Residential Express

2015

Issue – 131

Volunteer Board of Directors

President - Mel Kennah

Vice President – Jerome Dennis

Treasurer – Monik Ganon

Secretary –Margie McFee

Debbie Smith

Jacques Bernard

Joanne Landry

Linda Woodhouse

Ray Pichette

Gillian Johnson

Patricia Maidment

Team Building/Facilitators

Chris Briggs

Luanne Rafferty

Marlene Harrity

Natalie Lutes

Melinda Mucci

Teri Tobin

Lyne LeBlanc

Ronda Saulnier

Lori Allain

Health-Safety

Nina LeBlanc

Alison Caissie

Natalie Lutes

George MacDonald

monctoncommunityresidences.com

Joke of the Month

One night, Mrs McMillen answers the door to see her husband’s

best friend, Paddy, standing on the doorstep.

"Hello Paddy, but where is my husband? He went with you to the

beer factory"

Paddy shook his head. "Ah Mrs McMillen, there was a terrible

accident at the beer factory, your husband fell into a vat of

Guinness stout and drowned"

Mrs McMillen starts crying. "Oh don't tell me that, did he at least

go quickly?"

Paddy shakes his head. "Not really - he got out 3 times to pee!"

Mission Statement

Moncton Community Residences Incorporated is a non-profit

organization that provides residential options and support for

individuals with developmental challenges in the various aspects

of their progressing lives.

“Let us always meet each other with smile, for the

smile is the beginning of love.”

-Mother Teresa

Message from the CEO This morning I had the pleasure of honoring one of our SILP staff who has been with the organization for 30 years, one of my favorite CEO duties, congratulations again Maria. She is not only a tremendous person but Maria is an excellent staff who because of her caring and dedication has contributed greatly in shaping the philosophy of the organization. These events serve as a reminder to me that MCRI has a fairly substantial legacy and that the history of the organization and all of our members, past and present, is extremely important to our organizational culture.

After our members, another integral part of the organizational history is our buildings and our main office location currently here on Collishaw Street. We have been in these offices for almost 30 years, certainly throughout my career we have been in this same location. Way back prior to coming to work for MCRI I had been lucky enough to work only in posh Federal Government offices and had never visited an office occupied by a charity or not-for-profit organization, so you can imagine my initial reaction when I first came to the MCRI office, which back then consisted of mostly donated office furniture, scant decorations and mismatched flooring, not to mention the mud bog front parking lot. Quickly I learned that there were other issues far more important and pressing to the organization than the quality and aesthetics of the main office. Still today we often get interesting reactions from family members and professionals who visit our main office for the first time.

MCRI has been an excellent tenant during our time in this building. We have always paid our rent and even though the rent costs have typically been reasonable, over the years we have been here those payments still add up to well over 1 million dollars. This certainly never was and isn’t today a million dollar building. MCRI has often tried to update the look and even made some repairs at the organizations cost, but the building has lacked proper maintenance and in the last several years has become seriously rundown. More concerning is that during this time we have had many instances where visitors and staff have attributed health issues to the building and these types of issues continue to grow. Clearly something needed to change.

So late in 2013 MCRI’s Board agreed with an administration recommendation to start considering a new main office location. Now I am happy to announce that after more than a year of considering options to rent, build, or purchase a new office location, and with the support of our financial partners at Scotiabank, we have found one. In January MCRI purchased the building at 15 Brandon Street and we plan to be operating our offices and Club Shades out of that location by September 2015 at the latest.

Needless to say we are all very excited, however, there is still lots of work to do prior to setting up in the new location but it will certainly be worth the effort to have a new fresh and healthy office location where when you park and get out of your car you can expect to still have dry feet.

Have Fun

Greg

I know I am getting better at golf because I am hitting fewer spectators.

-Gerald R. Ford

MEMBER NOMINATIONS

Danny Ayles – Is always available to help, never misses his visits. Has been going through some dental issues and is doing great.

Nina LeBlanc – For the patience she shows with some of her more challenging clients.

