1999-2000 News Archives
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ACES and WOWEE and SMILE...oh my!
Another Great Year For Network 303
Celebrating Productive Living - Success!
Garden Project Announced On New RO
Building An Inclusive Community
A Delicious Spring Brunch
How Suite It Is...
It's BUZZ Time!
Time To Dig In
New RO Breaks The Story
More Culture On The Way
Let's Celebrate!
SMILE...It Takes A Village
SMILE...Thanks To The RMOC
Award Winner!
Please Reserve
It's Time For The BUZZ
CJOH-TV Broadcast
BCTC Now Open
ITLC Project Wins Award
New Home Page Address
Record Breaker
Get Ready For The Gala!
A Beautiful Brunch
Mobilizing The Media
Seek Comfort...Frugal Comfort!
It'll Be A Grand Time
We Fared Well At The Fair
Millenium Donor Drive
Annual General Meeting
It's Time For Savings!
It's Time...For Network 303
Golfing Glory
June 30,
2000
This will be the busiest summer ever for the Special Needs Network! With the combination of the ACES (Active Community Experiences and Summer) and WOWEE (World of Work Exploration and Experience) summer learning programs, and the launch of the SMILE (Skills and More for Independent Living and Employment) system of supports, the SNN organization has become a hive of activity beginning July 4th.
With the start of the SMILE program, which provides independent living, comunity participation, and employment supports to young adults making the transition from school to community life, SNN is expanding to an additional room at the Bronson Centre. The SMILE participants will be designing their own headquarters and completing the interior design work to refurbish Room 309. In addition to the system of support activities, the SMILE room will also be host to an Information Technology Literacy Centre.
The SMILE system of supports will also make possible the re-opening of the Bronson Community Thrift Centre (in the basement of the Bronson Centre) as a transitional employment training centre, providing affordable used merchandise to the local community. The thrift store raised several thousand dollars in 1999-2000 through the sale of donated items.
June 17,
2000
The Network 303 program closed out the year in a relaxed party atmosphere with a barbecue and pool party at the Stittsville home of Network 303 Independent Living Club participant Jennifer Harris. The marked the end of the third year for Network 303, which is comprised of four weekly community participation programs serving ages 13-29 from September to June.
No major changes to Network 303 are planned for next year, with the exception of some minor alterations to the membership fees and requirements. Most significantly, all participants in Network 303 programs will be required to hold a valid Special Needs Network membership. There will also be a minor fee increase and a refundable deposit for bus fares and admission fees.
May 31,
2000
The first ever presentation of the Celebrating Productive Living fundraiser was an incredible success. Hosted by TV personality Cyndi Edwards, with entertainment by performer Dave Kalil, and auctioneering by philanthropist Dave Smith, the sold-out crowd of 150 supporters jammed into the Bronson Centre cafeteria for a fun-filled evening. Through the combination of ticket sales, event sponsors, and the sale of auction items, SNN raised over $8000 in support of programs and services for youth with developmental disabilities. For further information, see the event website.
May 18,
2000
SNN President Keenan Wellar appeared on the New RO to announce the launch of a community gardening project that is being developed in partnership with the Community Gardening Network and the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton. The garden, located at the corner of Bronson and Laurier, will feature 20 community gardeners from the surrounding neighborhood as well as a garden that will be tended by the program participants of the Special Needs Network. Plans are being developed to distribute produce from the SNN garden to people in need.
May 1-2,
2000
Our partnership with the Ontario Association for Community Living has already started to pay off, even though the SMILE program has yet to begin (see news from March 24 and March 27). OACL arranged two full day workshops for SNN clients, staff, volunteers, family, and community members interested in building an inclusive community. The action plan that is to be generated at the sessions will serve as part of the foundation for the delivery of the SMILE program.
April 29,
2000
The LOEB and SNN Family Brunch featured handcrafted spring decorations by the Network 303 Junior and Intermediate groups, as well as a delicious oriental style dinner prepared by the Seniors and the Independent Living Club. Ceremonial activities included acknowledging the contribution of volunteer Jodie Eickholt, who will be leaving to pursue university studies in the USA in May.
April 17, 2000
What a Suite deal! Web community Suite101.com is donating $2 to anyone and everyone who wants to support SNN.
April 15, 2000
The latest edition of our quarterly newsletter, the SNN BUZZ, is now available. Colour copies are delivered to all members.
March 31,
2000
As reported in the March edition of the Peace and Environment News, Special Needs Network is helping to organize the development of a community garden at the corner of Laurier and Bronson. SNN will be involved in a variety of activities with the garden, all of which will involve clients from SNN programs.
March 30,
2000
SNN President Keenan Wellar was interviewed by Cyndi Edwards of the New RO to promote the "Building Productive Lives" Dinner, Entertainment, and Auction event of May 31.
March 27,
2000
The Hill Charity Fund, by way of the Community Foundation of Ottawa, has granted $4,000 to SNN for the development and enhancement of dramatic arts activities in the Network 303 programs.
