Blooms are up. I couldn't help but to notice the Magnolia trees as I drove along Burnhamthorpe Road the other day. With new blooms always comes the reminder that there is new life. We've been busy here at FAME what with preparing for the divas event and our Taking Back Your Life presentation. There are no quiet days here at the office.
My last post was dedicated to the announcement and the invitation to be a part of the Toronto Police Services Board subcommittee on Mental Health. Well late yesterday afternoon I sat in my very first meeting. The room was full and it's members diverse. After years of sitting on committee after committee, seeing report after report, I am trying to remain buoyed that something concrete will actually be realized through this committee. There is no question in my mind that there are systemic problems for the policing community in addressing mental health issues. While I have been highly critical of in introduction of new weaponry, specifically the conductive energy weapon (more commonly know as a taser), I don't walk in the shoes of the police and so for now I will reserve my judgement and wait to see what will unfold out of this committee.
In the meantime, it's business as usual over here at FAME. One small reminder though...take a few minutes to enjoy the new spring blooms.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
An invite from the Toronto Police Services Board
I'm a girl with an opinion. Oh c'mon now, you can't possibly be remotely surprised with my disclosure of that little tidbit of information. Those who know me also know how passionately and outspoken I've been with respect to police and their dealings with the mental health community. I have been a staunch anti taser activist and have not held back one iota in my position about the use of these viscious killing weapons by police all across this country.
Did we not learn anything from the Robert Dziekanski debacle at all? The message was glaringly loud not only about abusive use of tasers by police but also about the fallout of attempts to cover up and mislead the public about what really happened in the Vancouver airport that fateful day. A cover up and behaviour exposed by this country's national police force that should have resulted in the resignation of not only the four complicit officers but also of William Elliot, the head of the RCMP. Of course that never did happen now did it. Mr. Elliot continues to remain in his post and those four officers still continue to serve.
There have been incidences here in Toronto, although none quite of the public magnitude of the Dziekanski case, but none the less, the Toronto Police Force has had its moments under the microscope. We should never ever forget what happened to Edmund Yu, a former medical student, diagnosed with schizophrenia, shot 3 times on a Toronto streetcar. These are somber reminders that there is much for our law enforcement forces to learn and understand about the issues of mental health.
Just recently the Toronto Police Services Board has reached out to the mental health community and has decided to strike a sub committee on Mental Health. I would like to applaud the current chair of the TPSB, Alok Mukherjee, for being proactive and taking steps to finally form this sub committee. I am buoyed at the thought that dealing with mental health issues in the community have finally been put on the table at this level. FAME has been invited by the TPSB to participate and be a member of the sub committee and I have jumped at the chance to bring the family perspective to the table.
I am being careful not to come forward with criticism and anger towards the police because I really believe it'll only shut doors. Rather I'm taking the tact to be positive and open, to speak reasonably and to listen. I'm of the mind that you catch more bees with honey. It is important to effectively deliver our messages, our concerns and our input and do it in a way that will have it be received with an open mind and a view to improving the relationship between the police and the community of mental health.
This committee will begin to meet in late winter/early spring. I will keep you all up to date with how this unfolds and what it will mean to our community.
For now, it's a new year. New optimism. New hope.
Respectfully,
Christine
Did we not learn anything from the Robert Dziekanski debacle at all? The message was glaringly loud not only about abusive use of tasers by police but also about the fallout of attempts to cover up and mislead the public about what really happened in the Vancouver airport that fateful day. A cover up and behaviour exposed by this country's national police force that should have resulted in the resignation of not only the four complicit officers but also of William Elliot, the head of the RCMP. Of course that never did happen now did it. Mr. Elliot continues to remain in his post and those four officers still continue to serve.
There have been incidences here in Toronto, although none quite of the public magnitude of the Dziekanski case, but none the less, the Toronto Police Force has had its moments under the microscope. We should never ever forget what happened to Edmund Yu, a former medical student, diagnosed with schizophrenia, shot 3 times on a Toronto streetcar. These are somber reminders that there is much for our law enforcement forces to learn and understand about the issues of mental health.
Just recently the Toronto Police Services Board has reached out to the mental health community and has decided to strike a sub committee on Mental Health. I would like to applaud the current chair of the TPSB, Alok Mukherjee, for being proactive and taking steps to finally form this sub committee. I am buoyed at the thought that dealing with mental health issues in the community have finally been put on the table at this level. FAME has been invited by the TPSB to participate and be a member of the sub committee and I have jumped at the chance to bring the family perspective to the table.