Shaynna Goodine – Always has a smile on her face and is willing to try anything with the

clients. Is supportive of her co workers. Brian and Lila Cunningham – They have given great care to their AFLA client for over

20 years.

Gary Graham – For following the coaching we share with you.

Other Nominations:

Pauline Goguen Dave LeBlanc Jeremy Hudson Nina LeBlanc Greg Hatton Kelsie Dickson Shaynna Goodine x2 Jose Serengendo Henry Cormier Donna Crossman x2 Gary Graham Alvera Banyiyezako Kenny Guthrie Roberta & Lary Rain Joanne Bazin Brian & Lila Cunningham Ashley Steeves Takie Kemoki Dorothy Zoellner Lori Allain x2 Nicole & Mike Lake Emily MacFarlane Jane Umutoni Linda Lee x2 Katie Reick Sarah Furlong Lucy Wilson Rashida Nyei Alexis Mitton Danny Ayles Tracy LeBlanc Katelin Cormier x2

MCRI’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

If you are a MCRI’s employee you can benefit from the EAP. What exactly is this program

about and what could it do for you?

EAP provides you and eligible family members with access to free, professional and

confidential counselling, coaching and consulting services. If you are going through a

difficult situation this service will provide you with assistance and help to manage your

personal, family or work-related concerns.

If you would like to benefit from the EAP, ask your supervisor or Alison Cassie for a fseap

card. You will find there the telephone number you should contact to make the

arrangements.

Remember, this service is completely confidential, your employer (MCRI) will never know

what employees are using it.

Marlene Harrity –For all her dedication over the years with MCRI,

her bright and positive personality makes it a pleasure to have her around.

Thank you for being with us all these years, we want you around for many

more!!!!

Note: Marlene recently had her 70th birthday with us!!

Years of service 5 Years – March - Jean-Pierre Daigle,

April - Tobie Bastarache,

10 Years – May - Normand Joanis, Craig Lamb,

April – Tonya Robichaud

20 Years – May – Gerarda Robichaud

25 Years – April - Kathy Savoie

Birthdays

March

Mitchell Rubin, Louise Chiasson, Brian Durelle, Larry McDuff, Stephane Landry, Penny Mills,

Mike Gormley, Allan Despres, Nicholas Guitard, Patricia Hanrahan, Arthur Hopper, Andrew

Copp, Joanne Bhatnagar, Melissa LeBlanc, Noella Smith, Mavis Rodriguez, Kelsie Dickson,

James Walsh, Nicky Lake, Amanda Boucher, Donna DuGuay, Cheryl Morrell, Wayne Feltham,

Tara Clow, Jo-Anne Reid.

April

Maureen Murphy, Leo Bourque, Roger Donelle, Jordan Dawson, Jeremy Hudson, Kenny

Babineau, Barb Bennett, David Lutes, Mathieu Collette, Jamie Dobson, Brenda Gould, Inez

White, Chad Burgess, Aaron Henry, Jeff Trewin, Shawna Warman, Carly Lushman, Mike

McCumber, Chalice Crossman, Stephanie Haynes, Frank Ndayahoze, Taiwo Obaniyi, Amanda

Steeves, Deborah Wynter, Carla LeBlanc, Shabani Ringo, Rose-Marie Cormier, Rhonda

McKinnon, Judy Arlene Flower, Juliette Porelle, Mike Gauvin, Tania Maillet.

May

Christa Babineau, Josh Target, Darrin Murray (50), Isaac Burrill, Louise Poirier, Tammie Lane,

Mathieu LeBlanc, Debby Cormier, Fraser Walsh, Paul Schoffield, Alexis Mitton, Tracy

LeBlanc, Rachelle Cormier, Laura Kidd, Leanne Wilson, Jessica Woodard, Nina LeBlanc, Darla

Northrup, Rashida Nyei, Jane Umutoni, Guy LeBlanc, Susan Trenholm, Lila Cunningham,

Robert Maillet.

When you make a choice, you change the future. – Deepak Chopra

Maria Matchett, 30 years with MCRI already!!

