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Newsletter - Spring 2007 issue
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Goals
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Left to right are: Paul Rich, Martin Haggard Jr., Tim Aston, and Phil Garner.
The Buffalo River Services, Inc. story is one of constant growth in service. In 1972, a handful of parents, recognizing the need, came together and formed what is now Buffalo River Services, Inc. Soon, the geographic area served expanded from its base in Wayne County to include serving residents of Lewis and Perry counties. Members of the original board of directors who first chartered the agency called Wayne County Skills, Inc. are still occasionally active. These members included highly respectable Wayne County Citizens such as Mrs. Lillie Brewer, Mrs. Ann Overton, and Mr. James Frank Jones. Then, in 1998, Lawrence county residents found Buffalo River Services to be a quality provider of community services after the State of Tennessee Division of Mental Retardation invited the agency to be the "provider of choice" to that area. Today, Buffalo River Services, Inc. supports and serves over 200 people in all combined programs of residential, day services, employment services, family aide and personal assistant / home care. Today, BRS supports people with disabilities and their families in Giles, Hickman, Lawrence, Lewis, Maury, Perry, and Wayne counties. In 2001 and 2002, the visionary board of BRS began establishing a fund raising organization for the specific function of providing additional financial assistance to the provider agency. Buffalo River Services operates primarily with money from the state to pay for its programs. However, like all other non-profit agencies in community services, the state funding is never adequate or abundant enough to fulfill the fiscal needs. Therefore, the William Thomas Helton Foundation was created. This organization will assist, with its separate board of directors, to raise money to place in an account so that interest will be accruing for the years to come. That interest will be an ever-giving donation that will continually assist in paying for services that our participants need where the government dollars fail. It is desired that donors will be attracted who will wish to give, not only from the bountiful blessings that we enjoy in making our livelihood, but who will also decide to leave part or whole estates to the foundation, or reduce their tax liability for the current year. For the past three years, funds were raised by the Waynesboro Rotary Club to donate to our cause. Working in collaboration with the Buffalo River Trail Ride and all the good folks there, Tim and Tracy Aston, Toni Keller and Johnny Andrews the Waynesboro Rotary is making a positive difference in your communities. This past year of 2006, the annual event was a wonderful success. Many horses and riders rolled along the hills of the “Big Woods” around the Buffalo River Trail Ride Campgrounds. For a donation, each person was taken on a guided ride by trail bosses, Wayne Pierson and Harvey Magnusson. The beauty of the area is astounding at the time of year that the ride is usually held. This year it was on October 28th, 2006. After the ride everyone enjoyed a great lunch catered by Connie’s Diner. Tim Aston had been talking about the ride for a while before it actually happened and several people had donated before hand. During one ride earlier in the year, Mr. Tom Dixie of the Rockdale Trail Blazers of Georgia collected for the ride, even before it happened. This group has been long standing participants of the Buffalo River Trail Ride and has seen many of our participants of employment service of Buffalo River Services working at the trail rides throughout the summer. Tim and his staff employee several of our clients to work in the camp. By serious planning and collaboration among all these groups and individuals, the William Thomas Helton Foundation received a hefty donation this year. As mentioned earlier, these funds ensure the long-term health of our nonprofit agency and its future ability to continue its service to people with disabilities. We are very grateful to Paul Rich, President of the Waynesboro Rotary, Martin Haggard Jr. Project Coordinator, Tim Aston and all the great people who have helped with our annual fund raising event. |
News From Wayne County
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Steven
Jackson and Jennifer Skelton
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| The “People First” party was held at the Waynesboro TVEC community room. There was lots of food and entertainment and of course the crowning of the king and queen for the day! Everyone had a wonderful time! | |
Special Olympics
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Athletes from Wayne and Lewis Counties enjoyed a fun day at the bowling tournament with Special Olympics in February. It was held at Kingpin Lanes in Lawrenceburg. |
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We received 70 responses back out of approximately 180 surveys that were sent out to families we support in December 2006. Surveys were sent to all families that we serve through the Day Services and Residential Services and Family Support Program recipients. These surveys are a portion of how we measure our quality in supporting our consumers. We always want to know how we are doing. We appreciate your time and responses on the surveys we send out. Thank you again so very much. |
News From Lawrence County
Valentine's Celebration
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On February 14th, Lawrence County staff and individuals celebrated Valentine’s Day with a huge bash. It was held at the local National Guard Armory and brought lots of food, fun, and dancing. Everyone chipped in with bringing lots of great food and snacks and the turn out was great! For having done so well during with this year’s annual survey, the Lawrence County staff were rewarded with the opportunity to throw a celebration party. The staff decided unanimously that they had rather make this an equal celebration for the individuals that they support as well. Lawrence County as a whole would like to thank everyone who assisted and helped in any way in putting this party together. A very special thanks goes out to the Lawrence County National Guard for their hospitality. |
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Pictured left is several participants enjoying a dance, and pictured right was the crowned King and Queen, David and Pam. |
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Meet Mr. Abe Lincoln
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On March the 2nd, Lawrence County Individuals were excited to meet former president Abe Lincoln. Actually Mr. Lincoln was portrayed by an actor who re-enacts Mr. Lincoln’s persona and educates the public about the life of our 16th President. Several individual’s had been studying president’s of late and had participated in the Lawrence County Library’s Presidential Trivia Contest, so this was very educational for them. The re-enactment took place at the old Crockett Theater in Lawrenceburg. |
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Easter Community Outreach As a way of reaching out to the community, several Lawrence County individuals will be hosting an Easter-egg hunt for the children of Highland Park Baptist Day Care. This event will be taking place on April the 4th at the church. Individual’s participating will be preparing small gifts and eggs for the children as well as assisting with the egg hiding itself. |
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Family Support
The statewide Family Support annual survey was mailed out in March. Please participate in the survey and send it back as soon as possible. You should have received a stamped envelope to return it. Thanks! |
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Dillon’s new cycle has enhanced his confidence a great deal. He no longer has to just watch from the window at his sister and cousins riding their bikes. Now he jumps right in smiling and takes off riding. He is no longer frustrated as before when riding a regular bicycle. This new bike is much safer and provides a more stable ride. It is very durable and he rides comfortably. He will surely have many years of riding pleasure with his new TrailMate Joyrider Cycle. Many thanks to the staff at Buffalo River Services for assistance with purchasing this equipment for Dillon with our Family Support funds. There is nothing more rewarding to a parent as to seeing their child with special needs participating with confidence along with other children in their activities. Brenda L. LaRue, mother of Dillon Dabbs |
We would like to express our sympathies to the family of Miss Haley Belew, infant daughter of Tanya and Ashley Belew.
