Aware Ink July - October 2014

AWARE July - October 2014 Volume 8, No. 3

INK

“The Right Services...To the Right People...At the Right Time!”

Fred Boyer designs bronze for AWARE Dad’s Surprise: laborer greets kids after work

open his lunch pail to see the surprises he brought home for them.

AWARE is pleased and excited to announce our collaboration with Montana’s renowned artist Fred Boyer. Fred has graciously agreed to design and create a life-size and a 1/4 bronze sculpture that will adorne the entrance of AWARE’s new school, the Center for Excellence on the east side of Anaconda. The bronze depicts a father as he greets his son and daughter after a long day of work; they eagerly await to

Quarter-sized sculptures for sale

(Boyer, cont’d page 5)

Right, only 25 miniature bronze sculptures will be cast.

The sale of each miniature will help fund a life-size and a 1/4 replica to be placed outside AWARE’s Center for Excellence.

This limited edition sculpture is available in traditional or colored bronze for $4,500. Please call or email Richard Saravalli for more information, 406.449.3120 x 27 or rsaravalli@aware-inc.org.

Corporate Congress set for Dec. 3-5 integral part of AWARE’s strategic planning process.

AWARE’s 14th annual Corporate Congress is set to convene Dec. 3-5, 2014, at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, just outside of Anaconda. As before, delegates throughout the state will meet, debate, negotiate and ultimately vote on “bills” to improve the way the company serves its customers.

Passed initiatives then become an

This year, more than 50 people ran for a seat to serve as a congressional delegate representing their community or service. More than 500 votes were cast, and the following new delegates were elected for the 2014 Congress: Bozeman District Andrew Largess

Helena District LaReissa Swenson Kalispell District Mary Stahlberg Adult DD Residential Services Carla Macy Adult DD Work Services Alexandra Hoyt Adult Mental Health Services Michelle Hannon Anaconda Client Employee David Caldwell (Delegates, cont’d page 3)

Aware moves forward with old and new Dear Staff and Friends,

I hope you all had the chance to enjoy a few summer days in Montana or elsewhere despite all that we have going on at AWARE. It is often necessary in the work we do to step back and recharge the batteries in order to continue providing the highest quality services Larry Noonan to people with disabilities, but more often than not, it can prove difficult to find some time to relax.

As we move forward into the coming fall and winter months, there is a great deal of work to be done. I know many of you are anxiously awaiting the launch of electronic health records. It will come soon enough, but in the meantime, there is a great deal of training that must be done in order to ensure a successful launch. In the coming months many of you will find yourselves learning to navigate the system. We look forward to hearing from you about this process so that we can make the transition as seamless as possible.

Our efforts with corporate 2

“

[Corporate Congress] is an entirely unique process that has played a large part in our growth and success over the last 30 plus years.

performance management expert Bob Paladino have progressed, and we are in the process of developing a strategy map for our newest division, the AWARE Business Network. We look forward to defining this division and improving the employment opportunities that we offer for people with disabilities.

”

Our public relations officer, Jim Tracy, retired this past July. He has been a wonderful asset to our team over the last seven years and is the reason Apostrophe has grown into the exceptional publication it is today. The magazine is read by thousands of people across the country and features remarkable success stories about the achievements of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Aside from Apostrophe, Jim handled many roles within the media department, many of which will be filled with the addition of two new employees, Jamie Boyer and Todd Maki. Please

The Center for Excellence is gearing up for its second school year with many children and teachers anxious to pick up where they left off last year. Many of the center’s students spent the summer involved in outdoor activities like fishing, swimming, hiking and exploring southwest Lawrence P. Noonan, CEO Montana. With Geri L. Wyant, CFO Jeffrey Folsom, COO an enrollment Mike Schulte, CHO Board of Directors of 29 students John Haffey, President this year, the Al Smith Cheryl Zobenica Center for Ed Amberg Marlene Holayter Excellence is Russell Carstens ready to jump Stephen Addington Barbara Andreozzi into another Jesse Laslovich successful Staff writers: Jacquie Peterson Bryon Higgins academic Jamie Boyer Todd Maki year.

AWARE Ink is published bimonthly

by AWARE, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization at 205 E. Park Ave., Anaconda, MT 59711. Copyright ©2014, AWARE Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this newsletter may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission of the publisher.