I am being careful not to come forward with criticism and anger towards the police because I really believe it'll only shut doors. Rather I'm taking the tact to be positive and open, to speak reasonably and to listen. I'm of the mind that you catch more bees with honey. It is important to effectively deliver our messages, our concerns and our input and do it in a way that will have it be received with an open mind and a view to improving the relationship between the police and the community of mental health.
This committee will begin to meet in late winter/early spring. I will keep you all up to date with how this unfolds and what it will mean to our community.
For now, it's a new year. New optimism. New hope.
Respectfully,
Christine
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
FYI - Info Update for our families!
ONTARIO SUPPORTS REGISTERED DISABILITY SAVINGS PLANS
McGuinty Government Helps Families Save For Children With Disabilities
NEWS
November 30, 2008
Ontario is making it possible for social assistance recipients to take advantage of Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs).
Like the Registered Education Savings Plan, RDSPs allow family members and loved ones to save money tax free until withdrawal. The program helps people plan for the future needs of children and adults with disabilities.
Changes to Ontario’s social assistance rules will make sure that both RDSP assets and withdrawals are fully exempt. This means:
•
RDSP contributions do not impact eligibility for social assistance
•
People on social assistance can take money out of an RDSP without affecting their social assistance payments.
To further help social assistance recipients with disabilities save for their future, Ontario is also increasing the amount they can receive as a gift or payment from a trust from $5,000 to $6,000 a year.
QUOTES
“This is about making it easier for families to save for their children with disabilities,” said Minister of Community and Social Services Madeleine Meilleur. “We are making sure that people can put money in an RDSP without it affecting their eligibility for disability support.”
"The message from the Ontario government is clear. It trusts families to help their relative with a disability and has opened the door for them to secure the future for their loved one. In twenty years, we’ll look back on this as a watershed moment for people with disabilities." said President and Co-Founder of Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network Al Etmanski.
"What will happen when I'm no longer here is a sentiment shared by many families caring for a relative with a disability. The future for their loved ones was almost certain poverty. But with today's welcomed announcement, the Ontario government has cleared the way for families and communities to invest in a new vision for Ontario citizens with disabilities,” said Ontario RDSP Working Group Chair Jeff Dobbin.
QUICK FACTS
•
Any individual that is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit may establish an RDSP
•
British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland have also announced that they will fully exempt both RDSP assets and withdrawals.
LEARN MORE
Find out more about the federal Registered Disability Savings Plans.
To establish a RDSP, you must qualify for a Canada’s Disability Tax Credit.
See how employment supports help people on the Ontario Disability Support Program.
Learn more about the province’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities.
Kevin Cooke, Minister’s Office, 416-325-5219
Chris Tidey, Communications and Marketing
416-325-5760
ontario.ca/community-news
Disponible en français
McGuinty Government Helps Families Save For Children With Disabilities
NEWS
November 30, 2008
Ontario is making it possible for social assistance recipients to take advantage of Registered Disability Savings Plans (RDSPs).
Like the Registered Education Savings Plan, RDSPs allow family members and loved ones to save money tax free until withdrawal. The program helps people plan for the future needs of children and adults with disabilities.
Changes to Ontario’s social assistance rules will make sure that both RDSP assets and withdrawals are fully exempt. This means:
•
RDSP contributions do not impact eligibility for social assistance
•
People on social assistance can take money out of an RDSP without affecting their social assistance payments.
To further help social assistance recipients with disabilities save for their future, Ontario is also increasing the amount they can receive as a gift or payment from a trust from $5,000 to $6,000 a year.
QUOTES
“This is about making it easier for families to save for their children with disabilities,” said Minister of Community and Social Services Madeleine Meilleur. “We are making sure that people can put money in an RDSP without it affecting their eligibility for disability support.”
"The message from the Ontario government is clear. It trusts families to help their relative with a disability and has opened the door for them to secure the future for their loved one. In twenty years, we’ll look back on this as a watershed moment for people with disabilities." said President and Co-Founder of Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network Al Etmanski.
"What will happen when I'm no longer here is a sentiment shared by many families caring for a relative with a disability. The future for their loved ones was almost certain poverty. But with today's welcomed announcement, the Ontario government has cleared the way for families and communities to invest in a new vision for Ontario citizens with disabilities,” said Ontario RDSP Working Group Chair Jeff Dobbin.