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Shaianna has surely enjoyed her new stroller that was purchased with her Family Support funds. Shaianna was using a different type chair that was extremely uncomfortable for her. This one is much nicer for her. It comes apart easily for Sharon, her mom to be able to transport in the car as well . Sharon says she doesn’t know what she would do without funds from the Family Support program. She loves the respite program too. It has been a blessing in their lives.If you would like more info on this program, please call Mary Staggs, FS Coordinator at #(931) 762-3381 |
William Thomas Helton Foundation
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There have been several contributions to the foundation in the last few months. Donations were accepted in honor of the following people: |
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“Life is short, Break the rules
Love truly, Never forget anything That made you smile” |
Welcome our new Babies!
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This is little Miss Maggie Ann Chapman, granddaughter of Nan Collier, DSP in Lawrence County. Maggie was born 01/25/07. She weighed 6.5 lbs and was 19” long. Proud parents are Roger and Mindy Chapman. Maggie was in a hurry to be born– her parents got to the hospital at 7:23 and she arrived at 7:25! She has red hair and blue eyes! Isn’t she a doll! |
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Devin Ross Oliver was born 3/9/07, weighed 8lbs,2 oz. and was 20’’ long. Adorable Devin is the new son of Rebekah Oliver and is DSP Laura West’s new grandson. He is such a sweetheart! Laura is so proud of him! Congratulations Laura! |
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“Baby Cole” was born 3/27/07, weighed 6lbs, 7oz. This bundle of joy is the new son of Program Assistant Jodi Weighmink and was delivered at Crockett Hospital in Lawrenceburg. Jodi has waited patiently for 9 months for this wonderful day to arrive. Congratulations Jodi! |
Upcoming Training Events
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The 4th Annual Adult Abuse Coalition Conference will be held May 1st, 2007 at Henry Horton State Park in Chapel Hill, Tennessee from 8am-3:30pm. The Adult Abuse Coalition of South Central Tennessee exists for the purpose of protecting disabled and elder adults in this region from fraud, abuse, neglect, exploitation, to raise awareness regarding these issues, and to ensure there is a seamless flow of services for this population. Topics include “Beyond Burnout”, “Keeping your eyes on the prize”, “Long-term care insurance”, “Understanding the laws and reporting financial abuse”, and “Protecting yourself against identity theft”. The Registration Fee is $10 per person with a deadline of April 20th. Lunch is provided. If you would like more info on this, please contact the Coalition office at (931) 393-3686.
The Tennessee Senior Olympics
is an Olympic-style sporting event comprised of 17 different sports
for individuals aged 50 or older. The 5thAnnual Tennessee Disability Mega Conference will be held at the Nashville Airport Marriot on May 31-June 2, 2007. Room rates at the hotel are $79. plus tax per night. If you would like more information on the conference please call #800-835-7077.
The Tennessee Senior Olympics
is an Olympic-style sporting event comprised of 17 different sports
for individuals aged 50 or older. |
The Arc
of Tennessee’s
FAMILY OUTREACH PROGRAM
Invites Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families
to Join Us in an Open Discussion
on Community-Based Employment
A few of the topics will include:
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REGIONAL
TENNESSEE MEETINGS
| EAST | MIDDLE | WEST |
| KNOXVILLE Friday, April 13, 07 2:00pm-4:00pm Disability Resource Center 900 E Hill Ave, Ste 120 865.637.3666 |
NASHVILLE Monday, March 26, 07 5:30pm-7:30pm The Arc of TN 151 Athens Way, Ste 100 615.248.5878 |
MEMPHIS Monday, May 7, 07 11:00am – 1:00pm Central Library 3030 Poplar Ave 901.415.2700 |
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JOHNSON CITY |
CROSSVILLE Thursday, April 19, 07 6:00pm-8:00pm Roan State Community College 2567 Cook Rd 931.456-9880 |
PARIS Tuesday, May 8, 07 6:00pm-8:00pm (may change) Henry County Community Ctr (Old Central School) 55 Jones Bend Rd 731.642.8655 |
| CHATTANOOGA Friday, April 20, 07 1:00pm-3:00pm Orange Grove Center 615 Derby St 423.493.2951 |
McMINNVILLE Saturday, April 28, 07 8:30am – 10:30am (may change) Warren County High School 199 Pioneer Ln 931.668.5858 |
JACKSON |
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R.S.V.P. or for more
information, call or email Lori Israel at: |
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Quotes “Most people walk in and out of your life…...but friends leave footprints on your heart” -Anonymous
“Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away” -Anonymous
“The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but on significance– and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning” —Oprah Winfrey
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, they will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel” - Maya Angelou |
