serving adults with intellectual and developmental ... · swimmers were also taught to jump in and...
TRANSCRIPT
It’s All About… Access to Language
THES E R V I N G A D U LT S W I T H I N T E L L E C T U A L A N D D E V E L O P M E N TA L D I S A B I L I T I E S
VoiceNOV/DEC 2019
Vo l u m e 5 N u m b e r 6
Over the last six months, Open Door offered American Sign Language (ASL) classes free to the community. Classes met for eight weeks and introduced students to the basics of ASL vocabulary, ASL grammar/structure, and Deaf culture. The first class filled up in a record-setting two hours once posted on social media, so a second class was added! All classes were taught by our very own ASL experts. Associate Director Gene Stephens was joined by Clarence B. and Dori H., who are both Deaf and part of our Open Door family. Gary and Marie Albert, who are also Deaf and friends of Open Door, joined us during the last two classes to help teach and answer questions about what it means to be and grow up deaf.
The classes proved to be great fun for everyone involved. In fact, after the first class graduated, a few younger students were so impacted by the class, they went back to their recreational softball team friends and told them all about it. Their friends decided that it sounded pretty cool and wanted to experience it for themselves, so they requested a one-time “Survival Sign” mini class. At the end of the class, this group of young ladies and their families presented our ASL instructors with T-shirts that spelled out a “play on words” name for their club… “WREK” using the ASL alphabet. But they didn’t stop there—they also sold the T-shirts and donated the proceeds to be used for future ASL classes! The shirts are totally cool and mean so much coming from them. These young ladies are a perfect example of why we do this class… they get it!
You see, ASL is not only used by Deaf and hard of hearing people, but also individuals who are diagnosed with aphasia, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. ASL provides individuals with “access to language,” the foundation necessary to develop critical communication skills. Having access to language allows individuals to express everything from their basic needs and wants to more complex and intricate concepts. These abilities impact our everyday lives, something most of us take for granted.
Opening Doors & Developing Opportunities
The Voice is the bi-monthly newsletter of Open Door Rehabilitation Center, a not-for-profit organization serving adults with developmental disabilities.
405 South Wells Street Sandwich, Illinois 60548 Phone: (815) 786-8468Fax: (815) 786-6241 Web: www.odrc.org
Contributors:Rita Potter Laurie Wisdom Terra Stetz Kourtney Herren MaryKay Longwell
Becky ClemonsGene StephensDaniel WehrliDana Grant
Founders of ODRCWilliam & Virginia Squier, Sr.David & Juanita Graf
Executive DirectorRita Potter
Board of Directors
PresidentDick Banning
Vice PresidentChris Carpenter
SecretaryDenise Mestemaker
TreasurerRichard Randall
Susan Bill Larry FrenchThea HernandezTom Hohmann, Jr.Becky LuekenMichael O’ Flynn
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COMMUNITY &
SERVICE
Kathy Martin, a graduate of our first class, shared a personal success story. Kathy had always wanted to learn ASL because she thought it was beautiful and extremely interesting, but also because she had met a Deaf man through her place of business and had always wanted to be able to communicate with him in his native language. Shortly after graduating from Open Door’s ASL class, Kathy had the opportunity to meet up with this gentleman again, but this time she had the knowledge and courage to initiate a basic conversation with him. It is stories like this that speak to our shared humanity and the importance of inclusion. Access to language is vitally important for every single human being regardless of their differing abilities. So we here at Open Door celebrate the importance and significant impact American Sign Language has on millions of lives across the country. We just want to do our part in sharing this incredibly beautiful means of communication that provides that all important… access to language.
FUN & RECREATION
A friendly staff member helps Brandon P. perfect his swim kick.
Josh B. has mastered the kickboard.
Friends frolicking in the shallow end during open swim.
