Flag-raising in Kincardine marks May as Community Living Month

The Municipality of Kincardine recognizes May as Community Living Month, and municipal staff, along with Community Living members and staff, were on hand Friday morning to help raise the flag at the Kincardine Library.

Despite the windy, rainy weather, a handful of people watched as municipal employee Bruce Emmerton (right) raised the Community Living flag, with help from Allan Moore, Maurice Cotter, Kelly Wheeler and Ian Campbell.

May is recognized across Ontario as Community Living Month. It is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions that citizens of all abilities make and to embrace the diversity of the community.  

The work of the Municipality of Kincardine, the Township of Huron-Kinloss, numerous community groups, the local media, schools, businesses and individual residents, makes a real impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families.

Community Living of Kincardine and District (CLKD) is grateful for the ongoing support of this incredible community and the progress that is being made to create a truly inclusive, welcome and caring community for all residents, including those with developmental disabilities.



Helping raise the Community Living flag in front of the Kincardine Library, Friday morning, are Allan Moore (left), Kelly Wheeler, Ian Campbell and Maurice Cotter



To continue raising awareness and inspiring new possibilities in the community, a number of exciting initiatives is planned for May.

School outreach visits 

Throughout the month of May, CLKD members, staff and families will be returning to local schools to share messages of inclusion, acceptance, empathy and kindness. Individuals will spend time with several primary classes, reading books focused on acts of kindness, making friends and helping everyone feel accepted. These visits will provide opportunities for students to ask questions, hear about the lives and experiences of CLKD members and learn how they can help to build a school and community that is respectful and welcoming for everyone. 

Baby and Me music groups
 
The popular inclusive music program for babies and caregivers will be offered twice in May. Jenny Raspberry-Martin, CLKD’s infant and development worker, will introduce babies to music, rhythm, singing and new friends. Wednesday, May 10, the group will be meeting at 10:30 a.m. at the Kincardine Library; and Thursday, May 25, join the group at 10 a.m. at the Davidson Centre. There is no cost to attend. 

Kids Included Together (KIT) training - Wednesday, May 17, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Governor’s Inn, Kincardine

Torrie Dunlap is a world leader on the topic of inclusion, particularly when it comes to kids. She has shared her experiences at TedX, with the United Nations and in communities across Canada, the United States and Europe. Torrie and fellow KIT staff member, Kathryn King, are offering an interactive and practical training session for local community members who work with children. Learn specific techniques to foster friendships, find out how to identify and build on each child's strengths, and discover how simple it can be to transform your organization, classroom or community into one that fully supports children with disabilities. 

This workshop is recommended for teachers, coaches, early childhood educators, recreation staff, social service professionals and parents. It runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 17, at the Best Western Plus Governor’s Inn, Kincardine. The registration fee is $100. To reserve your spot, contact Jolene Shelton, family support, at 519-396-9434, Ext. 230 or jshelton@clkd.ca 

Kids Included Together (KIT) Presentation - Wednesday, May 17, 7-9 p.m., at the Best Western Plus Governor’s Inn, Kincardine

Join Torrie Dunlap for an inspiring and motivating talk about the transformative power of inclusion. Learn how, as parents, professionals, advocates and community members, we can help others in our community shift from focusing on problems to seeing the possibilities by adopting inclusive mindsets. Tickets are available for $25 each, and can be reserved by calling Jolene Shelton at 519-396-9434, Ext. 230 or jshelton@clkd.ca 

Thursday, May 25 - Jessica Cormier Charity Art Show and Sale, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the Bruce Steakhouse 

Jessica Cormier Studios is hosting a Charity Art Show and Sale at the Bruce Steakhouse! Artists of all ages and abilities will be showcasing their work and some will be available to purchase through a silent auction. For each piece sold, 50 per cent of the proceeds will go toward the artists and 50 per cent will be donated to CLKD! The Andrew Parkhouse Trio will be performing and tapas will be on sale for only $5.