Please send correspondence to: jpeterson@aware-inc.org

join me in welcoming them to our organization.

In other news, we are quickly approaching the build up to Corporate Congress, our annual planning event every December that gathers input from all reaches of the organization. Soon, if not already, delegates will begin drafting bills to improve the ways in which we perform services. Approved bills will then be worked into AWARE’s annual operating plan and eventually tie into the longterm vision set forth by our board of directors. It is an entirely unique process that has played a large part in our growth and success over the last 30 plus years. I look

forward to hearing each of your suggestions.

The Arc of Montana will be cosponsoring an event in December with the National Down Syndrome Society. The event will provide training to disability advocates as they prepare for the coming legislative session. The most important thing about this event is that it enables people with disabilities and their family members to have a voice and presents opportunities to discuss what they need to be successful in life.

And lastly, The Big Sky Psychiatry Conference is coming up at the end of January. This event has

grown into a major attraction for psychiatrists across the country over the years, and we are proud to call it our own.

As we prepare for these and other events in the coming months, I am reminded of how rewarding it is to be part of such a diverse organization that continues to deliver quality outcomes for people with disabilities. It reaffirms my belief that we continually deliver the right services, to the right people, at the right time!

Thanks for all of your hard work,

Delegates, cont’d from page 1

AWARE Business Network Janie Harney Sky Care Homes John Thaggard CSCT Services Ignacio “Nacho” Elguezabal Early Childhood Services Christina Fox Targeted Case Management Services Nicole Jackson Youth Case Management Services Rebecca Roll Youth Residential Services Melissa Lewellyn

These newly elected delegates will join the following returning delegates: Anaconda District Melanie Maki Billings District Amanda Davis

Butte/Dillon District Katelyn Crummett Eastern Montana District Tabitha Williams Great Falls District Amanda Voytoski Missoula District Jessica Cole Admin Services Sharati Pia AWARE Clientele in Billings Ashley Paris CDD Services Paul Montey Home Support Services Haley Rowland

It’s a productive three days where many ideas are brought to the table and discussed. Each delegate arrives with at least one bill to present. Last year’s 21 delegates passed a record-setting 22 bills!

Ideas come from employees

throughout the organization and everyone is encouraged to contact their local delegate if they have an idea to share. “[Corporate Congress] is a very unique way AWARE, as an organization, has tried to improve services and decide what the policy and agenda should be for all services,” Pat Noonan, AWARE Business Network Director said.

“We think the most valuable input we can get is from those folks on the front line providing the service. Corporate Congress is a way to get direct input from those who work on the front line to improve our services. ” Seek out your delegate; bring your great ideas forward and wish those serving a productive session!

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AWARE hires two physicians Two new physicians are now on board at AWARE Inc. Raven Limpanson, MD, started in June and is located in the Bozeman office while Blair Davidson, MD, started in September and is based in the Missoula office.

Raven Lipmanson, M.D., is a staff child and

adolescent psychiatrist in AWARE’s Bozeman office. Lipmanson provides comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic clarification, and she recommends the most effective and appropriate interventions, including individual therapy, family therapy, group therapy and medications. She delivers ongoing medication management, individual and family therapy and consults with primary care doctors.

Her professional interests include general child and adolescent psychiatry, family therapy, play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy for mood and anxiety disorders and mental health care for rural and marginalized populations. Before joining AWARE, Lipmanson was a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Shodair Children’s Hospital in Helena. She lives in Bozeman with her family.

Blair Davison, M.D., serves

patients in Missoula and Kalispell. Davison has been in psychiatric practice in Missoula since 2008. She is a graduate of the University of Montana and the University of Washington School of Medicine. She completed her residency in pediatrics, general psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry at Brown University in Providence, R.I. Davison was born and raised in Baltimore, Md., but has been delighted to call Montana home since 1990. In addition to her work with children and adults, she also enjoys being outdoors in Montana: running, skiing, golfing and paddle boarding.

Davison looks forward to working with individuals and families to foster the best evidence-based, meaningful and humanistic care.