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For nearly a year, 23 individuals have been diving into great fun at the Fox Valley Family YMCA. Starting with swimming lessons for ten people, then expanding to open swim, everyone has totally enjoyed their time in the pool. The lessons have had quite an impact on our swimmers. Initially, Mike P. was somewhat nervous and would not put his face under the water. Now he swims circles in the center of the pool! Swimmers were also taught to jump in and swim to the side of the pool, both important water safety skills.
The open swims are also very popular. This is where the swim noodles and balls are brought out for everyone to enjoy. Others prefer to swim laps or practice venturing farther away from the pool edge as they gain confidence. And what is swimming without a splash contest? This is where you are sure to find Josh B. at the center! Jack P. has earned the nickname “Otter,” because he can be found floating on his back in the deep end.
All agree that the best part of the open swim is having so much fun with their friends, hence the name Agua Amigos. It is not unusual to hear around Open Door, “When do we get to swim next?”
A big thanks goes to the Fox Valley Family YMCA for “Opening Doors & Developing Opportunities” for the individuals we serve!
Agua Amigos Tyler R., Mike P. and Josh B. taking a swim break.
Tyler R., Shawn M., Austin C. and Kim F. preparing for a splash session.
Open Door’s “Agua Amigos”
COMMUNITY &
SERVICE
Beth M. was a big help when it came to unloading the bottle
tops from the van.
After months of careful sorting and boxing, the team was eager to send the caps off to get the new benches.
Tim G. relaxing on one of the new benches with Patrick B.
MISSION FUN, MISSION DONE! Okay, so this is really cool! Remember when ODDO asked everyone to collect bottle tops so that we could have them upcycled and made into a couple of benches? Well, mission fun is now mission done as once we finished the big job of sorting and boxing, we hit the road to Green Tree Plastics in Evansville, Indiana, where we officially made the swap! We had a lot of fun along the way and can’t help but feel great about doing something that we hope many will enjoy.
The trip to Evansville was a long one. We sang a lot of songs, ate great food, and really enjoyed the fancy water cooler in the hotel (they had lemons and cucumbers floating around in there!). Danielle B. summed up the experience: “I had a good time down there. We did a whole thing. Can we do that again?”
The best part by far was the ability to bring back benches for all of our friends to share and enjoy. Huge thanks to staff member Ashley Boudreau, who figured out how to collect the bottle tops and how to then get the benches! Stay tuned for what ODDO might decide to upcycle next!
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Over 400 lbs delivered safe and sound! Beth M., Evelyn S., and Ann Y.
PERSONAL
RELATIONSHIPS
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ODDO Makes Quick FriendsThank you to everyone who attended Culver’s Cares in Yorkville, a night spent enjoying Open Door friendships with time to cultivate new relationships. The turnout for this event was incredible, and the positive energy in the room was electrifying! ODDO, the Open Door Octopus, even stopped in to say hello. Thank you to all our supporters who made this event a HUGE success!
ODDO had a blast making new friends!
Susan W. thought Culver’s Cares was a fun event!
Aktion Club of Open Door members Clarence B. and Alex C. volunteered as servers.
Richard Randall, Open Door Board Treasurer; Susan W., client; and Gene Stephens, Open Door Associate Director,
volunteered to serve food to patrons.
Daniel and Wren Wehrli playing peek-a-boo with ODDO, the Open Door Octopus.
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Recently, we said goodbye to a beloved Open Door family member, Cara Smith. Cara joined our Open Door family in July of 1994, when we welcomed her as a full-time resident. Since that time, Cara has been well-known for her small stature, winning smile, and colorful personality. But don’t let her small size fool you! What Cara may have lacked in height, she more than made up for with attitude and heart. She gave out hugs freely and would tell people “I like you” all the time. If you were really lucky, you might have even received a small peck on the cheek. On the flip side, Cara could be a “spitfire” and was passionate about many things… especially her Chicago sports teams. On occasion, Cara liked to bicker with those she trusted most… though these friendly debates always ended with an apology and a handshake or hug.
