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| Imagine That. . . . | Issue #4
Summer 2010 | |
 Dear Friends of Imagine, Each year, I write a letter to the families we work with to share our achievements and provide a preview of the coming year. When I sat down to write this year's letter, one of the people we serve came into my office and declared "I Love Imagine." This message of love inspired me to share with our families, and now again with all of you, the fact that I also love Imagine. I love having the chance to be a part of such an incredible community. I love that my job allows me to learn more about each of you but also myself. This community gives me the strength to keep going when work gets tough and provides me with the inspiration to come back and work harder every single day. I am so looking forward to spending time with all of you this summer. From the camping trip to the Gathering of Extraordinary People, this season will indeed be busy and full of inspiration. ~Julie Rienhardt, Imagine Executive Director |
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COMMUNITY CORNER 
Annie Cantwell, a former employee of Imagine, created the touching poster displayed above as a thank you for her positive experiences at Imagine. In her note, Annie describes Imagine as a place that "truly cares about people."
This poster is now hanging at our administrative office. Feel free to drop by and enjoy Annie's great work. It's people like Annie who make our community strong and vibrant! Thank you Annie!
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IMAGINE CELEBRATIONS & EVENTS
A big thanks is extended to everyone who came out and enjoyed the beautiful morning walk for this year's Human Race. Imagine raised nearly $2000 at this annual event.
Join us in the next quarter for the following events:
What: Gathering of Extraordinary People
When: August 13th, from 10:30 to 2:30
RSVP: Your Facilitator!
This will be the 7th year for the Gathering. If you haven't attended in the past, this is an event you do not want to miss! Last year, over 300 people representing more than sixteen organizations joined together for a day of good food, fun, and great people. Hope to see you there!
What: Camping / Anniversary Party!
When: August 17th-19th
Where: Memorial Park, San Mateo County
RSVP: Mary at 464-8355 ext. 2
Each year, Imagine celebrates our anniversary with a camping trip. Join us in celebrating eight years of service with two nights and three days under the stars!
Remember, all events, fliers, and our monthly activity calendar can always be found on our website at www.imaginesls.org!
Don't forget to visit our photo gallery and enjoy the pictures from our recent parties!
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STAFF CORNER
Congratulations to Ed Gunzelmann, recipient of our quarterly employee recognition!
Ed was nominated by the employees he supervises and the people he supports. They described him as "always going the extra mile"; "completely dedicated"; and "a really nice man." Ed has earned the respect of the people he works with through his creative problem solving and dedication to his work.
Thank you Ed for all your hard work and dedication! Your bonus is on its way!
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Don't forget to submit your entries for our Fall Newsletter. Imagine will recognize one employee each quarter for his or her great work. This employee will be featured in the newsletter and will receive a $100 bonus. Remember that this employee will be selected by all of you! Nominations are accepted from the people we serve, our friends and families, and especially by the coworkers and staff of Imagine.
Please email Julie at
julie@imaginesls.org or call her at 831-464-8355 ext. 1 with your nomination for Fall. Please include the reason why this person should be selected for recognition.
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IN THE NEWS
Salutatorian Eric Duquette didn't let his diagnosis of autism prevent him from giving a memorable graduation speech. Check out his inspirational remarks using the link below:
Want to know the latest on the California budget crisis and how it impacts services to people with intellectual disabilities? Check out Advocacy Without Borders at:
Get an inside look from Carly and her family about what it's like to live with autism.
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SPECIAL NEWS!
Open Studios!
Jacob Hankamer, long time employee of Imagine and skilled artist, will be partcipating in Santa Cruz Open Studios on October 9th and 10th from 10am to 5pm to showcase his incredible knives!
Jacob will conduct knife sharpening and knife skill demonstrations throughout both days.
Please come out, show your support and check out the amazing knives that Jacob made! He's artist #214 at 804 Western Drive in Santa Cruz.
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BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
A big happy birthday to all our friends!
July
David Picquet
Anthony Bielecki
Onawa Foster-Tannheimer
Ian Harrison
Breandan Kinney
Kimberly Merrell
Naomi Murphy
August
Mike Davis
Richard Hughes
James Thomas
September
Scott Leiner
Lee Ruiz
Ron Sobel
Pete Biondi
Starla Prem-Blossom
Scott Burnton
Ed Gunzelmann
Jacob Hankamer
Scott O'Bryant
David Robles
Sean Skiscim
Janae Wood
CORRECTIONS!
Happy Belated Birthday To: Rhoda Niederhauser Ryan Tracy and Ian Scowcroft SUMMER ANNIVERSARIES
One Year!
Katie Ciaramitaro
Two Years!
Naomi Murphy Tyler Wister
Three Years!Anthony Bielecki
Four Years!
Gregory Bondi Elizabeth Howe Andres Mendez
Five Years!
Nancy Cabral James Thomas
Eight Years!Jacob Hankamer Anne-Marie Mockus Julie Rienhardt Mary Peddy |
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ROSA'S LAW
The US Senate's Committee on Health recently approved Rosa's Law, which removes the words "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded" from federal labor, health and education laws.
Rosa's law does not affect services, rights or educational opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. All the legislation does is make language used in federal law consistent with language used by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and the White House through the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities.
Rosa's law was named for Rosa Marcellino, a 9-year-old Maryland girl from Edgewater who has been diagnosed with Down syndrome, who worked with Maryland state legislators to pass legislation in 2009.
This law now replaces the stigmatized term "mental retardation" with "intellectual disability." Imagine will support Rosa and her supporters by making this transition in the language we use! |
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STAFF STORIES
Wicked!
The lead staff on my team, Rosaura, and I were talking about taking Rhoda on a fun adventure. We wanted to get out of Santa Cruz and thought we could share the responsibilities if all three of us go somewhere together. A couple of days later, Rosaura called me and asked if I wanted to go with her and Rhoda to see the musical Wicked in San Fransisco. I thought it sounded like so much fun! We bought tickets and went to see the musical the next week! We drove into the city, we packed lunches and ate them before the show. Then we went and saw the musical and it was so funny! Rhoda was laughing the entire time and everyone at the theatre was saying how beautiful she looked. We had a really great time and I'd love to do it again.
~Submitted by Cathy Batenga
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SWAP CORNER
If you have a need or an extra item you would like to share, please contact Chandra Donohue at 464-8355 ext. 3 or email Chandra@imaginesls.org and we'll get your need or item in the next newsletter!
WANTED!
Couch
Large non-stick skillet
USB Mouse
Broken or working unwanted electronics
Coffeemaker
Tupperware containers
Record player
OFFER!
Dinner plates
PUR water filter sink attachment
Working electric clothes dryer
Two large table lamps (need shades)
iMac
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EMPLOYEE NEWS
Where's My Mileage Check?
If you were one of the employees who asked us to find a way to direct deposit mileage reimbursements, I have good news for you! Thanks to the genius of Laura Pascal, we now have the ability to include your mileage reimbursement with your payroll check on the second pay day of each month. No more separate checks for pay and mileage!
Check out your pay stub on the 25th to see a new notation for your mileage reimbursement! Thank you Laura for making this happen! |
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OFFICE NEWS
Yard Sale!
Do you have some items laying around the house you'd love to get rid of? Consider donating them to Imagine for our upcoming parking lot sale.
When:Saturday, July 24th, 8am to 3pm
Where: Imagine Office
1395 41st Avenue, Capitola
We are looking for sellable items, big and small, for our sale. You can drop items off at the office up until Friday, July 23rd! We also need volunteers to help set up, sell items, and clean up.
All proceeds will go to support our camping trip to Memorial Park in August!
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