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Newsletter Date: August 14th,
2009
THE BUZZ
Issue # 2 Volume 1
Joke of the Quarter:
Advocacy in Action: By Mr. James Burney
By: Lori Shapiro
Another told of being the face. She left a job
labeled by her own fam- that she liked because of
What is Beethoven's ily. This proves that this rude treatment. I was
even loved ones can be aware of how much this
favorite fruit?
insensitive to disabled meant by the tears she
peoples’ feelings. This cried while telling the
experience made her story.
One of the things people feel like maybe she was
are talking about lately not as good as everyone I have listened to the sto-
is the use of the term else if her own family ries about how the “R”
“retarded” or what I like would talk down to her. word makes people with
BAH NAH NAH NAHS to call the “R” word. I disabilities feel. We are
decided to find out how One staff member told people too and do not de-
this term makes people of an incident in the gro- serve to be called names.
feel and chose to inter- cery store where a cash- I hope we can stand up for
view several Hope House ier became impatient ourselves and let people
Inside this issue: residents including Jo- with someone she was know how a simple word
seph and Rachel from supporting. She told us it can make people feel so
Advocacy in Action 1 48th Street and Holly- made her mad and she bad.
wood from Hope House spoke up for the person
2
Ten. I also spoke with because he didn’t have I would like to invite you to
Fins, Feathers, and
Paws
several staff members to verbal skills. She told send me any questions or
get their views. the cashier that he de- stories regarding advocacy.
Dealing With Staff 3 served to be treated
Have you had a success
Everyone I talked with with respect, just like
had some experience everyone else. that would be good to
My Story 4
with the “R” word. One share? Please feel free to
individual spoke of how The clearest example of contact me via email
Worker Bees 5
young children would how the “R” word can jamesburney20@yahoo.com
call him names. Because make someone feel
Statewide Elections 6 of his disability he could- came from a story told or through the Hope House
n’t explain to them that to me. One person said Foundation Administrative
Something to Share 6 it made him feel sad. the “R” word made her Office at 625-6161.
The whole experience feel like someone had
Heart to Hart 7
left him frustrated. actually slapped her in
Events & Classifieds 8
If you have any comments, opinions, or just want to contribute contact the
Hope House Foundation Administrative Offices at 625-6161.
THE BUZZ Page 2
Fins, Feathers, and Paws: By Jeremy Norman
Over the past two months I The main ingredient should sive and relying on Wal– Mart
have received numerous not be wheat but rather brand remedies and medi-
phone calls and e-mails with meat. Cat foods like Meow cines is no way to go.
questions regarding pets. One Mix and Whiskers may be If you find you are strapped
particular conversation was so easy on the wallet but can for cash there are some
important that I thought I be harmful to your cat. Go great deals out there, you
would share with all my read- with something like Pedi- just have to look. I usually
ers. gree, Purina, or Nutro. They go to Midway Veterinarian
usually cost more but are for all of my pets’ medical
A young lady calls me one af- worth it in the long run. needs. They are reasonable
ternoon and is noticing some When changing food it is im- and seem to care.
strange behavior from her portant to mix the old and
cat. Below are the questions the new as to avoid the use On a brighter note I would
she asked. I decided to write of kitty Rolaids. like to welcome Theodore,
them out for everyone be- my brand new baby guinea
cause they are pretty common pig, to my world. I also am
occurrences with animals, es- proud to have a new gecko
pecially cats. named Charmandor. They
are great company and
Question 1: Is it natural for make me so happy.
cats to eat grass?
Thank you for all your ques-
Response 1: Cats usually eat tions and comments. Please
grass for numerous reasons. keep them coming. If you
The most common are: water have questions, concerns, or
or dew on the grass that the even a cool experience you
cat enjoys, or it has an upset Another good practice for want to share please e-mail
belly. Grass to cats and dogs is your cat is to maintain its me at
like an antacid to humans. flea and tick medicine. I snowball0758@yahoo.com.