St Patrick’s Day

In Canada, St Patrick’s Day is a public celebration brought to the country by Irish immigrants. St Patrick was a missionary who worked in Ireland and had an important role converting the inhabitant of this country to Christianity and in ridding the island of snakes. However, there is no evidence that there have been any snakes in Ireland in the past 10,000 years.

For Canadians, St Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irish Culture. Big parades take place in cities like

Toronto and Montreal. In Manitoba the Irish association organizes a three-day festival during the

week of St Patrick’s. Across the country, people dress in green, they go to Irish restaurants and they

enjoy traditional Irish dishes, such as: Colcannon (mashed potatoes mixed with kale or cabbage) or

Irish stew (traditionally made with lamb and root vegetables). Traditional Irish drinks include stout,

a dark beer, and whiskey. Did I mentioned beer?

The most widely-seen St Patrick's Day symbols are the colors green, the shamrock and the

leprechaun. The shamrock is a symbol of Ireland and a registered trademark of the Republic of

Ireland. It is the leaf of the clover plant and an Irish Catholic symbol of the Holy Trinity.

The Leprechaun is a type of fairy in Irish Folklore. He is a little men (between 2 to 3 feet tall) who

enjoys partaking in mischief. He is a shoemaker and stores all his coins in a hidden pot of gold at the

end of the rainbow. If you happen to come across a leprechaun, be sure to hold on to him. According

to Irish legends, people lucky enough to capture a leprechaun can barter his freedom for three wishes.

But dealing with a leprechaun can be a tricky proposition.

STAFF MEETINGS West Lane – October 30, December 4,(Team)January 22, March 5, April 9(Team), May 14, June 18, July 23 (team), August 27, AFLA – October 2, November 6, December 11, February 5, March 12, April 16, May 21, June 25, July 30 Dominion – October 9, November 13, December 18, (Team)February 12, March 19, April 23(team), May 28, July 2, August 6 (team), SILP – October 16, November 20, January 8,(team) February 19, March 26, April 30 (team), June 4, July 9, August 13 (team) Railway – October 23, November 27(Team), January 15, February 26, March 26(Team), May 7, June 11, July 16 (team), August 20,

Training Schedule Mandt Schedule

Classes are held at the Club beginning at 9:15. To register call Melanie 859-1829 or Jennifer 859-1827 March – 3, 10, 17. Alison May – 5, 12, 19. Stephanie

Real difficulties can be overcome; it is only the imaginary ones that are

unconquerable.

Dominion

March Break is upon us and the staff and youth are excited for many activities planned.

We would like to welcome Alvera, Shawn, Ashley, Arthur and Andrew to our team.

We’ve had a busy winter shoveling snow with the assistance of one of our youth that enjoys as well as

making forts. Lots of times sledding at Centennial Park, working on crafts, baking, and swimming at St.

Pats.

We are anxiously waiting for spring, with warmer temperatures and longer days.

Until Next time,

Dominion Team

Happy Easter my

little friend!!!

You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving

today. They left a little note on the windscreen, it said “Parking

Fine” -Tommy Cooper

SILP

Well folks, it’s almost time to put the shovels and snow boots away! It has been a long cold

winter and we can’t wait to see some of this snow melt. Warmer days are just ahead!

We would like to welcome Beverly Z and Peter M to our ever-growing SILP family.

Congratulations to Aaron Henry for being this years recipient of the Rita Agnew Achievement

award and to Pauline Goguen (recipient of the Board of Directors Award). As well, we would

like to congratulate Nina Leblanc on the birth of her grandson! We would also like to

congratulate our folks who just came back from Woodstock with medals (Special Olympics).

Way to go!!!

We wish everyone a very happy Easter!! Don’t forget to change your clocks one hour ahead

on March 8th.

The truth will set you free.

But before it does, it will make you angry. –Jerry Jonier

If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands? ~Milton Berle

Recently, SILP hosted fire prevention educational sessions in some of

their residences. Our folks had a good time and learned a few tips on

preventing fires and staying safe.

