Life and Independence for Today.
A Lift in the Right Direction.
Summer 2002 Issue.
How It All Started
By: Robert A. Mecca, Executive Director
Pennsylvania Barrier Awareness Month (PABAM!) began four years ago when Governor Tom Ridge declared a day in May as Barrier Awareness Day. Then, Jack Neale, the former Advocacy Specialist for LIFT, requested a week for barrier awareness, which was granted by Governor Ridge. Finally, last year Kelly Valdez, LIFT's Advocacy Specialist, asked that the entire month of May be declared as Pennsylvania Barrier Awareness Month. Governor Mark Schweiker granted this request again this year. That was the beginning of PABAM!
LIFT uses this opportunity each year to educate the general public on the barriers that people with disabilities face every day. This has been a very worthwhile endeavor for LIFT over the past several years and once again we have organized activities to celebrate PABAM!
As you read through this newsletter you will see in the many activities that the LIFT Staff, Board and volunteers have completed to make this year's PABAM! events so successful.
Cameron County Children's Fair
By: Merri Burkhouse, Independent Living Coordinator
On May 10th LIFT participated in the Cameron County Children's Fair. This year's fair turned out to have more participants than in the past. The children had a great time picking up ducks and getting to pick a special prize. We also had the opportunity to give out literature and provide outreach to the people of Cameron County. We will be looking forward to participating in this again next year.
DuBois Senior Expo
By: Traci Meraglia, Independent Living Coordinator
On May 17th LIFT took part in the 2002 Senior Expo that was sponsored by Governor Mark Schweiker. This event was held in the Gymnasium of the PennState DuBois Campus from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Lending Library was also present to explain the services they provide. Lots of literature was given out to the community with having both agencies in attendance.
Walk 'N Roll II
By: Kelly Valdez, Advocacy Specialist
For those of you who remember, my article on the first Walk 'N Roll began with me waking up to the sound of rain on the "big day". This year, it was a sight that struck terror in my heart - the sight of SNOW!!! On May 18th at the Second Annual Walk 'N Roll, there was about two inches of snow on the ground and it was snowing like crazy. Once again, canceling the event was not an option, so off I trucked to Coudersport to meet up with whomever else was crazy enough to show up.
And show up they did- Staff, volunteers, and Board members were there with their long johns, mittens, and all. "Alvis" was there, "Yogi the Clown", Leon Kaple & the Mobile Family Center, and the Sweden Valley Strollers, who provided a wonderful lunch.
Medical equipment vendors, including, Clear-Care Home Products, More Mobility, Cole Care, and Moving Solutions braved the weather to join us. The Boy Scouts came to help and to learn a little bit about disabilities.
We all slogged around in the mud and the snow to set up, holding our breath the whole time - only time would tell if any walkers or rollers would show up, but we went with the "Field of Dreams" philosophy . . . "if you set it up, they will come."
And come they did. Not great hordes of people, but people did come with pledges and smiles, and jokes about the weather at the ready. I believe a few snowballs were tossed. When's the last time that happened at a fundraiser in May.
Over $900 was raised at the 2nd Annual Walk 'N Roll, and medals were awarded in the following categories:
Most Money Raised
1st Mike Smith
2nd Judy Harten
3rd Joe Brown
Most Laps Completed
1st Valerie Messner
2nd Mariah Smith
3rd Judy Harten
I think everyone came away with the gentle reminder - "that which does not kill us makes us stronger".
Awards Ceremony with Senator Scarnati
By: Jill Rhoades, Home Modifications Coordinator
PABAM! is designated for the awareness of architectural barriers that people with disabilities face. As part of PABAM!, LIFT sponsored an essay contest for students in grades 7th-12th in Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean and Potter counties.
The essay contest was judged in three categories: 7th & 8th, 9th & 10th and 11th & 12th grades. Prizes were awarded in the same categories as the contest were judged. First place essay winners received a $100 savings bond, 2nd place essay winners received a $50 savings bond and 3rd place essay winners received a $25 cash prize.
