Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association

CONNECTIONS Fall Retreat

Viva Las Vegas!

1

By: Robin Treso

The Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association held its annual Fall Retreat on October 25th & 26th in Regina at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel.

The theme this year was a Fabulous Las Vegas style weekend…and FABULOUS it was! Those in attendance included our spectacular members, dedicated staff, engaging presenters, and some awesome student volunteers from the University of Regina.

Winter 2015

Inside this issue:

Upcoming Events:

…Continued on Page 4

“The Great Freeze of Winter Offers the New

Beginnings of Spring”.

Page 3

Fall Retreat Page 4

Program Updates Page 7

Spring Retreat Poster Page 2

Page 6

Page 7

Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association Winter 2015

2

Saturday March 21st & Sunday March 22nd Parktown Hotel, Saskatoon, SK

Please join us for Springtime in Paris themed weekend filled with informative

and beneficial sessions for both ABI Survivors and their caregivers!

Featuring games, prizes, craft projects, entertainment, stories of hope a Springtime in Paris themed social on Saturday night!

Learn more and register online at: www.sbia.ca/events.aspx

For more information please contact:

Tracey Monette, SBIA Events & Volunteer Coordinator Email: sbia.events@sasktel.net

Phone: (306) 717-5301

SBIA Spring Retreat

March 21st

& 22nd

Connections Winter 2015

3

P: 1.888.373.1555 | E: info_sbia@sasktel.net | W: www.sbia.ca

Donate at Participating Businesses

Visit www.sbia.ca/brainlove.aspx to learn how you can become involved in BrainLove

MARCH IS BRAIN AWARENESS MONTH

Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association Winter 2015

4

2

Fall Retreat cont’d The weekend began with a delicious lunch, followed by a thought provoking presentation by Donna Bowyer from the Canadian Mental Health Association. Donna discussed the connection between loss, grief, depression, and anxiety.

Our next presenter was Addictions Counsellor, Ron Thurlow, from the Regina Qu’Appelle Health Region. Ron was very engaged with the audience and had some supportive answers for all of our member’s questions.

Next, the survivors stayed in the main room to work on a Vegas picture frame craft with our great volunteers.

3

During craft time family members and caregivers joined some of the staff to participate in a round-table discussion about their concerns, hopes, and dreams for their loved ones and for the acquired brain injury community.

Following this fabulous day of informative sessions, the group was nourished with a delicious supper of carved roast beef, herb whipped potatoes, and side dishes.

The day came to an end as the group watched a Vegas style performance by the Fada Dance Company trio, who later welcomed our members onto the dance floor.

Connections Winter 2015

5

4

After the dance, members participated in some Vegas style games that included: Plinko, Jumbo Memory, High Roll with jumbo dice, Blackjack, and Pop Bottle Ring Toss. The Photo Booth was a hit again, and many took advantage of the great slot machine backdrop and the main props. At the conclusion of the evening, everyone went home with some fabulous prizes.

Sunday morning came early and our members enjoyed breakfast together, which was followed by a heart-warming story of hope from brain injury survivor, Jennifer Kuchinka. Jennifer also discussed the book that she wrote about her experience, titled ‘After the Truck Hit.’

5

The weekend came to a beautiful ending as presenter, Fran Gilboy, led the room in a one-hour meditation session.

A farewell luncheon in Fabulous Las Regina closed the 2014 Fall Retreat, with us all looking toward 2015’s adventures.

Thank-you to the SBIA volunteers, caregivers, family members, and participants for making this a Fall Retreat to remember!

Special thank-you to Beverly Jay Photography for the lovely photos! More photos can be found on our Facebook Page: facebook.com/SaskBrainInjury

Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association Winter 2015

6

Connections Winter 2015

7

1

Spring Retreat… In Paris We are very excited about the upcoming Spring Retreat – March 21st and 22nd at the Parktown Hotel in Saskatoon, SK. The theme for this year’s Retreat is Springtime in Paris, which will perfectly match the introduction of spring to our Paris of the Prairies! We have a full weekend planned. We’ll start off with a welcome lunch on Saturday, where you’ll be able to meet new friends and catch-up with old friends. Following lunch, there will be a presentation about the 5 Languages of Love.

2

Later in the afternoon everyone can enjoy craft-time while there is a Caregiver Session with Harold Empey. He will discuss his preparation binder, Just in Case. It can be purchased for $30 at the Retreat. Following dinner everyone will be able to enjoy the Parisian music of Malika Sellami. As always, there will be games, prizes, and an opportunity to visit the Eiffel Tower in the Photobooth! Sunday will a have a later start with brunch and Hula Hoop entertainment by Karla Kloeble. Full itinerary will be available online at www.sbia.ca/spring-retreat.aspx

Our Programs Find information about all our programs at: http://www.sbia.ca/aboutus.aspx

1

Regina SOAR (ages 12-17) Where: varies When: Saturdays, 1:30pm – 4:00pm Caregiver Support Group Where: Wascan Rehab Centre When: 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7:00pm Contact Robin: sbia.support@sasktel.net Moose Jaw Walking Group Where: Yara Centre When: Tuesday mornings Contact Leslie Good for more info Prince Albert Chapter Meeting

• Currently on hiatus

2

Kindersley Walking Group Where: West Central Events Centre When: Thursdays, 7:00pm Contact Denise: den.sarada@gmail.com Yorkton Coffee Talk & Support Group

• Where: Fresh on Fifth • When: 2nd Saturday of the month • • Walking Group • Coming Soon!

Contact Lynette: lynnie33@hotmail.com Saskatoon Chapter Support Meeting

• Where: Sherbrooke Community Centre • When: 3rd Monday of the month, 7:00pm