Kismet (ˈkɪzmɛt)
-n
2. fate or destiny
Have you ever walked into a store and instantly felt a kinship, drawn into its presence like a magnet observing the ambiance and catching the eye of enthusiastic sales people? I had such an experience in Aberdeen recently when photographing a client for our upcoming 2010 Annual Report and had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Popcorn Café. If you are in Aberdeen or driving through on your way to the ocean you need to drop in to this charming popcorn and coffee house in the heart of Aberdeen. You can choose from one of their many popcorn flavored delicacies and maybe try a cappuccino or latte. Look for it on the corner of Wishkah and Broadway heading into town on 101.
I was drawn to the friendly wait staff including the client we support who does “outside” (literally) sales by taking his popcorn cart and going to other businesses in town peddling his wares on foot. The owner, Celia Barry, is one of the most pleasant, positive people I have met. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know her while I was taking pictures and disrupting business a bit. She is the quintessential small business entrepreneur. She is outgoing, and seems to have boundless energy along with a very positive attitude. Presented with the opportunity to hire a client, she saw the positive and how to use his strengths of sales and out-going personality to her advantage to start another revenue stream. Innovative, you bet! It’s also a family business as her mother helps make the gluten free brownies, cookies and other tasty morsels beckoning from the display case. Innovation, energy, and a wonderful product a recipe for success at the Popcorn Café!
So stop in the next time you are in Aberdeen….it will be worth your while.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Outstanding Employers
Yesterday at the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce forum Morningside was pleased to introduce and honor the four Thurston County Outstanding Employers for 2010. The event was so packed that Saint Martin’s University catering company Bon Appétit had to bring in extra tables to handle the overflow crown. I suspect the draw was the presenter. Dr. Arun Raha, Executive Director, Economic and Revenue Forecasting Council gave the audience a very complete economic prediction. He was well received by the forum participants, who’d a thunk that an economist could be so funny. He gave a plug for Morningside. After our presentation he was introduced and said that he was taking his Morningside pen back to work because of the state cutbacks, pens are hard to come by in his state office.
This year we videotaped three Outstanding Employers giving testimony employing individuals supported by Morningside. You can view these three employers clicking on this link: http://www.mside.org/videos.asp
I would like to congratulate the 2010 winners: Southgate Ace Hardware, Walgreens on Martin Way, Trader Joe’s and the State of Washington, DSHS, Division of Child Support. It was fun to have the employers in attendance and experience the overwhelming support the chamber members gave to them.
Don’t forget that the next CEO breakfast is scheduled for March 22nd at 7:30 at the Business Center. Come and hear from an employer who has worked with Morningside. They will be candid and available to meet with you and answer your concerns. It is your opportunity to ask any question you may have about the process. The meeting will end promptly at 8:30 – guaranteed. See you then.
This year we videotaped three Outstanding Employers giving testimony employing individuals supported by Morningside. You can view these three employers clicking on this link: http://www.mside.org/videos.asp
I would like to congratulate the 2010 winners: Southgate Ace Hardware, Walgreens on Martin Way, Trader Joe’s and the State of Washington, DSHS, Division of Child Support. It was fun to have the employers in attendance and experience the overwhelming support the chamber members gave to them.
Don’t forget that the next CEO breakfast is scheduled for March 22nd at 7:30 at the Business Center. Come and hear from an employer who has worked with Morningside. They will be candid and available to meet with you and answer your concerns. It is your opportunity to ask any question you may have about the process. The meeting will end promptly at 8:30 – guaranteed. See you then.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Thanks for the Memories
Well the day finally arrived – Maxyne’s retirement. If you have been fortunate to work at the Corporate Center or have come to Morningside’s Olympia office you undoubtedly know Maxyne and her pleasant, welcoming personality. Maxyne has been a client of Morningside since 1972 but for the last 7 years she has worked as our electronic imaging expert scanning primarily old client paper files into a digital format for efficient shortage. Thanks to the Accounting department who took seriously our mission in their department planning session, they were proactive in utilizing a person with a significant disability to move us closer to paperless files and put our mission into practice.
I happened to be the beneficiary of Maxyne’s constant ribbing. She enjoyed giving “the boss a hard time” and it didn’t matter where or when or whatever the circumstance I would usually count on Maxyne’s little quip delivered with her broad grin and chuckle. She took the most glee when the whole staff was assembled to announce her nick name for me “Jimbo” followed by the fact that she was going to give me a “hard time” or some other staff was going to let me have it.