Thank you to everyone who participated and to those who made it

possible.

Thanks to the Fire Department, especially Steve Woodworth, Fire

Prevention Officer, who shared his knowledge and experience with us.

Railway

The boys had a great Christmas! The staff and youth are spending a lot of time outside playing

in the snow, although we are all looking forward to spring so we can do other activities. Until

then we will enjoy our hot chocolates and coffees.

Lots of ideas for things to do in spring!!!

Sit outdoors at a coffee

shop

Decorate your home with

fresh tulips or daffodils

Watch bumble bees at work

in the garden

Ride a bike Jump in puddles Wear sandals

Go for a walk Fly a kite Wear shorts

Go horseback-riding Enjoy the trees blossoming Feel the sun on your face

Look for four leave clover Have a picnic at the park

Play in a playground

What season is it when you are on a trampoline?

Spring-time!

WEST LANE Things are going well. We welcome Logan Turner to MCRI. We are in process of transitioning one of the

people there.

AFLA

For the AFLA program, things are fairly stable. People are all getting very sick of winter like everyone

else and can’t wait for the first signs of spring.

Easter is the only time of the year where is perfectly safe to put all your eggs in one

basket.

–Kurt Avish

South East Special Olympics

February 19 to the 22 was the Provincial Winter Games that were held in Woodstock. We had 30

athletes:8 speed skaters 2 curling teams and a floor hockey and we came back with 30 medals. The

provincial team that will be going to nationals next year in Newfoundland will be picked from the

weekend. Everyone had a great weekend new friendships were made along with meeting up with old

friends.

Just for fun!!! Are you smarter than a 5

th

grader?

2nd Measurements

How many pints are in ten gallons?

3rd grade Earth Science

Hydroelectric power is generated by what?

4th grade World history

The ancient Olympics were held in which country?

A. Greece B. Troy

C. Sparta D. Constantinople

4th Grade Music

The first operas were in which country?

A. France B. Germany

C. Italy D. England

4th grade science

Charles Darwin is best known for his Theory of ____________.

A. Relativity B. Evolution

C. Inertia D. Gravitational Pull

Check out the top 15 names

of crazy women in the list below.

1. Ashley

2. Shannon

3. Melissa

4. Allison

5. Rebecca

6. Mary

7. Christina

8. Kelly

9. Victoria

10. Stephanie

11. Tiffany

12. Elizabeth

13. Lindsey

14. Andrea

15. Heather

(According to Internet anyways)

Find the differences!!

La Recette Tofu Cream Cheese 1 pkg. firm silken tofu 1/4 cup cashews 2 Tbsp. unsweetened soy milk 1 Tbsp. sweetener (this can be maple syrup, agave syrup, or regular sugar) 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. lemon juice Assorted spices, to taste Directions:

Combine all the ingredients except the spices in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add your favorite spices to your heart’s content—my favorites are onion powder, garlic powder, chili

powder, dill, and chives, but you can use pretty much any spice that you want. Cover and refrigerate for two hours to thicken.

Makes approximately 1 cup

The Safe Living Project

Did you get your book already? Have you mentioned The Safe Living Project to your family and friends?

Have you liked or shared our Facebook page? All these are things you can do to support people who live

with “disabilities”.

Jerry Kirkpatrick, author of “A Regular Folks Guide to Humanity” is willing to offer a presentation to any

group interested in The Safe Living Project. If you are part of a community group that may be interested

in a presentation, please contact Jerry through our website: http://thesafelivingproject.com/contact-us/

Note: Our last issue had a misspelling on the name of one of our recognized sellers, the correct spelling

of her name is Joanne Bhatnagar.

Just for fun answers:

2nd grade measurements -There are 80 pints in ten gallons (eight pints per gallon).

3rd grade Earth Science – Moving water

4th grade World history –A. Greece

4th grade Music –C. Italy

4th grade science –B. Evolution

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http://www.monctoncommunityresidences.com/newsletter/