Southern Utah TURN is Sponsoring “Pastabilities Down South”
Southern Utah TURN is following in the “saucy” footsteps of TURN along the Wasatch front and will be holding a “Pastabilities” dinner to benefit their newly created Recreation Fund. The Fund will be utilized to assist TURN clients through “Recreation Scholarships” to participate in community activities, vacations, and programs that might otherwise be beyond their ability to afford.
“Pastabilities Down South” will be held from 5pm-8pm, Wednesday, September 29, 2010, at The Grand Lodge at Brianhead. The Grand Lodge has graciously donated the use of their large dining area for the event and will be catering the delicious pasta dinner for only $10 per plate. The Event planners at the Lodge are also helping to provide live music for entertainment and dancing as well as items and advertising for our Silent Auction. We want to thank the Grand Lodge at Brianhead for their generous desire to support TURN in providing disability supports in our area.
We will be recognizing our local TURN clients for their achievements throughout the past year with an awards ceremony during the event. Several community and TURN staff members will also be honored for their contributions to TURN throughout the past.
We would like those wishing to attend “Pastabilites Down South” to RSVP to the Cedar City TURN Office: 435-586-1128.
We hope to see many family, friends, guests and supporters of TURN at what we hope will only be the 1st such event. We encourage everyone to take advantage of an opportunity to visit The Grand Lodge at Brianhead. Brianhead is located near Cedar Breaks National Monument and is a favorite tourist spot for winter skiing and summer mountain biking. September will also be the best time to enjoy the beauty of the fall leaves in Parowan Canyon on the scenic drive to Brianhead. More information about the Grand Lodge and its amenities can be obtained at www.grandlodgebrianhead.com
TURN at the Renaissance Faire
Southern Utah TURN staff and clients participated in the 28th Annual Utah Midsummer Renaissance Faire, July 7th-10th, 2010. TURN has sponsored the children’s game booth area of the Faire for almost 10 years as a fundraiser and also to raise public awareness about TURN and our mission as an agency.
TURN clients and staff members put on Renaissance- and fairytale-based costumes and manned the game booths at TURN’s “Enchanted Forest” to assist Faire-goers with games such as “Putting the Stone” (putting green), “Dart to the Heart” (balloon darts) the “Wishing Well” (a variation on the old fishing pond) and “O ‘Clinko” (the classic Price is Right Plinko game).
Game players received “lucky” green coins for their winning efforts which are exchanged at the TURN Prize Booth. Prizes ranged in “price” from one coin (everyone received at minimum of one coin for playing) for small candies, rings and tattoos to 450 coins for a spectacular Lego Pirate Ship. This year’s prizes also included many items that were made by TURN clients as part of the Southern Utah Supported Employment Programs. Participants were paid hourly wages for their time spent in creating flowered head bands, painting gossamer butterflies and treasure boxes, and suncatchers and knitting hats and scarves. The head bands were so popular they were gone in two days!
This year TURN operated 12 games, 11 of which were developed by and owned by TURN. The games can be used throughout the year by TURN programs for parties and activities. TURN receives 70% of the ticket sales spent at our booths, which amounted to over $1600 this year. The funds will be used to purchase prizes for next year’s faire, sponsor prizes made through the Southern Utah Supported Employment Programs and to maintain the games themselves.
TURN’s goal in sponsoring the booth each year has been to increase disability awareness in the community and provide information about TURN’s role in providing disability services. Any success in this area must be attributed to the wonderful TURN clients and their staff who willingly spend their time working with the public, helping others to become more aware of the disability issues that affect their neighbors and community members.
Michael Godfrey Returns to TURN
Michael Godfrey received a hearty ‘welcome back’ at TURN’s Salt Lake administrative offices in August when he accepted a temporary consultant position to assist Wasatch Front Directors of Program Services during the agency’s office relocations, and to help serve as advisor to area programs during other transitions.
Michael, who was employed by TURN Community Services from September 1995 until December 2008, worked in several capacities; Program Instructor, Assistant Coordinator, Program Coordinator for the Whitehead Apartment, and Director of Program Services from 1999 to 2008, overseeing the services of an average of 7 programs at a time.
In October, 2008 Michael decided to pursue a career in nursing. He moved to part time status at work, and full time student at school. Based on his schedule, and the desire to spend quality time with his wife and two children, Michael resigned in December, 2008. “It was a very hard choice to leave the agency. So many people at TURN are my friends and loved ones,” reminisced Michael while discussing his return.
In May 2010, Michael graduated from nursing school, and in June of the same year, passed the nursing boards and became a registered nurse. Currently, Michael is looking for employment in a “tough job market.” So, when Eliza Detherage, Director of Wasatch Front Operations, offered Michael the opportunity to help in an advisory capacity to programs during temporary absences of Directors, it seemed like a “good fit” for him. “It is wonderful to see my friends at TURN, and I have enjoyed my time catching up with folks,” Michael said.
As for Eliza Detherage, “It’s really nice to work with Michael again, even for a short time! Michael’s 15 years of experience, expertise, and advanced training are being put to excellent use, and his help is much appreciated.”
