June 18, 2009 Upcoming Events Sunday, June 21   3pm Violin Concert in the Chapel Tuesday, June 23  Ladies Town Trip SA Silver Stars vs. Phoenix Friday, June 26 Luau Dance-- San Marcos Activity Center Saturday, June 27 Fiesta Texas Day Trip Bocce and Buddy Walks with Volunteers Sunday, June 28 Round Rock Express vs. Iowa Cubs Ranch Birthday Party Manchaca Baptist Church volunteers visit to make 4th of July decorations with residents Congratulations to board member Eddie Dick!   Board of Trustees Member Eddie Dick and his wife, Lou Ann, celebrated the marriage of their daughter, Shannon, to Robert Brandt in a lovely wedding ceremony in Fort Worth on June 13. The bride was beautiful in a strapless cream gown with corseted back, and her brother, Justin Dick--a resident at The Village--also shined in a handsome suit and tie! The photo above shows Eddie and Lou Ann on the bride's left, and Justin behind the bride and groom.    Recent Staff Moves Scott McAvoy promoted to vice president of operations Sally Fletcher appointed director at The Village  We are pleased to announce the promotion of Scott McAvoy, former director of The Village, to the position of vice president of operations. The vice president post was vacated when James Stacey was named president of Marbridge in May. Scott recently marked his 5th anniversary of service with Marbridge. He is widely credited with transforming Mabee Village into the gleaming new Village at Marbridge. Scott took the initiative to set up focus groups to solicit input from residents and family members on the design of the Village. He also deserves credit for bringing a new level of professionalism and care standards to the Village. Over his tenure, Scott has proven himself to be a tremendous asset to Marbridge and we are confident he will continue to prove his value as vice president of operations. Sally Fletcher will take Scott's place as director of The Village. She has served as assistant director of The Village since May, 2007. Sally brings an excellent understanding and leadership of the Village Program, its staff, residents, and families. She has forged a very positive and hard-working team to further the safety, well being, and happiness of our residents. Sally has worked hard to orient and train staff to effectively care for our residents. She has developed excellent relationships with other Marbridge programs and staff, and she has put systems in place to monitor the progress of residents as they become more independent in self care and room care. Other Recent Moves James Brandon, instructor, returns to The Village as the new assistant director. James began his career at Marbridge as a supervisor at the Village before moving to instructor. He has contributed to the Training & Education Department by creating several new offerings, including Cowboy Life and Archery classes. Bryan Webb has moved from equine assistant to full-time instructor to take over James Brandon's classes. He came to Marbridge in August 2008 and has proved invaluable to the Special Olympics Equestrian Team, with which he will continue to participate. Dena Shirley has been a valued volunteer who coaches Special Olympics basketball and weight lifting and also plays as a unified golf partner. She began work with Project SEARCH on an as-needed basis last fall and became a permanent part-time worksite leader this month. Project SEARCH is our job training partnership with Seton Family of Hospitals. Dena has good knowledge of Marbridge and the Project SEARCH program and will be a good addition to the team.   Miracle Opportunity! Miracles happen every day at Marbridge, and many are due to the generosity of our friends and families. Now there's an easy way to support Marbridge while you shop for groceries! Every time you use your Remarkable card at Randalls, they will keep a running total and send Marbridge 1% of the amount you spend each quarter. Wow, that is easy! All you have to do is make sure Marbridge is your designated charity. Attendants at the service desk in any Randall's store can help you apply for a card or change your designated charity.   LIFE Lines is published for family, friends, volunteers and staff members of Marbridge, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization that provides training and residential care for adults with cognitive challenges.