March 24,
2000
Join supporters of the Special Needs Network on the evening of Wednesday, May 31 for our latest annual event, "Celebrating Productive Living". This fun-filled evening will feature a complete dinner, entertainment by premiere piano man Dave Kalil, hosting by TV personality Cyndi Edwards of the New RO, and an exciting auction with philanthropist Dave Smith wielding the auctioneer's gavel. Enjoy a great meal and pick up a bargain, all in support of SNN programs. Tickets are just $20, only $5 for children 12 and under. Call 235-9550 to assist with organizing the event, to puchase tickets, to make a donation for the auction, or to become an event sponsor. Click here for more information.
March 9,
2000
The Ontario Association for Community Living (OACL), administrators of the "It Takes A Village...Where All People Belong 1999-2000" have announced that SNN will receive $15,000 in support of the SMILE initiative (see below).
March 1,
2000
A letter from Regional Chair Bob Chiarelli has been received at the SNN office, indicating that the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton (Social Services) is awarding a grant of $19,000 in support of the Skills and More for Independent Living (SMILE) program. The SMILE program is an extension of the Bronson Community Thrift Centre pilot project that ends in May 2000. Program participants will develop individual plans for productive community living and pursue goals in the areas of home life, community life, volunteerism, and work.
February 29,
2000
The SNN website has been honoured with a prestigious award, which was accompanied by the following note: "At CanadaSEEK all web sites are visited to make sure they fit our web site goals before they are provided with a basic listing. This can take up to 4 hours each and every day. As time passes this is taking more of our time. However, we have managed to come up with a site award for those sites that we feel are worthy of added mention. We can tell that many Canadians take great pride in their sites and we felt time to award them with the CanadaSEEK Website of the Week Award. Congratulations Special Needs Network!".
February 12,
2000
The next LOEB and SNN Family Brunch is coming up on February 26, 12:00 Noon at the Bronson Centre, 211 Bronson Avenue. At the last brunch event in December we nearly ran out of food, so please reserve ahead of time as required at 235-9550. We need to know how many persons are attending so that we can purchase enough food.
February 5,
2000
The Special Needs Network newsletter has been completed and was mailed out earlier this week (the delivery date was delayed due to the flu virus that swept through the SNN office in January). The newsletter has also been revised to present the new look of the Special Needs Network, which is also reflected on the website at www.snn.ca. The eight-page publication, the SNN BUZZ, is packed with photos and information, is distributed quarterly to all SNN members.
January 20,
2000
SNN President Keenan Wellar appeared on the noon edition of CJOH news today. Host Leanne Cusack interviewed Mr. Wellar to discuss Special Needs Network programs and services.
January 11,
2000
The Bronson Community Thrift Centre (BCTC) has re-opened for business, every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the basement of the Bronson Centre. The BCTC is a unique second-hand thrift store that has been developed as part of the >Bizzy Tizzy Work Experience Program, a community service and work experience program that has been developed by SNN in partnerhsip with Youth Services Canada and a variety of community partners. For information call 565-7609.
December 23,
1999
On the 23rd of December, 1999, the Special Needs Education project received the Feature Site Award, courtesy of healthAtoZ.com. According to President and CEO Dr. Raj Lakhanpal, this award "is a message to the world that your site has been featured by healthAtoZ.com for having met or exceeded our rigorous standards for being featured on the healthAtoZ search engine". The SNE website is maintained as a project of the SNN Information Technology Literacy Centre (ITLC), which offers learning opportunities for youth and young adults with developmental disabilities.
December 16,
1999
Thanks to Storm Internet Services we have been able to register an internet domain name, and host a new home page with our domain name address! You can now get to the Special Needs Network website by going to http://www.snn.ca.
December 11,
1999
Today a record 112 persons attended the LOEB and SNN Family Brunch Event. This special holiday version featured performances by members of the Network 303 programs, in addition to attractive handcrafted table decorations and a delicious menu of chicken casserole, potatoes, cranberry sauce, and cookies. The special guest of the day was Iain Page from Globalmic Inc. Globlamic was recognized for arranging the donation of a fabulous PA system, which was used to broadcast the day's performances. We look foward to many years of enjoyment of this quality equipment! Also of note on this day, the last of our supply of Entertainment 2000 Discount Books was sold, bringing the total to over 100, exceeding last year's total by about 25%. Proceeds from the sale will go to support SNN programs - as will >New Year's Eve tickets, which were also on sale. Contact the SNN office at 235-9550 asap if you are planning to attend.
November 10,
1999
It's time to get ready for the Special Needs Network New Year's Eve Millennium Gala! We are once again featuring a live musical set by Ottawa's premier piano man Dave Kalil. Other details appear below.