QUICK FACTS
•
Any individual that is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit may establish an RDSP
•
British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland have also announced that they will fully exempt both RDSP assets and withdrawals.
LEARN MORE
Find out more about the federal Registered Disability Savings Plans.
To establish a RDSP, you must qualify for a Canada’s Disability Tax Credit.
See how employment supports help people on the Ontario Disability Support Program.
Learn more about the province’s Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities.
Kevin Cooke, Minister’s Office, 416-325-5219
Chris Tidey, Communications and Marketing
416-325-5760
ontario.ca/community-news
Disponible en français
Monday, August 17, 2009
Wine Tasting & Epicurean Evening for Two up for Bid! Support the United Way!
"Wine is one of the most civilized things in the world and one of the most natural things of the world that has been brought to the greatest perfection, and it offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing." - Ernest Hemingway
Here's your chance to spend an evening at a Private Wine Tasting where you and your guest will get to try some of the finest old world red wines that Italy produces and at the same time you'll be supporting the United Way of Peel. It doesn't get any better than that!
This private wine tasting will focus on the wines of the Piedmont region in Northern Italy (the killer B's....Barolo, Barbaresco and Brunello!) as well as the local cuisine of that region. Wine doesn't get much better than this. Four of the wines served in this tasting have been personally carried from Italy by the evening's Hosts. A food tasting will be included, featuring Wild Mushroom Risotto with Tartufo Cream,as well as foods local to the Emilia Romagna region. Charcuterie and Artisenal Cheeses will also also be a large part of the evening's epicurean experience. Quebec & Prince Edward County along with specialty Proscuitto from Pingue Prosciutto will enhance these incredible wines. One of the evening's guests is a Cheese Monger currently working at one of Toronto's finest Cheese boutiques.
The tasting will start out light with the sparkle of Prosecco, followed by the Killer B's and then on to the most luscious of the Veneto wines, the gorgeous rubies in a glass known as Amarone. Capping off this trip down la strada de vino (the road of wine) will be a Super Tuscan & a Chianti. Nothing says loving like the wines of Tuscany.
"Leave the gun, take the cannoli." - The Godfather Traditional Italian sweets shall not be overlooked as well! Hold your breath because this tasting will finish up with some kick it up a notch Italian Grappa. La Dolce Vita!
The value of this wonderful evening is approximately $250.00. This will get you a ticket for two. There will be a total of 8 people present at the tasting, including a Chef! Tasting will be held in a Caledon location (Bolton) and will take place some time during the month of October or the early part of November on a Saturday evening. Date to be arranged.
The opening bid starts at $50.00 and the bids will close on Wednesday, September 30th. To place a bid or for more details please email: coopspeak@gmail.com
Stay tuned to this blogpost for current bidding updates.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Meet the man behind those fabulous Diva costumes!
Meet Juul Haalmeyer who in our opinion is just the most fabulous costumer this side of the Great Lakes! Juul so carefully and lovingly dressed, primped and accessorized our gorgeous divas. He made each and everyone of them feel like the diva they are. For those of you who don't know he Juul is he is a benchmark and an icon in the costuming and theatre industry. He's the who's who and knows the who's who. He's dressed Anne Murray, Dolly Parton, Alice Cooper, Jethro Tull, Katarina Witt (best legs in ice skating!)....the list goes on and on. He is also the Juul Haalmeyer as in the Juul Haalmeyer Dancers in the iconic SCTV series, where he designed the costumes for all those amazing SCTV characters. Check out his facebook page.... Juul Haalmeyer Dancers (in Iceland) or just Juul Haalmeyer (his own personal page). Sign up! We love Juul and his part of making "simply divas" simply spectacular is so appreciated.
Signing off,
the Executive Diva,
Christine
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The magic behind the magic.....
If you go to the "simply divas" webpage www.simplydivas.ca and you click on the button that plays the promo reel you cannot help but to be charmed and impressed by the event that is "simply divas". As many times as I have watched it (and that's not because I'm in it!!!) I am always in awe of the talent, the magic and the commitment that the 75 people who work so hard on divas gives of themselves to make it happen. So many people work so hard, for days, weeks, months....rehearsing....chasing donations....making incredible food....creating advertising materials....waiting tables....doing big hair....donating costumes....selling tickets.....
and then it all comes down to a few hours....and a handful of lovely young women who sing their hearts out. It is, without question, very magical.