Welcome back Michael!
Meet Kathy Hale, New Board Vice-chair
Board Vice-chair, Kathy Hale has over 30 years of banking experience, primarily in the areas of commercial and residential real estate lending, and has spent the past five years as a CRA Analyst with UBS Bank USA. Kathy has served on nonprofit boards including the Utah Community Reinvestment Corporation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Salt Lake Neighborhood Housing Services, and was appointed to a directorship on the Utah Housing Corporation Board of Directors from 1993 to 2001. She holds an MBA from the University of Utah and a BA from Washington State University.
Kathy first became involved with TURN in 2005 when asked to join the Housing & Development Committee. It did not take long to figure out that TURN is a remarkable organization with effective leadership and a uniquely talented and dedicated staff. “It was an honor to accept an invitation to join the Board in 2007 and I continue to be inspired and motivated by such a wonderful group of creative, motivated and compassionate individuals.”
“Although a bit of a trek, I am blessed to reside in the beautiful Ogden Valley where I can pursue my fascination for gardening and nature. We are delighted to be anticipating the birth of our first grandchild in November.”
TURN Moves!
Monday August 30, TURN Community Services moved its executive offices from Main Street to the new Artspace Commons in Salt Lake City. Turn Community Service is a non-profit agency that provides supports and services for people with disabilities in Utah. TURN is a statewide provider of services from Ogden to Kanab. The executive offices in Salt Lake City will occupy one full floor on the second level, handicap accessible by elevator, for staff and operations. Two suites on the street level will be used for TURN conference/training rooms and an employee break/lunch room. The added benefit includes moving programs to the space and allowing for housing and program areas as an innovative and cost effective advantage for TURN’s future. The Artspace Commons is a modern, environmentally friendly, structurally safe building with lots of natural light and comfortable space for the TURN community to utilize and is centrally located for multiple functions and operations.
You may visit us at our new location at 423 West 800 South Suite A200, Salt Lake City UT 84101 from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday except for holidays. Mailing address will remain the same: PO Box 1287, SLC UT 84110-1287.
Nate “Brings Home the Gold”
Every two years, Utah Special Olympics holds competitions, alternating between Summer Games and Winter Games, for people who have intellectual disabilities.
So, it is no small feat that Nathan (Nate) Dail of Cedar City was one of only 53 state-wide athletes who qualified by winning a gold medal in order to advance to the 2010 Special Olympics USA Games, which are held every four years.
On July 17, 2010, Nate, and his 3 team mates and coach joined seven other “Team Utah” groups as they boarded 8 Cessna planes for the “Citation Special Olympics Airlift,” the largest peace time airlift in the world, as the began their journey to Lincoln, Nebraska for the July 17 – 24 games. Waiting ahead, Nate’s parents, Dan and Jill Dail, were amazed as they watched hundreds of donated private and corporate jets from all over the country landing in Lincoln every 90 seconds.
“Team Utah” competed in bocce, bowling, aquatics, track & field, basketball, softball, and golf. Nate brought home two gold medals, one for the 200 M Race, and the other for the 4 X 100 Relay. Jill reported, “Nate won the 200 M by 3/100ths of a second! It was quite exciting to watch him!” Since Nate qualified and competed in track, the Dails spent most of the week at the track cheering him on as well as his team mates in their individual endeavors.
3,000 athletes from 50 states, 1,000 coaches, 8,000 volunteers, and an estimated 30,000 spectators attended this year’s events and ceremonies. According to Jill, “The Opening and Closing Ceremonies were spectacular and the whole week was something we as a family will never forget.”
34-year old Nate lives at home with his parents and attends TURN’s Cedar City Day Program. Congratulations, Nate; you are a star!
Wearing red “Team Utah” shirts (front row from left): Nate Dail, Mandy Kunitz (Tooele), Karen Kunder (Taylorsville), and Josue Riches (Grantsville). Standing behind Mandy, Coach Jay Dee (Pleasant Grove). The Cessna pilots are wearing navy blue shirts.
Passing of Good Friends
Susanne (Suzie) Squire, Program Instructor at Weber Hourly Services, passed away Friday, August 13, 2010 after a short illness. Suzie was born January 17, 1944 in Richfield, Utah. Suzie was active in the LDS Church and a graduate of Utah State University. She loved crafts and horses; she used to barrel race when she was younger, but she was most passionate about square dancing. Suzie was known for her generosity, compassion, and her willingness to help anyone. At 66 years of age, Suzie no longer needed to work but she continued to put in 40 hours a week at TURN because she so loved working with her clients, and her clients loved working with her, especially while doing crafts. Suzie, who was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, leaves behind two sons, four daughters, and ten grandchildren.
Lisa Marie Hamilton, a beautiful woman who could light up a room with her smile, passed away in her sleep on August 2, 2010. She was born May 13, 1974 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Seven days after her life began, she was placed in the loving home of Leo (Bud) and Mary Ann Hamilton as a foster child. Lisa brought so much joy to the household that the family decided to formally adopt her at the tender age of four. Lisa attended school in Salt Lake City and graduated from East High in 1996.