This Is A Two Theme Party
- Dress To Represent Your Favourite Decade
- Go Black and White With A Tux Or Gown
Conveniently Located
- RA Centre (Riverside @ Bronson)
- In The Canada Room (Fully Licensed)
- Plenty Of Free Parking and Excellent Taxi Service
Tickets Just $75
- Discounts For Parties Of 4 Or More
- Receive A $25 Charitable Tax Receipt With Your Ticket
Reserve Now: 235-9550
November 8,
1999
We have tallied up the results from the first LOEB and SNN Family Brunch Event of the season,
and it was truly a beautiful day. Despite many of our regular attendees being affected by the flu
bug, the brunch was attended by 91 supporters. Over $200 was raised in support of Network 303
programs! Next brunch is December 12th, please call the office at 235-9550 and reserve your seats
now - after all, if we don't know you are coming, we can't feed you.
October 27, November 2, November 6,
1999
On Wednesday, October 27th, the 6:00 pm broadcast of CJOH news featured a report on the grand opening celebration of the Bronson Community Thrift Centre
(BCTC), part of the Special Needs Network Bizzy Tizzy Work Experience Program. Then on
November 2nd, the lunch hour broadcast of the New RO news featured interviews with Cooper
Gage of the Independent Living Club and President Keenan Wellar, who discussed the New Year's Eve Gala and the BCTC. The New RO was also on hand for
the first LOEB and SNN Family Brunch Event of the season. This included coverage of a
presentation from Ronald McDonald Children's Charities , our
Halloween Part Duh costume contest, and of course shots of everyone enjoying the fabulous
Spaghetti, Salad, Garlic Bread, and Cupcake dinner that was cooked up and served by Network
303 participants. The story appeared on the November 6th broadcast of the 6:00 pm news.
October 22,
1999
The world is closing in on Dave. Tenant of a Dublin bachelor apartment, he can't find his was to a paying job, and he has a permanent unwanted houseguest in the person of Crawley, a petty thug. The gullible Layman becomes Crawley's henchman, attracting further scrutiny from Mularkey the landlord, not to mention the menacing Andy, who is looking to retrieve an unpaid debt. The events of a single day go wildly awry, spinning into a vortex of misfortune. Frugal Comforts borrows characters and situations from the seamy underside of north Dublin in a comic tour de force that offers a new twist to the theme of a gang that couldn't shoot straight.
FRUGAL COMFORTS
- The Award-Winning Comedy By Eamonn Kelly
Come out and enjoy a night of theatre while supporting Special Needs Network and CKCU
Radio. Wednesday, October 27th, 1999. Curtain At 8:00 pm. St. Patrick's Hall, 280 Gloucester
Street. Limited Free Parking At 290 Nepean Street. Admission: $10.
October 21,
1999
Come out the Bronson Centre cafeteria at Noon on Wednesday, October 27th, to celebrate the
grand opening of the Bronson Community Thrift Centre (BCTC). The BCTC is the main
component of the Bizzy Tizzy Work
Experience Program being conducted in partnership with Human Resources Development
Canada and other community supporters. Join us for a brief ceremony, tour of the thrift centre,
and a free hot dog lunch for all who attend.
October 3,
1999
SNN was pleased to take part in an Information Fair hosted by Service Coordination. The Special
Needs Network display was staffed by members of the Bizzy Tizzy work experience program.
Their dynamic presence, combined with a series of informative displays, ensured that the SNN
table was the busiest exhibit in the room. There was strong interest in Special Needs Network
programs, and a number of new clients were added to our waiting lists.
September 24,
1999
Yesterday's Annual General Meeting saw the launch of the Special Needs Network Millenium Donor Drive. SNN needs your support to maintain existing
services and to continue building for the future. Please help get the campaign started by making a charitable contribution today!
September 23,
1999
The Special Needs Network Annual General Meeting 1999 was held today. Members of the SNN corporation were invited to elect the Board of Directors, discuss the year that was, and the year that will be.
September 18,
1999
It is time to pick up a copy of the Year 2000 edition of the Entertainment Discount Book! You
will get 50% off all types of restaurant dining, entertainment discounts on everything from golf to
the theatre, half price hotel reservations, savings on dry cleaning and film developing...whatever it
is, if you spend money on it, you will spend less money with the Entertainment 2000 discount
book. Buy at least one for yourself, but remember that it makes an excellent gift! More savings
than ever, but the same affordable pricing at just $30 per book. Pick one up today, show your
copy around the office, and help us generate some new sales!
September 17,
1999
Network 303 programs are off and running. This year there are four programs serving age groups
between 12 and 25. The Junior and Intermediate groups are being held on Wednesday nights, with
the Senior and Independent Living Club meeting on Fridays and some Saturdays. We have a great
group of new and returning volunteers, and this year each participant will receive a fantastic
program guide with details on each outing. As usual, complete details are available on our calendar.
September 16,
1999
The first annual Special Needs Network Charity Golf Tourament proved to be a wonderful day of
golfing and fun at the Riverbend Golf and Country Club. The weather was crisp but dry, and the
Riverbend staff and SNN volunteers ensured that a great time was had by all. Trophies were
awarded for closest to the pin and longest drive, team honours were handed out for best score and
most honest score, and thanks to a host of corporate contributors, everyone got at least one prize!
Tournament photos will soon be posted in the gallery.
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