So, with all of that being said, I just would like to take these few moments and give some major props to all those who really help create the magic. Without you, none of it happens. You give selflessly to an organization who could never, in a million years, ever be able to do this without you. You help us to create a special forum where for a few minutes we get to forget about how tough living with mental illness can really be, not only for the person who is ill, but also for their family who live and support their family member. That makes all of this even more special and even more appreciated.
To those reading, I'd like to take this opportunity to say, pick up the phone and order your tickets. What we've got lined up for this year's event is just simply not to be missed. There is magic in the air....and we call it...."simply divas".
the Executive Diva,
Christine
and then it all comes down to a few hours....and a handful of lovely young women who sing their hearts out. It is, without question, very magical.
So, with all of that being said, I just would like to take these few moments and give some major props to all those who really help create the magic. Without you, none of it happens. You give selflessly to an organization who could never, in a million years, ever be able to do this without you. You help us to create a special forum where for a few minutes we get to forget about how tough living with mental illness can really be, not only for the person who is ill, but also for their family who live and support their family member. That makes all of this even more special and even more appreciated.
To those reading, I'd like to take this opportunity to say, pick up the phone and order your tickets. What we've got lined up for this year's event is just simply not to be missed. There is magic in the air....and we call it...."simply divas".
the Executive Diva,
Christine
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Where do the days fly?
Time flies. Ya blink and it's right by you! By now I'm sure that many of you have seen the new and vastly improved version of the FAME newsletter. The wow factor is monster! We are absolutely thrilled to bits with the production of this quarterly news piece from the agency. The feedback has been very positive.
Days are busy here at FAME. With divas on the horizon all the beehive is a buzzing on Dundas Street. Tickets have been selling well in advance and we are buoyed at the thought of putting on an event that could possibly sell 500 tickets. Imagine that. This is our fourth year and for us its very special since this year benchmarks FAME's 20th anniversary year. We are like the little engine that could....just chugging along. For us though, it is all about the families.
We've almost finished the renovations at Dundas St. You wouldn't even recognize the place! If you are in the neighborhood, stop by, we'll make you a cup of tea and have a chit chat. We love visitors in the office. Currently we are searching for family members who are interested in giving us a sound bite for our FAME clip that we are working on with Andrew Brown. Andrew is the very talented volunteer who helped us put together the simply divas clip that you can see at www.simplydivas.ca It is such a cool, cool clip and we are very proud of it. The new piece we are working on is more focussed on FAME and its role for families. If you are comfortable and would like to share on camera what FAME has meant for your family then by all means, give us a call and we'll get the cameras rolling. We love to hear from our families.
Hopefully spring in the offing. I'm dreaming of tulips, daffodils and hyacinth....which gets me to thinking about Easter....and of course that gets me to thinking about chocolate. :) Hey, what can I say, around this place, chocolate is the manna of our lives.
Here's wishing all our friends and family members happy soon to be spring days!
The E.D.
Days are busy here at FAME. With divas on the horizon all the beehive is a buzzing on Dundas Street. Tickets have been selling well in advance and we are buoyed at the thought of putting on an event that could possibly sell 500 tickets. Imagine that. This is our fourth year and for us its very special since this year benchmarks FAME's 20th anniversary year. We are like the little engine that could....just chugging along. For us though, it is all about the families.
We've almost finished the renovations at Dundas St. You wouldn't even recognize the place! If you are in the neighborhood, stop by, we'll make you a cup of tea and have a chit chat. We love visitors in the office. Currently we are searching for family members who are interested in giving us a sound bite for our FAME clip that we are working on with Andrew Brown. Andrew is the very talented volunteer who helped us put together the simply divas clip that you can see at www.simplydivas.ca It is such a cool, cool clip and we are very proud of it. The new piece we are working on is more focussed on FAME and its role for families. If you are comfortable and would like to share on camera what FAME has meant for your family then by all means, give us a call and we'll get the cameras rolling. We love to hear from our families.
Hopefully spring in the offing. I'm dreaming of tulips, daffodils and hyacinth....which gets me to thinking about Easter....and of course that gets me to thinking about chocolate. :) Hey, what can I say, around this place, chocolate is the manna of our lives.
Here's wishing all our friends and family members happy soon to be spring days!
The E.D.
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