In addition to her colorful personality, Cara was also known to be a devoted daughter. Cara and her mother were very close, and Cara loved spending time with her and going out for shrimp dinners.
When she wasn’t spending time with her mother or friends, Cara loved to watch movies and color. She owned an extensive collection of movies (anything Disney or dog-related were her favorites), crayons, colored pencils, and all kinds of markers… we’re talking hundreds of markers! Cara also loved to shop for movies, coloring books, and posters every time she went out. Her favorite things to color were giant coloring pages and fuzzy posters, an activity she devoted many hours to just so she could give those works of art away to the people she loved. Those of us lucky enough to be on the receiving end of Cara’s generosity will absolutely miss that beaming smile and the warm hug that accompanied each and every piece of art.
As we remember and celebrate Cara’s life, it is evident that we can all learn several valuable lessons from her… Be free with your smiles and hugs. Always say you are sorry when you need to. Love your mom. AND ALWAYS BE SURE TO LIVE YOUR LIFE… IN COLOR.
Cara sharing her love with ODDO, the Open Door Octopus.
Life… In Color Life… In Color
Outings to take anart class were always a
special thrill for Cara!
Sweethearts Cara and Steven S. attended prom.
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$25
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Fan
$4
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AN
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ME
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DR
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Yo
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& D
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Op
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“T
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AN
NU
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MB
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pening
Doors &
Develop
ing O
pp
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DD
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ults with intellectual
& d
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ental disab
ilities.
Call: 8
15-786
-84
68
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Work &
Money
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munity &
Service
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Well-B
eing
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age &
Self-Direction
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elationships
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Spirituality
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ecreation
Hom
e & P
ersonal Space
ODDO’S 8 TENTACLES REPRESENT:
OD
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the Op
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ctopus
My tentacles
represent 8 areas o
f a w
ell-round
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Ho
me &
Perso
nal Space
Perso
nal Relatio
nships
Fun & R
ecreation
Wo
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oney
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THANK YOU to Verizon TCC of Plano employees
for selecting Open Door clients as their quarterly
giveaway recipients! The individuals we serve
were excited to receive such a huge donation of
cool items. The basket contained coloring books,
sketch pads, art supplies, hot chocolate packets,
and much more. Our clients are thoroughly
enjoying everything you donated. Thank you!
Thank you to Kim and Tom Blair, owners of Culver’s in Yorkville, for choosing Open Door for their Culver’s Cares program. On October 17, ten percent of all purchases with a slip benefited Open Door consumers. This was a great opportunity for us to meet up with friends and make some new ones from Yorkville and the surrounding area. Thank you to all the Culver’s employees for making this a delightful and worthwhile experience for all those involved!
The Friendly Tap in Plano donated proceeds from their 2019 Rookie Run to the individuals we serve at Open Door. This annual event is held each fall in memory of Justin Fleming. Open Door would like to extend a warm thank-you to all 2019 Rookie Run participants and The Friendly Tap staff for this generous donation. You have made an IMPACT on the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thank you!
