We have been relying more on Facebook to communicate, but thought we would post this on the website as well.

Tomorrow morning, Monday April 15 from 9:30 to 11:30, there will be a webcast from Alberta Human Services, explaining to families some changes to PDD funding and services. If you would like to watch this at the PASC boardroom, please feel free to join us. You can also access it from any computer with a high speed connection, and most devices. Here is a link to the website http://www.research4children.com
Go to the Events tab and choose PDD Family Forum.
I will summarize the information and send it out for those of you who are unable to watch tomorrow.
As I said in an earlier post, we will also be hosting some information / question and answer sessions for PASC families, staff, board and people receiving support. I’ll let you know the dates and times soon.
You can also call if you have any questions, though at this point we have few details. We hope to know more tomorrow.

Bill Forman, Executive Director

On July 5^th of this year, our former Board Treasurer and loyal PASC ally, Scott Jenkins, once again organized an annual pre- Stampede party called Sugar Shack. In addition to being the best Stampede party of the season, this event raises considerable funds for Progressive Alternatives. This year, approximately 300 people attended at the Rose and Crown on 4^th St. , where the party has been held for the last few years. Many thanks to the Rose and Crown for putting up with the shenanigans once again this year.

Corporate sponsors included DIRTT, Pure Technologies, Identity Ink, and this year, Torys LLP as the party gets crazier every year, it seemed prudent to have a law firm as one of the sponsors).

Thanks again, Scott, and everyone else who attended, contributed and partied hearty. We’re sure Sugar Shack 2013 will be bigger and better.

The Board and Staff of Progressive Alternatives Society of Calgary

In July of this year, we posted a story about a tragic loss for PASC. Our staff member, Tony Harrison, was killed by a drunk driver. His family and friends made a generous donation to PASC in his memory. Tony only worked for PASC for a year, but during this time he made a great impact on the gentleman he supported. Prior to them meeting, the gentleman did not always want to go out and would often refuse to leave his house.

After meeting Tony, they both learned they shared a love for motorbikes and classic cars.  Tony would bring his motorcycle by on the weekends so he could check it out or go for a spin. They developed a very warm and close relationship. They attended rallies and car shows throughout the city. In doing so the gentleman met other car enthusiasts as well as Tony’s friends and family.

After Tony’s passing, Tony’s family continued to attend car shows and would invite the man that Tony had supported. When a rally was held in Tony’s honour, Tony’s family made arrangements for the gentleman to take part. They have said that once car show season is in swing again they would like to make sure the gentleman will attend.

The man Tony supported misses him terribly, as do Tony’s family, friends and colleagues. But the community Tony introduced this man to is carrying out the legacy of Tony’s relationship with him.

Nicole Milton

Resource Coordinator and Administrator

PASC has been supporting a 63-year-old man for many years. He lives alone, and has held a good full time job for almost 20 years. Like most people his age, he is approaching retirement. His work responsibilities have changed as he ages, but his employer is committed to him up until retirement time, and he makes a vital contribution to the workplace. From time to time, PASC has helped him and / or his employer to keep the job successful for all. Work provides a routine, and collegial relationships, but he does not have a rich social network outside of his work. He has grown shy and somewhat withdrawn over the years. It begged the question of what help PASC might provide at this stage of his life.

Our relationship with this man is longstanding, and he has a high level of trust in us. When I took the time to listen him about his hopes and dreams for his future after work, he revealed interests and talents that could lead to opportunities for a good life after retirement, including relationships, activities and roles with others who share those interests.

This transition to a good life in retirement is not a disability issue. Many people decline when their work life ends. PASC supports adults throughout their life span. As we explored this man’s interests outside of work, he revived a previous enthusiasm for bicycling, an area in which he has considerable expertise, skill and experience. For the next few years, we will help him at work as needed, but also begin to help him to build a life in retirement embedded in the vibrant bicycling culture in Calgary.

Stephen Wright, Employment Specialist, PASC