She had an uncanny ability to register who walked by her cube by listening to their footsteps. No you couldn’t just slip by – she would say “what are you doing Jim or where are you going?” of course I had to reply and recognize the fact that she knew I was there. On the rare occasion she mistook me for one of the other guys in the office I took much pleasure in telling her she was slipping because I wasn’t the person she thought it was.
Why this tribute well because Maxyne taught me a lot. She taught me about perseverance and determination. I saw her frequently waiting for the bus on Ruddle road if I happened to be going early to work – there was Maxyne, faithfully going to work-rain, shine, sleet and yes snow. She was always there, much the same with most all of those clients whom we serve. She loved her job and the people who surrounded her. I was always greeted with a friendly “hello Jim (or Jimbo or Boss)” every morning she worked – she brightened my day. So like other employers who comment on those we serve, she changed the “landscape” at work made me a better person able to appreciate all this life has to offer.
So as Maxyne was crying on the outside during her combination birthday and retirement party – I was crying on the inside because I know I was going to miss her cheerful “Hello Jimbo, how are you doing this morning” as much as she was going to miss being a part of us.
I happened to be the beneficiary of Maxyne’s constant ribbing. She enjoyed giving “the boss a hard time” and it didn’t matter where or when or whatever the circumstance I would usually count on Maxyne’s little quip delivered with her broad grin and chuckle. She took the most glee when the whole staff was assembled to announce her nick name for me “Jimbo” followed by the fact that she was going to give me a “hard time” or some other staff was going to let me have it.
She had an uncanny ability to register who walked by her cube by listening to their footsteps. No you couldn’t just slip by – she would say “what are you doing Jim or where are you going?” of course I had to reply and recognize the fact that she knew I was there. On the rare occasion she mistook me for one of the other guys in the office I took much pleasure in telling her she was slipping because I wasn’t the person she thought it was.
Why this tribute well because Maxyne taught me a lot. She taught me about perseverance and determination. I saw her frequently waiting for the bus on Ruddle road if I happened to be going early to work – there was Maxyne, faithfully going to work-rain, shine, sleet and yes snow. She was always there, much the same with most all of those clients whom we serve. She loved her job and the people who surrounded her. I was always greeted with a friendly “hello Jim (or Jimbo or Boss)” every morning she worked – she brightened my day. So like other employers who comment on those we serve, she changed the “landscape” at work made me a better person able to appreciate all this life has to offer.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
"The Lives they Left Behind - Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic"
We will have an opportunity January through March to view an exhibit entitled “the Lives they Left Behind…Suitcases from a State Hospital Attic” at the University of Washington’s Odegaard Library that promises to be very thought provoking and moving as the exhibit chronicles 9 individual lives.
The exhibit web site explains the story behind the stories when Willard Psychiatric Center in New York's Finger Lakes closed in 1995, workers discovered hundreds of suitcases in the attic of an abandoned building. Many of them appeared untouched since their owners packed them decades earlier before entering the institution.
The suitcases and their contents bear witness to the rich, complex lives their owners lived prior to being committed to Willard. They speak about aspirations, accomplishments, community connections, but also about loss and isolation. From the clothing and personal objects left behind, we can gain some understanding of who these people were before they disappeared behind hospital walls. We can picture their jobs and careers, see them driving cars, playing sports, studying, writing, and traveling the world. We can imagine their families and friends. But we can also see their lives coming apart due to unemployment, the death of a loved one, loneliness, poverty, or some other catastrophic event.
Researchers spent several years immersed in the material uncovered and documentary remnants of these people’s lives, forming relationships with them through the things they left behind in suitcases when they entered a state institution.
The suitcases and the life stories of the people who owned them raise questions that are difficult to confront. Why were these people committed to this institution, and why did so many stay for so long? How were they treated? What was it like to spend years in a mental institution, shut away from a society that wanted to distance itself from people it considered insane? Why did most of these suitcase owners live out their days at Willard? What about their friends and families? Are the circumstances today any better than they were for psychiatric patients during the first half of the 20th century.
As I have commented in this blog – the debate surrounding state institutions and the funding behind needs to be addressed at a federal level. Hopefully this exhibit will draw us closer to that debate.
You can get the latest info on the exhibit at the U at: http://www.liveinclusive.org/
The exhibit web site explains the story behind the stories when Willard Psychiatric Center in New York's Finger Lakes closed in 1995, workers discovered hundreds of suitcases in the attic of an abandoned building. Many of them appeared untouched since their owners packed them decades earlier before entering the institution.