Grass is kitty Rolaids. They purchase an eight-month
usually eat this when they are supply from 1800pet-
feeling ill or are having trou- meds.com for only $54.00.
ble using the bathroom. Also, taking your cat to the
vet once a year and making
Question 2: What can I do to sure all the shots are up to
keep my cat healthy? date is a responsible pet
owner’s job. Some other
Response 2: To maintain a healthy remedies are to give
healthy lifestyle for your cat your cat hairball medicine as
it is important for the cat to to avoid massive ones. Vita-
eat right. One simple guide- mins are also available for
line for my fellow cat owners your pet.
is to make sure you are feed-
ing the cat high quality food. A healthy cat can be expen-
THE BUZZ Page 3
Dealing with Staff: By Sarah Askew
things is that I have so many getting my GED but I got nervous
opportunities to go places. I about it and quit. The staff who
go the grocery store every work with me think I can do it,
Monday and I can pick out and I do too, so I need to go
the things that I want to back and try again.
buy, that’s not something
I’ve always gotten to do. I One of the hardest things is
really like to be able to look when a staff person that I really
through my cabinets and re- care about leaves. A couple of
frigerator and make a list,
the staff I really liked a lot have
My name is Sarah and I live then go to the store and
in my own apartment where pick those things out myself. left recently. One of them was
staff are available 24 hours Staff help me stay within my someone who really made me
a day. I’ve been here about budget, but I make the feel special. I trusted her be-
two years. I live with a choices. I really like that cause she did not let me down;
roommate now, and I think staff help me with managing she always did what she said she
I’d like to live in an apart- my own money and I can pay was going to do. She invited me
ment by myself someday, my bills on my own.
but not yet. My roommate to her house for the holidays and
is a good lady and we really One thing that was hard for I got to know her family and she
get along. It helps a lot with me was when staff would just always treated me with re-
the money to have a room- come as soon as I got home spect and trust. We liked some
mate too. from work and want to start of the same things, she encour-
cooking dinner. I need a lit- aged me to do more, she could
I’ve lived and received ser- tle free time after I get
pick me up when I was down and
vices from different places. home from work before I get
I really didn’t like the last started on cooking or other she was honest. I think that’s
place I was. Staff there chores I have to do at home. what a good staff person does.
made me feel like they did- I talked to the staff about it
n’t trust me, they treated and that worked great. I
me like a child and told me would encourage people to
what to do. I had to do talk to staff about what they
things when they wanted me need and want, it helps.
to.
It can also be hard sharing
I like the staff who currently resources, you can’t always
work with me. Some of the do what you want right
things that I like are that away, you have to plan
they help me with my medi- ahead. Planning ahead gets
cines and getting them on easier after a while and it
time. The staff help me with can really help you get to do
cleaning and cooking, but the things that you want to
they also help me to be in- do. I have taken ceramics
dependent. One of the best classes and was working on
THE BUZZ Page 4
My Story: By Jessica Owens
Jessica Owens describes Special Olympics. For are sponsored by the
herself as an active per- the Polar Plunge, people Norfolk Admirals, and
son. She likes to do dress in costumes and she enjoys going on the
things. That is why she bathing suits and jump ice every year when her
loves being a part of into the freezing cold team sells the most tick-
Special Olympics. ocean! ets to the games.
Jessica joined Special
Olympics in 2003, after Of all the activities, Jessica’s favorite thing
her mother told her swimming is her favor- about Hope House is the
about it. Becoming a ite. Outside of Special Annual Dinner. She
part of Special Olympics Olympics, she and one
works for Eggleston Ser-
was easy. of her neighbors are
part of a swim team and vices where her favorite
“You fill out the form a bowling team. Jessica task is delivering maga-
for the year you want to also likes Special Olym- zines to the Naval Base.
participate, and then pics because she is able
you are in,” she says. to go to Richmond and
“And you stay in until other different areas,
you decide you don’t where she meets new
want to do it anymore.” people and volunteers.
Jessica likes Special It is not only through
Olympics because of all Special Olympics that
the different activities Jessica stays active.
she gets to do. She gets Jessica remains active
to swim, play basket- through her participa-
ball, and play soccer. tion with Hope House’s
“Right now, we are Relay for Life team. She
starting softball, bowl- will be doing the Walk
ing, and tennis,” she for a Cure in October.
says. Her training for that
starts soon.
She also participated in
the Polar Plunge earlier Jessica also likes the Re-
this year, an event that lay for Life team be-
raises money for the cause they sometimes
THE BUZZ Page 5
Worker Bees : An Interview with Larry Guynn
Do you work, participate in a day program, volunteer, or want to work? Are there issues relating
to your employment or job search that you would like to share with Buzz readers? If so, I’d love
to have the opportunity to meet with you and listen to what you have to say. Contact Christie
Sumner at the Hope House Administrative Office at 625-6161 ext. 10 or csumner@hope-house.org.
Larry Guynn works at the Downtown Norfolk YMCA Monday through Friday with his
job duties being collecting, laundering and folding towels. He highlights what
makes him a good worker and offers some advice to job-seekers.
Was it hard for you to find work?
A friend told me about the job at the YMCA. I went there and
filled out the application and interviewed for the position. Be-
fore the interview, I practiced answering questions with a
friend, something I would recommend others do to help prepare
and keep from being too nervous.
