Kenora Association for Community Living

A Meaningful and Satisfying Life for All


News

Twitter KACL at http://www.twitter.com/KenoraACL

Neurobilogy: Using the Brain and Mind to Achieve Happiness

How to Give to KACL or the New Permanent Endowment

An Accessible Trail

UN Convention on the Rights of the Disabled

Digital Communication and Networking

Over the summer we have been working on ways to improve our communication to those we serve, our members and friends and supporters.

The first improvement we have made with the assistance of one of our young staff, Erin Zroback has been the creation of calendars which can assist you keep track of various events going on at KACL. One can gain access from our web page www.kacl.ca through the tab at the top labeled Calendar of events. To the left is a list of calendars for various programs which make it easier for persons who want to see the events for only one program. If you are having any problems give Jim Retson a call at 467-5254 or send me an email. at central@kacl.ca.

I have also set up a twitter account at www.twitter.com/KenoraACL for those who love to tweet and receive Tweets. Our blog is found at www.kacl.ca/blog and our face book is found at www.facebook.com and search for KACL.

 

THE NEW COMMUNITY ARTS HUB
An Arts Studio for the whole Community

The Community Arts Hub (The Hub), an initiative of the Kenora Association for Community Living, is holding an Open House Celebration on Friday July 16th  from 12:00 to 3:00.   The new arts space is in the heart of Lakeside at 528 3rd Avenue South – right across from the Fragile Glass Studio.  There will be beverages and a light snack provided as well as arts and music activities to take part in.


The Hub is a place where adults gather to explore various artistic endeavours.  It is fully accessible, free and open to all adults.  Currently, visitors to the Hub are exploring visual arts, hand drumming, singing and gardening.  “We hope to create an environment, space and opportunity for people to come together and have the experience of discovering, developing and sharing their art.”, said Lisa Gate-Villa, of the Community Arts Hub. 


Gatherings currently planned for the summer are: Art Partners – 6 week sessions begins July 20th, bench painting session begins July 15th and August 5th  and Open Studio time on Monday afternoons; Rise to the Rhythm will be gathering to drum many times throughout the summer; In the Key of Community will be gathering to sing at the Hub on July 13th at 6:30, July 22nd from 12-1, August 10th at 6:30 and August 26th from 12-1 and Community Gardening is held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. For more information, or to sign up, call the Hub at 467-5262.


In addition to the Hub Open House Celebration, the Hub is also a part of the Lake of The Woods Arts Collective Open Studio Tour July 17th from 10:00 to 4:00 and July 18th from 12:00 to 4:00. 

For more information please call Lisa Gate-Villa at 467-5223 or lisa.gatevilla@kacl.ca

KACL will be hosting a Diabetes Information Session on Tuesday, July 27 at 1:00 p.m. at the KACL Central Office (501 8th Avenue South). For more information contact Marlene Kilfoyle at 467-5255

 

Bell Alliant Employee and KACL Treasurer Dave Lillico, presents a check to James Retson KACL's Executive Director.

Shared below and written by Allison Cartwright is the lovely story of Stanley’s and Allison’s year long journey of Stanley becoming an avid and lifelong golfer.

FORE!

by Allison Cartwright

Well actually it was a five that Stan Williamson took on the 6th hole at Beauty Bay Golf Course on September 25, 2009. He had hit 3 perfect shots straight down the fairway, followed by a beautiful approach shot approximately 20 yards from the green. He selected his 8 iron for the chip and tucked his ball 4 inches away from the flag!!! It was an outstanding shot. He confidently walked up to the green and putted the ball in the hole, finishing off with a Tiger Woods fist pump and a very proud YAAAA!!!! It was his first bogey and our first round of golf together on an official golf course.

Stan Golf

At the onset of the day the course proved to be a challenge, but Stan accepted these challenges undeterred. It was with sheer determination and lots of patience that he approached the third hole, setting up to the tee with his 3 wood in hand.  With a clean sweep Stan crushed a 180 yard drive straight down the middle of the fairway like he had been doing this his whole life. I instantly experienced the pure joy a golfer feels when they see that little white ball flying through the sky and say "Wow, did I do that?".  Stan finished the 9 hole round of golf with a score of 67 and another golfer was born. 

Stan had spent the previous winter months learning to play the game at the local indoor driving range. His interest started with a conversation at work during coffee break.  From there he sought out lessons, purchased a set of clubs, a Jack Nicholas instruction video and practiced until he felt he could hold his own. He then approached his co worker Dave and asked him if he would like to play a round. Dave gladly took him up on his invitation and they played the following week at the Kenora Golf and Country Club. As Stan continued to share his memories of this day he said the best part was when Dave commented “Wow, can you ever hit the ball far, you hit it farther than me”.

When I asked Stan what his favorite part of golf was, without hesitation he responded “driving the golf cart”. As the conversation continued, he recalled a funny story about his life long friend Gloria Bird. He said they were up in Dryden Ontario many years ago with friends playing golf and she had jumped in the cart and accidentally hit the accelerator peddle. Stan stated with a warm smile of remembrance. “Gloria was so scared, me I just laughed and shouted don’t get in an accident.  I hope to go to Dryden again sometime; it helps me think of my friend Gloria. She can be my good luck charm.”

So when asked “How do you see yourself in the future, do you think this may be a sport you would like to continue playing? Stan replied with a very confident “yes” followed by “I am going to play until I am at least 98. Who knows maybe I will play when I am 100. We both let out a big chuckle and I ensured him it is a game he can play the rest of his life.

I believe there is a permanent place in the golf world for Stan Williamson. My vision is clear and it is of Stan continuing his fist pumps and enthusiastic YAAA’s for a very long time to come.   As they say in the golfing community, “Golf is not a sport it is a lifestyle”. Not a bad lifestyle choice, not bad at all.  Happy Golfing Stan!

KACL Spring Raffle

And the Winners are...

First prize is Whistler Kayak from The Hardware Company - Wayne Lax

Second Prize Giant Mountain Bike - Jill Vogan

Third Prize Gift Certificate Taggs
Source for SportsWalking Package - David Havill

Thanks goes out to all who participated to make the first spring raffle a success

Walk and Wheel 2010

Familiar faces

More Kids than ever

An all inclusive Day

w&w2010 www9
www3 www4 www6
www7 wwww8 w&w2010

Nature Walk Picture Donated to Rotary Auction raised only $80. Successful bidder than donated $200 directly to the Permanent Endowment

Acrylic on canvas, 60” X 30”

“To me, a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug.”
-Helen Keller

Artists: Cindy Strachan, Mike Shiska, Johanna Hendrickson, Christine McLaughlin and Art Consultant Shauna DeGagne

* Art Partners

nature walk

 

 

About Us |Privacy Policy | Contact Us | ©2008 Kenora Association for Community Living