The suitcases and their contents bear witness to the rich, complex lives their owners lived prior to being committed to Willard. They speak about aspirations, accomplishments, community connections, but also about loss and isolation. From the clothing and personal objects left behind, we can gain some understanding of who these people were before they disappeared behind hospital walls. We can picture their jobs and careers, see them driving cars, playing sports, studying, writing, and traveling the world. We can imagine their families and friends. But we can also see their lives coming apart due to unemployment, the death of a loved one, loneliness, poverty, or some other catastrophic event.
Researchers spent several years immersed in the material uncovered and documentary remnants of these people’s lives, forming relationships with them through the things they left behind in suitcases when they entered a state institution.
The suitcases and the life stories of the people who owned them raise questions that are difficult to confront. Why were these people committed to this institution, and why did so many stay for so long? How were they treated? What was it like to spend years in a mental institution, shut away from a society that wanted to distance itself from people it considered insane? Why did most of these suitcase owners live out their days at Willard? What about their friends and families? Are the circumstances today any better than they were for psychiatric patients during the first half of the 20th century.
As I have commented in this blog – the debate surrounding state institutions and the funding behind needs to be addressed at a federal level. Hopefully this exhibit will draw us closer to that debate.
You can get the latest info on the exhibit at the U at: http://www.liveinclusive.org/
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
State’s Rights or National Leadership concerning individual rights?
Where are we headed with public policy concerning institutions for individuals with developmental disabilities in Washington State and throughout our nation? In a recent post to this blog I asked the question about when are we going to close our state institutions, but the whole country needs to consider public policy around the freedoms of individuals with significant disabilities.
I recently read a newsletter and the opening article addressed this issue here is an excerpt from APSE Connections newsletter lead article “Pushing for Policy to Promote Self-Determination: part II by. Serena Lowe, M.P.H.
“The United States has come a long way since the days when institutionalization was the dominant way of addressing the needs of adults with significant disabilities. However, additional public policy reform is required before these individuals have the same opportunities to determine their destinies with respect to working, generating an income, building savings, and pursuing goals that the general population enjoys. The key problem lies not in a lack of money — but in the significant inequities that exist in the distribution of financial support and services for this population. As a result, thousands of individuals with disabilities continue to live in institutions, nursing homes, and other residential facilities despite their ability and desire to live in partially- or fully-independent situations. Family support and integrated employment programs receive limited funding, and, individuals are often penalized for working or saving by having benefits reduced or eliminated when they earn an income.
This problem will only get worse if something isn’t done. Within the next decade, another 500,000 persons with disabilities are expected to transition from youth into adulthood. Clearly, steps must be taken to ensure that these individuals receive the services and supports necessary to attain fulfilling, productive lives.” The article goes on to discuss the major areas that policy should address including employment. We are fortunate that in this state the Governor and policy makers have prioritized community services for young people with disabilities. But I believe it’s time to make this a national priority as we look at fiscal policy around this issue. As long as the primary source of funding comes from the Federal government and continues to encourage institutions, states are not going to take the leap even if they wanted to. If you think of all the advances we as a society have made in the last 50 years it would make sense to take this one step. Aren’t institutions so 20th century – isn’t it time to abandon these and focus on people living and working in the community?
I recently read a newsletter and the opening article addressed this issue here is an excerpt from APSE Connections newsletter lead article “Pushing for Policy to Promote Self-Determination: part II by. Serena Lowe, M.P.H.
“The United States has come a long way since the days when institutionalization was the dominant way of addressing the needs of adults with significant disabilities. However, additional public policy reform is required before these individuals have the same opportunities to determine their destinies with respect to working, generating an income, building savings, and pursuing goals that the general population enjoys. The key problem lies not in a lack of money — but in the significant inequities that exist in the distribution of financial support and services for this population. As a result, thousands of individuals with disabilities continue to live in institutions, nursing homes, and other residential facilities despite their ability and desire to live in partially- or fully-independent situations. Family support and integrated employment programs receive limited funding, and, individuals are often penalized for working or saving by having benefits reduced or eliminated when they earn an income.
