Volume 1 . Issue 7                                        AUGUST 2018  
IN MEMORIAM

Loveland is saddened to announce the passing of a treasured longtime participant, Brian.
Brian joined the Loveland family in 2006 and sought out every opportunity available to him. He loved performing with the Loveland Chorus; he graced the stage of the Venice Theatre in the Loveland Follies in 9 performances over the years; he was an active volunteer in the LION Initiative at InStride Therapy; he also loved baseball and played in Special Olympics.

Before joining Loveland, Brian attended SCTI and worked at Macy's.

All of us are struggling to find the words to process such a profound loss, but we all know that our lives are better for having known Brian.
PARTICIPANT SPOTLIGHT
This month, all of us at Loveland Center are happy to congratulate Sandy on her incredible weight loss success!

She is down 6 pant sizes!!

Sandy has been active in our Wellness Class 4 times a week for the last 2 years.  She expressed interest in losing weight and has dedicated herself to eating healthier and getting more exercise. She loves to walk, ride the exercise bike, do Zumba and Wii dance. She has been working out at a steady pace for these two years and finally is showing results. 

Not only is she losing weight, but her energy and endurance levels have increased dramatically.  When being congratulated about her success, Sandy shouts "I feel awesome!" Her dedication is motivation to other program participants who want to begin making healthier choices.

Keep up the hard work Sandy!
DID YOU KNOW?
 
Loveland Center's 
LION Initiative is excited to announce our newest volunteer site at Doctor's Hospital in Sarasota!


LION volunteers are in charge of clea ning and restocking the cafeteria where they are developing useful employment skills that will last a lifetime.
ON THE AIR

Tune in to hear a podcast interview with Loveland's Director of Community Impact, Jennifer Bushinger.
FEATURED STORY
"The Power of Our Voice and Voting"

Voter Outreach staff from the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office came to Loveland this month to discuss the importance of voting and the power our voice has to be heard throughout our community.

At Loveland, we embrace a self-advocacy model that empowers individuals with the right of choice. Today, 25 individuals learned that their opinion matters and that they can impact the community around them through the power of voting. It has nothing to do with who you are supporting in office, but all to do with the ability to stand up and speak out for your rights as individuals and members of the community.
Thank you to the Voter Outreach team for an empowering day!
THE REC REPORT
by Rick Rabalais, Recreation Coordinator

Activities took place 21 out of the 31 days in July, including a July 4th Holiday potluck! Over 35 people were in attendance with great food, good fun, and plenty patriotic tunes to celebrate the day.

90% of the activities were held offsite in the community, including trips to
the mall; shopping and dining in downtown Venice; baseball game; and attending a play at the Venice Theater. Ice cream and coffee trips, along with our regularly scheduled trips to Publix and the Dollar Tree provided
 a great variety for all our attendees. 

The August calendar is just as full and includes a special baseball game at the Charlotte Stone Crabs for Disabilities Awareness Night on Monday, August 27th. See you at the ballpark!  
A BIT WITH BARB

This monthly series features Barb, a Loveland participant, as she explores the journalism field and interviews different staff and community members about Loveland Center.   This month features an interview with Loveland Center's chief development officer, Rafael Robles.

Barb: Rafael, why did you come to Florida?
Rafael: I moved from New Jersey to work at the University of Miami.
Barb: Why did you accept a job here at Loveland?
Rafael: To give back and help people.
Barb: How did you hear about Loveland Center?
Rafael: I got a phone call to apply for the job.
Barb: How long have you been at Loveland?
Rafael: Almost 2 years.
Barb: Where are you from?
Rafael: I was born in Colombia.
Barb: What are your plans for the upcoming year at Loveland?
Rafael: Raise a bunch of money to help support everyone here!
UPCOMING EVENTS

HOBNOB AFTER FIVE
Thursday, August 23rd, 2018 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.
Lamoureux Clubhouse
The Venice Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their monthly Business After Five in conjunction with the Political Hobnob to create Hobnob After Five. This business card exchange will bring chamber members to Loveland to network and connect. 
NOTE: $5 for Chamber members; $10 for Non-Chamber members.

DISABILITY NIGHT AT THE BALLPARK
Monday, August 27, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.
Stone Crabs Baseball Game
Bring your families and friends for a great night at the ballpark and help raise awareness of intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Tickets are only $2 with lots of fun happenings and give-aways.  Call the Stone Crabs at (941)-206-4487 for tickets! 

10th ANNUAL LOVELAND CHRISTMAS BBQ
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 from 6-9 p.m.
Venice Community Center
Mark your calendars for our biggest night of the year to celebrate Loveland's 10th Annual BBQ Fundraiser.