before the deadline.

SUPPORT LIVEWORKPLAY: MAKE A DONATION

LiveWorkPlay is working hard to help people with intellectual disabilities enjoy a better quality of life. Please help support these efforts with a charitable 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 to LiveWorkPlay. Please see http://liveworkplay.ca/UNITEDWAY for a donation form.
Donation cheques can be addressed to:
LiveWorkPlay153 Chapel Street, Suite 300Ottawa, ON K1N 1H5
Telephone contributions:
Julie Kingstone, 235-9550 x 222
Thank You!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

We hope you have enjoyed this 9th edition of LiveWorkPlayNews 2007. If you have received this email in error and/or you would prefer not to receive future LiveWorkPlayNews messages, simply visit http://liveworkplay.ca/mailman/listinfo/liveworkplaynews_liveworkplay.ca or http://tinyurl.com/5nevs and follow the simple instructions.

Those same addresses can also be used by newcomers who would like to join LiveWorkPlayNews, so feel free to share the address with friends,colleagues, and family who might like to subscribe. If you have any difficulty with subscribing or unsubscribing, send details to keenan(at)liveworkplay.ca and ask for assistance.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

*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






LiveWorkPlayNews2007 - June 25 - Edition 8

Click here to LISTEN to this web page!

IN THIS ISSUE...

1) ENGINES OF SUCCESS: A GREAT TIME FOR A GOOD LIFE
2) VISIONING DAY LOOKS TO THE FUTURE
3) SUN SHINES ON THE POOL PARTY
4) ROGER DODGER NETS BIG BUCKS
5) NEW SELF-ADVOCACY PAGE ROCKS

ENGINES OF SUCCESS: A GREAT TIME FOR A GOOD LIFE

The Engines of Success recognition banquet on June 20 was a sold-out affair with 170 members of the extended LiveWorkPlay family in attendance! Leanne Cusack served as host of this celebration and demonstration of self-advocacy and contributing citizenship. For the full story of this exciting evening including live footage and photographs please visit the Engines of Success web page at http://liveworkplay.ca/ENGINES

VISIONING DAY LOOKS TO THE FUTURE

This year's Visioning Day on June 9 tackled the question of "What is a good life?" for people with intellectual disabilities, addressing barriers ranging from discrimination to limited social roles. There was also a dialogue with the Board of Directors about how to better promote the work of LiveWorkPlay to the Ottawa community. Please visit the Visioning Day web page for a full report as well as photographs at http://liveworkplay.ca/VISIONINGDAY

SUN SHINES ON THE POOL PARTY

The traditional LiveWorkPlay launch into summer is the barbecue pool party. Attendance was up slightly with some 75 persons taking in the glorious early summer weather. For the entire story including live footage and photographs visit the pool party web page http://liveworkplay.ca/POOLPARTY

ROGER DODGER NETS BIG BUCKS

The third annual Roger Dodger Volleyball Tournament raised a record $1500. The weather was great and the pictures and video show that it was non-stop fun! Drop by the Roger Dodger web page to check out all the action at http://liveworkplay.ca/RODGERDODGER

NEW SELF-ADVOCACY PAGE ROCKS

Much of the LiveWorkPlay website has been updated, including the self-advocacy page that now features links to videos running down both sides of the page. As with many other important pages on the LWP website you can now listen to the information as well as read it. Drop by http://liveworkplay.ca/self-advocacy to check it out!

SUPPORT LIVEWORKPLAY: MAKE A DONATION

LiveWorkPlay is working hard to help people with intellectual disabilities enjoy a better quality of life. Please help support these efforts with a charitable 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 to LiveWorkPlay. Please see http://liveworkplay.ca/UNITEDWAY for a donation form.
Donation cheques can be addressed to:
LiveWorkPlay153 Chapel Street, Suite 300Ottawa, ON K1N 1H5
Telephone contributions:
Julie Kingstone, 235-9550 x 222
Thank You!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

We hope you have enjoyed this 8th edition of LiveWorkPlayNews 2007. If you have received this email in error and/or you would prefer not to receive future LiveWorkPlayNews messages, simply visit http://liveworkplay.ca/mailman/listinfo/liveworkplaynews_liveworkplay.ca or http://tinyurl.com/5nevs and follow the simple instructions.