Senator Joseph Scarnati awarded the prizes and certificates of recognition to the essay contest winners at an awards ceremony on May 30th, 2002 held at the St. Marys Area Public Library. Thirty people were in attendance for the ceremony, which went quite well.
First place for the 7th & 8th grade category went to Carolyn Spence of Brookville Area Junior/Senior High School. Second place went to John Pysh of Brookville Area Junior/Senior High School. Third place went to Katelyn Imbrogno of Holy Rosary.
First place for the 9th & 10th grade category went to Mark Joiner of Ridgway Area High School. Second place went to Kristin Milford of Ridgway Area High School. Third place went to Meagan Catalono of Ridgway Area High School.
First place for the 11th & 12th grade category went to Becca Woodford of Ridgway Area High School. Second place went to Erin Kreckel of Johnsonburg Area High School.
The students did a great job! A very special Thanks! to Mrs. Cindy Aiello and her Creative Writing Class from the Ridgway High School, for judging the contest. All prizes were donated to LIFT for this contest throughout the community and are as follows:
3rd Annual LIFT Charity Golf Classic
By: Cathy Lenze, Executive Assistant
On Thursday, May 30th, 2002 LIFT held its 3rd Annual Charity Golf Classic sponsored by the All-New St. Marys Chevrolet. There were 29 teams present at the tournament. John Phillips, Pat Herzing, and Eric Jesberger came out on top as first place winners with a score of 54 and received $200 cash. Scott Burgeson, Jerry DePrater, Andy Rettger, and Jay Johnson were second place winners with a score of 55 and received $100 cash. Jeff Smith, Dan Cheatle, Tom Ott, and Bruce Brennan were third place winners with a score of 56 and each received $20 gift certificates from the Bavarian Hills Pro Shop.
Howie McClain won all three raffle prizes. Anthony Guido was the 50/50 ticket winner. Skins tournament winners were, Scott Burgeson, Jerry DePrater, Andy Rettger, Jay Johnson, Dave Vanslander, Dave Mertz, Bill Vanslander, John Petruzzi, Janice Woefel, Linda Friedl, Chris Kastner, and Mary Kay Wendel. Blind Putting Contest winners were Judy Hoffman and Shane Sykes. Longest putt winner was John Petruzzi, closest to the pin winner was Jay Johnson, longest drive winner was Jay Osgood, and shortest drive winner was Ron Brennan.
LIFT's Staff and Board Members would like to thank the following hole sponsors: Straub's Brewery, Johnson's Grocery, Kendall's Kreations, Pepsi Cola Company, DePrater's Beverage, Mecca's Bar and Grill, Kehl Trucking, Russ Hanes Tires Sales and Service, St. Marys Health & Recreation, Burkes True Value, Daghir Construction, St. Marys Home & Hardware, Edwards Office Systems, Green Lite Restaurant & Lounge, Eastern Sintered Alloys, Geci and Associates, KTH Architects, Weyerhauser, Fezell's Elk County Shop 'N Save, Area Transportation Authority, The Winery at Wilcox, Stoltz of St. Marys, Carbon City Products, Metco Industries, Carbone of America, Custom Improvements, D & K Computer Services, B & R Electric Company, Kane Lutheran Brotherhood, National City Bank, T. & M./DuBROOK, Premier Graphics, W & H Machine Shop, Ricochet Xpress, Inc., St. Marys Pharmacy, Abbott Furnace Company, Allegheny Energy, Hair Today, Nationwide Insurance Agency, Cunningham Trucking, Burkhouse Contracting, Head to Toe Sportswear, Coldwell Banker - First St. Marys Real Estate and St. Marys Wal*Mart.