CONTRIBUTIONS, DONATIONS, HONORARIUMS & MEMORIALS
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MEMORIALSIn Memory of Juanita Anderson Mary Ann StevensonIn Memory of Billy Banning Connie and Jim PetersenIn Memory of Robert “Doc” Coleman Floyd and Sherry Anderson Bob and Pam Blue Rob and Karen Borchsenius Hal and Brenda Brown Eddie and Ann Burkhiser Pat Coleman Jerry and Anne Engelhardt Rich Fassig Fred and Gail Gaebler Imre Gonczy Gail and Marvin Graunke Jo Gregory Mike and Carol Gunier Dan and Linda Hanback
Tammy Helfrich and Millie Johnson Sharon Hilliard Clarence Holdiman Harold and Mary Hoover Jack, Peggy, Connie, Jeneen and Craig Ingersol Joyce Johnson Rich and Ellen Johnson Royce Johnson Wayne Larson Pat Maloney Keith and Debbie Mathews and Family Joan L. McEachern John and Tammy McGinnis Don and Jean McNelis Ben and Regina Moe Gary and Vicki Morel Family Betty Morey Renee Moutray
Wayne and Pat Norr Pat and Sandy Noto Ernie and Mary Peters Mike and Lori Peterson Jo and Doug Pierce Julie Prendergast Dick and Myrla Randall Bill and Fay Schell Georgia Scoggins Steve, Laura, Sarah & Jonah Sharp Carol Sheeley Irene Steele Susan Tarnoki Keith and Norma Tucker Curt and Leona Whiteaker Nancy and David WoodcockIn Memory of Dr. Robert Coleman & Edie Hank and Marie WatkinsIn Memory of Armand “Shorty” Dannewitz Cindy Westbrook
In Memory of Carrol Dannewitz-Olson The Don Augustine Family- Gary & Lori, Steve & Jeanie, Bruce & Karol and DeAnn Ron and Tarica Barker Mary Dornback John and Pat Hallaron Chuck and Linda Hickey Richard and Barbara Holland Dan and Lauren Hoyt Jerry and Donna Leonard Jeanie Martin Ken and Denise Mestemaker Carol Meyer Mary Meyer Sandwich Lions Club - Rick Linder Sandwich Lions Club - Beth Swanson Cary and Denise Stevenson Tom and Betty Thomas Dave and Barbara Voss
ENGRAVED BRICK COMMEMORATIONOpen Door’s customized, engraved bricks are a onetime donation and will last a lifetime as a permanent piece of our tranquil paver area. Personalize a brick with names, dates and messages to honor an exceptional person, in memory
of a loved one, or to recognize a special occasion.
BILLY BANNINGI WAVING
(AT TRAINS)
Richard and Virginia Banning
We deeply appreciate all of your support—with contributions, donations, honorariums, and memorial gifts. Your ongoing support enables Open Door to continue to provide quality training, residential, and home care support for our clients. Thank you so very much – we are deeply
grateful for your support. For your convenience, we have enclosed a donation envelope in this newsletter. We hope you find this to be helpful, and we look forward to acknowledging your generous gifts in future newsletters!
*We try very hard to acknowledge every gift.The donations included in this issue are those received between September 1, 2019 – October 31, 2019.
IN LOVINGMEMORY
“MR. BILL” MEADE
Betsy Fletcher
ODRC BOARDTHANKSMICHAELBENNETT
FOR YOUR YRSOF SERVICE
Open Door Board of Directors
ARMAND“SHORTY”
DANNEWITZLIVED A LIFEOF HELPING
OTHERS
Cindy Westbrook
OUR ANGELBRAXTONGOODIN
Brenda Stevenson
CONTRIBUTIONS, DONATIONS, HONORARIUMS & MEMORIALS