Those same addresses can also be used by newcomers who would like to join LiveWorkPlayNews, so feel free to share the address with friends,colleagues, and family who might like to subscribe. If you have any difficulty with subscribing or unsubscribing, send details to keenan(at)liveworkplay.ca and ask for assistance.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

*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




LiveWorkPlayNews 2007 - May 29 - Edition 7


LiveWorkPlayNews 2007 - May 29 - Edition 7

IN THIS ISSUE...

1) TELUS SUPPORTS LWP TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES
2) THIRD ANNUAL ROGER DODGER JUNE 1-3
3) VISIONING DAY FRIDAY JUNE 9
4) SUMMER BLAST-OFF BBQ POOL PARTY SATURDAY JUNE 10
5) ENGINES OF SUCCESS BANQUET WEDNESDAY JUNE 20

TELUS SUPPORTS LWP TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVES

The TELUS Ottawa Community Board has granted $20000 to LiveWorkPlay in support of technology initiatives that help people with intellectual disabilities live as self-advocates and contributing citizens. An early example of the results of this grant can be found later in this edition of LiveWorkPlayNews - some of the stories are now available in audio format, thanks to a new digital voice recorder and software that was used to record and edit reporting by SMILE* participants!

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 http://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(at)magma.ca to register!

New for this year - if you are unable to attend the tournament but you would like to contribute, just visit Sarah Albert's special web page at http://rogerdodger.notlong.com/ to make a donation. Sarah has already surpassed her goal of $100 but she wants to keep going!Listen to this story as a BUZZCAST:http://lwp.bz/BUZZCASTS/may29buzzcast-rogerdodger.wma

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. Please RSVP by the end of this week!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

Listen to this story as a BUZZCAST:http://lwp.bz/BUZZCASTS/may29buzzcast-visioningday.wma

SUMMER BLAST-OFF BBQ POOL PARTY SATURDAY JUNE 10

After 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 RSVP by the end of this week so the right amount of food and drinks will be on hand. Find out more about the Pool Party at http://liveworkplay.ca/POOLPARTY

Listen to this story as a BUZZCAST:http://lwp.bz/BUZZCASTS/may29buzzcast-poolparty.wma

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 Journeys* and SMILE 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

Listen to this story as a BUZZCAST:http://lwp.bz/BUZZCASTS/may29buzzcast-engines.wma

SUPPORT LIVEWORKPLAY: MAKE A DONATION

LiveWorkPlay is working hard to help people with intellectual disabilities enjoy a better quality of life. Please help support these efforts with a charitable 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 to LiveWorkPlay. Please see http://liveworkplay.ca/UNITEDWAY for a donation form.Donation cheques can be addressed to:LiveWorkPlay153 Chapel Street, Suite 300Ottawa, ON K1N 1H5Telephone contributions:Julie Kingstone, 235-9550 x 222Thank You!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

We hope you have enjoyed this 7th edition of LiveWorkPlayNews 2007. If you have received this email in error and/or you would prefer not to receive future LiveWorkPlayNews messages, simply visit http://liveworkplay.ca/mailman/listinfo/liveworkplaynews_liveworkplay.ca or http://tinyurl.com/5nevs and follow the simple instructions.Those same addresses can also be used by newcomers who would like to join LiveWorkPlayNews, so feel free to share the address with friends,colleagues, and family who might like to subscribe. If you have any difficulty with subscribing or unsubscribing, send details to keenan(at)liveworkplay.ca and ask for assistance.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

*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

LiveWorkPlayNews 2007 - April 25 - Edition 6

IN THIS ISSUE...

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 at http://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