We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the players, businesses who donated door prizes, John Bauer and employees at the Bavarian Hills Golf Course, Marlene, Linda and employees at the Bavarian Hills Restaurant, Officers Calgerone and Hoe, our volunteers, Skip and Rosemary Young and Arlita Feldbauer, and especially John Phillips at the St. Marys Chevrolet who was this year's primary sponsor. We hope next year will be just as successful!
I Have Good News & Bad News
By: Tom Wenner, Accessibility Counselor
The bad news is there's a new law: the PA Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
Booooo!
The good news is that, if enforced, the UCC will improve accessibility for people with disabilities.
Yaaaaay!
The bad news is there's a huge shortage of individuals who are qualified to inspect for accessibility.
Booooo!
The good news is LIFT is part of a consortium providing training on August 14th.
Yaaaaay!
The bad news is it's an all day technical training in State College.
Booooo!
The good news is LIFT will also sponsor a separate training event oriented toward consumers and advocates.
Yaaaaay!
If you have questions about either training event, call Kelly Valdez at LIFT at (800) 341-LIFT (5438).
Did You Miss the First Two?
By: Cathy Lenze, Executive Assistant
Well now is your chance! LIFT will be hosting another Walk 'N Roll this September. This awareness event will take place at the Clearfield County Fairgrounds in Clearfield on Saturday, September 21st, 2002 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Service providers and crafters are scheduled to attend to promote their products and complete demonstration.
There will be good food, music, games, prizes, lots of entertainment - just tons of stuff to do! Sponsor sheets are available if you would like to walk or roll! Come join us in the fun! If you would like more details about this festive event or if you would like to have a booth to promote or sell products, please call the LIFT office at (800) 341-LIFT (5438).
Elk County Family Resource Network Update
In a previous Family Resource Network update, it was reported that two new committees were being established. Both the State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), and the Youth Committee were recently approved as standing board committees.
The SHIP Committee is responsible for working in partnership with the community addressing and monitoring the progress towards meeting goals prioritized in the board's SHIP work plan that aim to improve the overall health status of Elk County. SHIP Committee membership is open to anyone with an interest in improving the health and well being of the Elk County community.
The Family Resource Network is committed to actively engaging youth in collaborative board efforts, and recently established a Youth Committee. The committee will encourage youth to become involved in service opportunities that foster leadership through mentoring relationships with adult role models. Recently several Elk County youth were selected to serve on the committee. They are: Andy Leslie, Katie Muth, Adam Aaron, Angela Dragich, Samantha Von Arx, Wade Pierce, Teddi Stark, Julie Foster, Desiree Croteau, and Jena Dragone.
Students were nominated by their guidance counselor and met certain criteria; currently in ninth grade with good attendance, passing grades, and may have a career interest in social services, education, government or public relations. Youth serving on the committee will be expected to participate in at least one countywide, youth-focused community service project, assist with presentations and community meetings, and maintain passing grades and good attendance in school. They will also attend Family Resource Network meetings on a quarterly basis.
The board has sponsored four Youth Committee members who attended the Promising Youth Leadership activities at the Promising Practices - Promising Approaches conference in DuBois from June 18 - 20, 2002. Additionally four Youth Committee members attended the BUSTED conference in State College on June 13, 2002. This one-day event, sponsored by the Governor's Partnership and the PA Department of Health focuses on empowering youth to become leaders in the fight against tobacco. These experiences will be helpful for the youth as they assume their role on the Youth Committee.
The Youth Committee is seeking community involvement. Adults interested in participating on the Youth Committee may contact The Guidance Center (776-1636) for more information, and also to learn more about the Family Resource Network board.
The Elk County Big Brother Big Sister program held it's first group activity on Saturday, May 18, 2002. Program matches were invited to enjoy a fun morning of tie-dying t-shirts and a pizza lunch. Everyone had a good time, despite the cold weather. To learn more about the Elk County Big Brother Big Sister program, contact Becky Dush at The Guidance Center (776-1471).
Opinions expressed in this publication may not be the views of LIFT.