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Dr. and Mrs. Mark D. Weinhold Lynn and Jane Wesson James and Mary ZingreIn Memory of Richard “Dick” Delp Patricia MyersIn Memory of David W. Erickson Candi and Dave Baker Mary Stout Tom and Betty Thomas Eunice Weller In Memory of David Fraser Marlene Diehl Janet Fanning and Family Norma Hough and Family Ken and Denise Mestemaker Sandwich Freedom Hall Mary Ann StevensonIn Memory of Charlene Graham Friends and Family of Charlene Graham Geraldine Rashinskas Richard and Kay Scott Nancy Sunnen James and Judi YeatesIn Memory of Dr. Grimes Mary NugentIn Memory of Stanley “Dutch” Harkins Joanne HarkinsIn Memory of Bradley Hartman Joan, Dan and Brandon DobnickIn Memory of Kenneth Dean Hupach Anonymous Jason and Jamie Collins and Family Laura Collins HealthRise Jane Hough Joe and Jeanie Hough Nicklaus Hough and Family Norma Hough Julie Jones and Carol Rodriguez Jerry and Donna Leonard George and Molly Maris Ken and Denise Mestemaker Janet G. Miller Ron and Bonnie Miller Dan and Amanda Polignone Jason and Andrea Shrum and Family Barbara Weber Adam and Brittany Zuzelski and Family
In Memory of Gene Johnson Cindy SimpsonIn Memory of Lawrence Kotecki, Sr. and Larry Kotecki, Jr. Irene KoteckiIn Memory of Peter Krentz Richard KonowIn Memory of Donna Leidolf George LeidolfIn Memory of James G. Leonard Ron and Barb JohnsonIn Memory of Madison Mall Norma and Jane Hough Mary Ann StevensonIn Memory of Deborah Matthews Chuck and Linda HickeyIn Memory of Rita McCaslin Wright Sandwich High School Class of 1964In Memory of Richard “Dick” Munson Alexander Place Townhomes Assn Sharon Brue Mark and Valerie Buffington Wayne and Barbara Christopher Louise Classon Stacey and Karlene Dolder Gwen Fox Keith and Janet Harms Susan Keenan Richard Konow Matthew and Jill Kuebrich Lawrence and Sandra Lunn Rudolph and Suzette Malert Ione Martin Cindy Reuter Dave and Barbara Voss Alvin and Myrtie WarrenIn Memory of Alex Nagy Jr. Ken and Denise MestemakerIn Memory of Allan E. Nelson Allan and Sheryl NelsonIn Memory of Earl Severson Anonymous Larry and Sharon Larson Beryl McKanna Wiley, Nancy and James UpdikeIn Memory of James Shores Richard KonowIn Memory of Caralee Smith Lori KennelIn Memory of Hazel Weddell Bob and Nancy Delp
MEMBERSHIPSODDO’s FanKeith and Janet Harms
CONTRIBUTIONSAnonymousPatricia AndresenWayne and Joyce BettnerGreg and Barb ChristianRon CunzFifth Generation Inc.James and Judy FishBob and Kathy FredrickThe Friendly TapMichelle GouldBryan and Patty HarbinJean HastertChristine HickeyJeff HoehnAlison Maguire-PowellNancy MartinConnie MatiasAnn and Michael McCueJean MillerWilliam MoresNFI LLCRobert O’BrienThe Old Mill TavernCatherine OrseskeDavid ReidDale ShattersSheridan United Methodist WomenBob and Peg ShumwayMatthew SmithSomonauk 500 ClubMichael SundblomMichael TerryUnited Way of Greater AtlantaPatti WebberMarie YatesMardel and Charles YonikasYorkville Congregational United Church of Christ
MY BUDDYLarry and Jean Trahant
HONORARIUMSIn Honor of Lori Bahde Karen A. Schulte In Honor of Kristina Mestemaker’s Birthday Doug, Judy and Genevieve Weiss
IN-KIND GIFTSAngie’s Sugar Buzz BakeryLisa BricklerCity of SandwichAnna DriskillFirst National BankWendy FlowersDick HartBeth KolarKathy KovacLisa McBrideLinda McVicker Dennis O’ConnellIda OidtmanJamie PackleyMitch and Pat PazdroRedbud Creek FarmSteve RottRural KingSaint Paul’s United Church of ChristSalem Evangelical Lutheran ChurchTCC VerizonTri-County KiwanisPat Whitten
VOLUNTEERSVirginia BanningFox Valley Therapy Dog Club Lyn Benjamin and Tia Rose Sue Carter & Reggie and Kirby Phil Hilliard and Granger Donna Jacobs and Joey Jan Lauwers and Missy Del Lydon and Cash Karen Miller and Hudson Joe Sells and BellaRyan WallisSadie WallisWoodcarvers Club Ed Boyd Willie Nelson Ike Vancil
MATCHING GIFTSRobert R. McCormick Foundation Alyssa Kelly Michael O’FlynnState Farm Companies Foundation Bob Wright
405 South Wells Street | Sandwich, IL 60548
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