How do you get to work?
I take Logisticare. They have had trouble picking me up in the
past and sometimes I get to work late. When that happens and my boss asks if I
got to work on time I tell the truth and say that I was late. It’s important for
people to tell their boss why and when they are late and to be honest.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I like to work out when I get off of work and I like that I live close to where I
work. My coworkers are friendly. Overall, it’s a good job and I like the money I
make there.
What is your least favorite part of your job?
I like everything.
What makes you a good employee?
I like what I do and stay on task. I get the job done on time. If I’m told that the
towels need to be done by 1:30, I have them done right on time. I also set goals
for myself. I always give plenty of notice if I am going to take a day off.
What advice do you have for people looking for work?
Talk with people you know to see if they have heard of any place that is hiring.
Practice for the interview and be on time. Have good attendance. Be a good
group worker and get along with others.
THE BUZZ Page : 6
Statewide Elections on November 3rd, 2009
By Lori Shapiro and Josh Harris
Our Voices Committee
It feels like yesterday we voted in a new president, but 2009
statewide elections are rapidly approaching. On Tuesday, No-
vember 3rd you will have the opportunity to elect a new Gover-
nor and executive team, Delegate, and depending on where
you live, various local officers.
There are many ways to educate oneself on the issues and
where each candidate stands. A few sources include the candi-
dates’ websites, our local newspapers and the upcoming tele-
vised debates. This should provide background on the candidates’ views and
prior voting records on important social programs directly affecting Virginians
with disabilities such as State Funding and Waivers.
If you are not sure whether or not you are registered to vote, contact your local
Registrar’s office or Dana Lloyd in the Hope House Administrative Office at 625-
6161 ext. 26.
Something to Share
California’s Department of Developmental Services recently released Leader-
ship Through Personal Change: Think - Plan – Do. A guide to help people with
developmental disabilities have self-determined lives. Below is the link to the
website that features numerous videos and perspectives of people living with
disabilities.
http://www.dds.ca.gov/ConsumerCorner/ThinkPlanDo.cfm
THE BUZZ Page : 7
HEART TO HART
...AN ADVICE COLUMN ON RELATIONSHIPS
Dr. Hart, Dear Josh,
My name is Josh I was reading your letter
Turner and this is how and you sound really
I keep a good man in happy about getting
my life. One day we married and starting a
plan to get married family. You have a lot of
and start a family of goals you want to ac-
our own. We plan on complish in your life and
getting better paying that is fantastic! I think
jobs so we can pay for you should act on how
our own place to live you feel and follow your
and for our own cars. heart. Think hard about
We want to go on a what you want to do so
vacation together all you don’t feel like
by ourselves. After you’ve made mist-
the wedding we also akes in the long run. I
want to go to Hawaii just want to give you
for our honeymoon. this advice to follow: Al-
Right after the wed- ways follow your heart.
ding it is straight to I wish you all the luck
the airport. with your goals. I really
Thanks for your advice hope you both are happy
and support. and make it to Hawaii
- Josh together! Stay in touch.
It was good hearing from
you.
Once again, if you have question’s about love,
life, and relationships, send them to me at the
Hope House Foundation Administrative Office.
Always on Call,
Dr. Hart
THE BUZZ Page : 8
Events/ Classifieds
John Waff is looking for some-
Have any events coming up you
want to share? Do you have items one to learn to Ballroom Dance
you just don't need and want to with. He is a beginner who has
sell? E-mail only taken classes a few times,
buzz.connections@yahoo.com . but would like to keep learning.
If interested please contact him
at 757-622-8595.
Stockley Gardens Fall Art Festival
October 17th and 18th
Sat- 10:00 am– 5:00 pm
Sun– 12:00pm-5:00 pm
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
The Afton Team in Portsmouth is Volunteer Opportunities Available
looking for items to decorate its
new back yard and deck. They plan “VA Beach Polo Benefit”
on planting a garden and making September 12th,
the space more enjoyable. Plant- Gates open at 2:00 pm
ers, tools, and garden ornaments Match Begins at 3:30
welcome. If you have any items Alpha Omega Farms
please contact Kim at 757-558- For more information contact Stephanie
2005. Kaplan at 757-625-6161 ext. 19
RETRACTION: James Burney's e- “ Hope, Love, Change”
mail address is actually August 15th
jamesburney20@yahoo.com 6:00-9:30 pm
Granby Theatre
An unforgettable evening of hair, fashion
and music.
If you have any comments, opinions, or just want to contribute contact the
Hope House Foundation Administrative Offices at 625-6161.