After receiving adult services from a few different day training providers, Lisa found the TURN Wilmington Day Program in 2002. At TURN, Lisa loved listening to her radio, being included in group games, and going out into the community for
various activities. Employees and friends at TURN Community Services extend their condolences to the families and friends.
TURN Community Services extend condolences to the families and friends of Suzie and Lisa. Knowing each of them enriched our lives, and we remember them with fondness and great joy. They will be missed.
Employee Milestones: Amanda Williams 10 years
Amanda Williams, Assistant Coordinator for Midvale TCC day program, came to TURN fresh out of high school—well, almost! Just barely meeting the age requirement for employment in her senior year, Amanda was no stranger to TURN when she was hired as a residential instructor in July 2000.
The daughter of Peggy Butler, Sandy Cottages Program Coordinator and 21-year TURN veteran, Amanda “practically grew up with TURN.” Beginning in her second year of elementary school, Amanda enjoyed many opportunities to interact with individuals receiving services at Midvale Resource Center where her mother was employed. Seven years later, Amanda quite naturally became a member of TURN’s “residential family” when her mother’s work turned to group home management.
Amanda’s early involvement and mentoring of adult people with disabilities, along with skills she developed in high school peer-tutoring classes, and from working directly with children in “special education programs,” led her to a career with TURN.
After being employed as a Program Instructor at TURN’s Evergreen Apartment program for a year, Amanda transferred to Midvale TCC to work with the clients and friends she had known for more than twelve years. In May 2004, she was promoted to Assistant Coordinator of the program, a position at which she still excels today. Congratulations, Amanda, for ten years of exemplary service!
A Message From New Board Chair Susie Miner
Dear TURN Friends,
I must confess that I am honored and a little surprised to reprise my role as Board Chair. I am reminded of the infamous lines from Hollywood – “I’ll be back…” “Hello, boys, I’m back…,” and “they’re back….” Those quotes seem to hold more threat than promise.
As I look forward, I am startled at the vast differences between the start of this fiscal year and 2007 when I last chaired TURN’s Board. The landscape in which non-profits navigate has become much more difficult. The nation has experienced severe economic downturn; the unemployment rate is up; wages are stagnant; financial credit is tight; corporate and individual donations have declined; and a corrosive, divisive spirit seems to hover over public debate. Non-profit providers and their employees are asked to do ever more with significantly fewer resources.
Having said this, the Board is committed to achieving TURN Community Services’ mission statement – we will work to turn dreams into reality and we will succeed. We will have to do so in creative ways, calling upon the talents and abilities of friends, family members, employees, volunteers, and the people we work for. In order to harness these talents and abilities, we as Board members also have to nurture the constituencies on whom we depend. This will mean enhancing communication with, recognition of, and opportunities for all.
We will start by celebrating TURN’s move into its new main office. The facility is purposely built for our needs and environmentally sustainable. Please join the Board and me as we move into the future.
Susie Miner
Passing of Good Friends
Laura Jo Blanchard, Assistant Coordinator of the Wilmington Day Program, died during surgery after being hit by a pickup truck while walking to work on July 1, 2010.
Laura was born on March 30, 1949 in Halls, Tennessee. As the oldest daughter, Laura spent most of her youth caring for her four siblings, possibly setting her on the path to the work she so loved.
After graduating from high school in Bellflower, California, Laura went on to study early childhood development at Canada Junior College. Although she held a variety of jobs throughout her life, Laura especially loved working with the youth at Stoddard County Juvenile Detention Center in Bloomfield, Missouri, and the students at Lois Allen Elementary School in Reno, Nevada.
Laura moved to Utah in 2002 where she acquired a job with TURN Community Services, formerly Easter Seals Utah. While her official title was Assistant Coordinator, Laura’s work included being a secretary, caregiver, data entry specialist, artist, inventor, motivator, advocate, mentor and friend. When asked to describe Laura, some of the words used by coworkers and the people she served were “kind, understanding, loving, and a sister and mother to all.”
Laura lovingly shared her home with her daughter, Joy, and two of her five grandchildren, Nimue Laura and Steven.
Alan Craig Pederson lived, worked, and played with great persistence and fervor. Born in Logan, Utah on September 17, 1956, Alan moved from his family home to American Fork at age ten. After two or three years, he transitioned into one of Provo’s earliest group homes.
Alan began receiving TURN residential services in 1986 through one of the agency’s apartment programs in Salt Lake City. Later, he moved to Whitehead apartment program where he lived until June 2008, when he relocated to the Bountiful Group Home due to medical and aging issues.
A steadfast man, Alan was employed at North Temple Sutherland’s Lumber Company as a Customer Service Representative, where he worked for the past 16 years. He loved bicycle and Harley motorcycle riding, camping and river trips, Jazz games, music and dancing, Karate and bowling, and vacations. Alan departed this life on July 18, 2010
after a short illness.
Employees and friends at TURN Community Services extend their condolences to the families and friends of Laura and Alan. Knowing each of them enriched our lives, and we remember them with fondness and great joy. They will be missed.
