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ADVANCE Recognition Committee
This committee meets once a month to review all the Excellence nominations and determines the winners. Each staff person and person supported nominated is recognized with a certificate and a copy of the nomination. The Excellence winners are given a certificate as well as a water bottle or coffee mug. The winners are announced at our all agency staff meetings and then their names are added to the recognitions plaques hanging in the front hall of our main building.
Miss South Dakota Suzie Heffernan was at ADVANCE to talk about some of her experiences in the Miss USA pageant on April 16th, 2007 from 1 – 2 pm. She used to work at one of the houses, SLA, at ADVANCE. She said that she enjoyed getting to see some of her old friends and meet some new ones. She let people put on her crown and take pictures with her afterwards. Everyone had a good time and thought it was very interesting.
Rep. Herseth Visits With ADVANCE
On Feb. 23rd, 2007 Rep. Stephanie Herseth visited with people supported by ADVANCE and ADVANCE staff members at the Old Sanctuary hall.
During her talk with the group, Rep. Herseth stressed the importance of citizens’ right and duty to vote, described her various Congressional committee appointments and activities and expressed her commitment for parity in society for people with disabilities.
During the question and answer portion of the visit, Rep. Herseth responded to questions regarding the upcoming presidential election, the war in Iraq and funding issues for Medicare and Medicaid programs. She also responded to a question about how Sen. Tim Johnson is doing. Rep. Herseth reported that his recovery is moving along more quickly than anticipated and she wouldn’t be surprised to see him back working to some degree by late spring or early summer.
The visit closed with Rep. Herseth visiting individually with members of the audience and photos were taken with Rep. Herseth.
Sleigh Rides
In December, keeping in tune with the Christmas Spirit we went on Sleigh Rides. Loren Smith, (Cindy’s Father) from Elkton, brought a team and wagon to give rides. We enjoyed the rides around Brookings, and even sang songs to share our spirit. We hope to do this again in the spring.
Oh what a blast it was! It actually began the night before with the crowning of the ADVANCE Harvest Royalty at our Harvest Dance. The King and Queen were Mike C. and Gennell B. Our Duke and Duchess were Arley L. and Karina F. Then our Prince and Princess were Brian A. and Deanna V. This group of Royalty were all set to ride on our float in the parade. With the theme of Hobo Days being “Hobos on the Prairie” we thought it would be so fun to have our float be a horse and carriage carrying our royalty. The next day bright and early, we all threw on our special ADVANCE shirts made just for the parade, and got lined up to walk! Besides the royalty, we had the candy throwers ( about 13 staff and people supported)! Our candy was adorned with our mission statement! We threw so much out that we ran out of candy half way through (it was a good lesson for next year). It was a wonderful time and we felt that we were able to show the community one of the things that we are all about at ADVANCE... Having Fun!!!
People First of Southeastern South Dakota is a self-advocacy group geared towards adults with disabilities, including members from Brookings, Sioux Falls, Madison, and other communities in the area. This group meets monthly to discuss a variety of topics including: rights, abuse, neglect, exploitation, guardianship, making friends, elections and voting, as well as many other topics.
Some of the events that People First of Southeastern South Dakota has done include: People First Festival, People First Day at the Canaries, and People First Regional Education Workshop.
ADVANCE’s representation in People First of Southeastern South Dakota currently includes one officer, one board member, two advisors, as well a many members.
Copyright © 2007 ADVANCE