This problem will only get worse if something isn’t done. Within the next decade, another 500,000 persons with disabilities are expected to transition from youth into adulthood. Clearly, steps must be taken to ensure that these individuals receive the services and supports necessary to attain fulfilling, productive lives.” The article goes on to discuss the major areas that policy should address including employment. We are fortunate that in this state the Governor and policy makers have prioritized community services for young people with disabilities. But I believe it’s time to make this a national priority as we look at fiscal policy around this issue. As long as the primary source of funding comes from the Federal government and continues to encourage institutions, states are not going to take the leap even if they wanted to. If you think of all the advances we as a society have made in the last 50 years it would make sense to take this one step. Aren’t institutions so 20th century – isn’t it time to abandon these and focus on people living and working in the community?
Monday, November 8, 2010
What ARRA you Buying? The boondoggle ends!
I have given you an account of the state’s use of ARRA funds in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation that chose to use the 8.8 million dollars funding a program called Project H.I.R.E (Hiring Individuals with disabilities who are Ready for Employment). I had pointed out how the project fell well short of the goals set and the individual placement costs were staggering – over 10 times the cost of a “regular” placement using existing Community Rehabilitation Providers.
They spent roughly half of the 8.8 million to place less than 100 people into jobs. The leadership of DVR has decided to end Project HIRE and to divert the money to other areas. The State Rehabilitation Council has suggested four areas to bolster service to improve services but to date we haven’t been told were the money will be spent.
I must applaud the executive leadership of DVR for recognizing the shortcomings of the program and high cost associated with it. According to one of the leadership members of VR they apparently learned important lessons and built new partnerships. Let’s hope the next foray into a project won’t cost 4 million tax dollars before the lesson is learned.
I still ask where would you place your ARRA money if given the choice?
Stay tuned.
They spent roughly half of the 8.8 million to place less than 100 people into jobs. The leadership of DVR has decided to end Project HIRE and to divert the money to other areas. The State Rehabilitation Council has suggested four areas to bolster service to improve services but to date we haven’t been told were the money will be spent.
I must applaud the executive leadership of DVR for recognizing the shortcomings of the program and high cost associated with it. According to one of the leadership members of VR they apparently learned important lessons and built new partnerships. Let’s hope the next foray into a project won’t cost 4 million tax dollars before the lesson is learned.
I still ask where would you place your ARRA money if given the choice?
Stay tuned.
Monday, October 11, 2010
A celebration that was worth attending
I attended a celebration of life for Gene Winther on September 19th and came away with a greater appreciation for life and for the simple pleasures that make life worth living. Gene was 84 years old and he loved his job and loved to work. As a matter of fact at his last staffing we talked to Gene about retiring and he got very upset making it quite clear that he wanted to work and indeed that is what he did. Excited about his forthcoming trip to the San Juan’s with his bud Jack, Gene worked on Thursday prior to heading up to Seattle for the boat trip to Friday Harbor where he became ill. To be honest I didn’t have a lot of contact with Gene at the work site these last few years. I basically saw him at our picnic or holiday celebration. I do remember him greeting me when I visited him at work with his huge smile, shaking my hand and continuing on with his job, having met his social responsibility as quickly as possible but anxious to get back to work. According to those who gave an account of his life prior to my knowing him he led an extraordinary life, quite simply summed up as a cheerful giver.
During this service attended by 65 of his friends from programs such as Kokua, South Sound Options and Morningside many spoke of their friendship and love for the man who “worked hard all his life” who was a “friend of Morningside” and loved by all. The stories about Gene often included his friend Jack and many commented on how content he was with seemingly nothing but remembering that Gene said “I have it all… my friends and my work”. I was moved by many of those who spoke. One woman spoke of having a particular bad day and rushed to work all harried and a bit on edge. Gene asked her why she was out of sorts and she said she was having a bad day and he asked her why was that and how did that feel because he didn’t’ know what that felt like because according to him he never had a bad day in his life. Gene was a client of ours since 1967! For his 43 years at Morningside Gene’s desire was to work and enjoy life. We will miss you Gene.
During this service attended by 65 of his friends from programs such as Kokua, South Sound Options and Morningside many spoke of their friendship and love for the man who “worked hard all his life” who was a “friend of Morningside” and loved by all. The stories about Gene often included his friend Jack and many commented on how content he was with seemingly nothing but remembering that Gene said “I have it all… my friends and my work”. I was moved by many of those who spoke. One woman spoke of having a particular bad day and rushed to work all harried and a bit on edge. Gene asked her why she was out of sorts and she said she was having a bad day and he asked her why was that and how did that feel because he didn’t’ know what that felt like because according to him he never had a bad day in his life. Gene was a client of ours since 1967! For his 43 years at Morningside Gene’s desire was to work and enjoy life. We will miss you Gene.
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