New, improved website unveiled If you’ve been out to AWARE’s website, you may have noticed some changes — you’re not seeing things. July 1, AWARE released its new website. The AWARE web team worked with Square Marketing in Anaconda to make updates and produce the modern look and feel to the website. The website was built using a Wordpress platform, which makes it easy to update by designated users. Find AWARE’s website at www. aware-inc.org.

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Boyer, cont’d from page 1

Shrine game parade

In addition to the life-size bronze for the front of the Center for Excellence, Fred and AWARE are casting limited edition 1/4 scale bronze sculptures for the general public. They retail for $4,500.

About Fred

Boyer has traveled the world but has always remained close to his roots in Anaconda where he grew up, went to high school and then on to major in art education at Montana State University. After graduating from MSU, Fred moved to Sitka, Alaska, where he taught art in the public schools and worked as a hunting guide. While Fred loves and still guides The life size and a 1/4 bronze to be placed outside AWARE's Center in Alaska, Montana for Excellence will be two feet taller kept calling him than Fred's six foot frame. home. He returned to Montana and taught art in public schools for 14 years.

While still teaching and working as a smoke jumper for the Forest Service, Fred worked to hone and improve his art and in 1983 became a “full-time artist.” Since then Fred has established himself and won widespread recognition in the art world. He has been a featured artist in many art shows since his works were admitted to the prestigious C.M.Russell Western Art Auction in Great Falls. Fred’s work can be seen in galleries and shows around the world.

Learn more

For more information regarding the bronze sculptures or to make a general donation to AWARE, contact Richard Saravalli at 406.449.3120 x 27 or email at rsaravalli@aware-inc.org.

AWARE CEO Larry Noonan rode

in a red Corvette during the annual Montana East West Shrine Game parade. As a premiere corporate sponsor, AWARE was invited to take part in the events July 18 and 19, 2014, in Billings and Laurel, Mont. Larry and other AWARE staff attended a banquet Friday evening where they met all the players and cheerleaders. The parade and corporate social event Saturday afternoon led up to the football game Saturday evening in Laurel. The East West Shrine Game invites the best of the best football players nominated by coaches throughout Montana, splitting the teams into East and West divisions. This year, the West beat the East 34-10 for the 68th annual event.

Next year, the football game will be held in Great Falls. Photo by Jaci Noonan.

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myEvolv live November 1 AWARE Inc.’s new electronic health record, myEvolv, is fully live as of November 1, 2014.

While the official go-live date was announced to all AWARE staff at the beginning of October, plenty of items were scheduled in advance to get ready for the landmark day.

The go-live process was broken down into several phases, including training, client enrollment and treatment plan entry.

Training EHR training began in July; however, it’s an on-going step in the go-live process. Currently, daily Go To Meetings by T3 trainers are scheduled well into November while one-on-one training is available to those who request it.

Day in the Life testing kicked off training mid July. The testing wasn’t training per se, but rather it was the debut of the system to 60 AWARE staff. During this two-day event, they were asked to uncover items in the system that needed a little more work.

“People get to see the program ahead of time, and they get to take ownership,” Matt Bugni, service director in Helena and a T3 Trainer, said.

With the Day in the Life testing improvements added to the system, training continued with AWARE supervisors August 186

21. Each day, a different group of supervisors received training on how to operate the EHR. Supervisors learned basic navigation and functions of myEvolv, including how to create referrals, intakes, client treatment plans and enter services and progress notes.

Sheree Jarvis (left) and Brianna Pena, targeted case managers in Kalispell, have a little fun with the construction site next door to their office, really driving home the EHR under construction message. Under construction posters were placed in about 70 AWARE facilities in October to let customers know about the EHR.

“We’ve focused on the primary responsibility of each service and what they need to know, so the supervisors would feel comfortable enough to bring it back to their staff,” Heather Aristonic, a T3 and a community school and community treatment service administrator in Great Falls said.

Supervisors brought what they learned to their staff to begin one-on-one training. The front line staff had a two- to fourhour training session with their supervisors and T3 trainers between Sept. 8-22, where they learned the day-to-day functions of myEvolv.

System data entry Client enrollment began Sept.

22. In this phase, managers, supervisors and administrators took what they learned in

The EHR treatment plans are particularly special because many hours were spent converting hundreds of paper forms by each service into forms and libraries that could be shared by all services in the system. training and began entering client demographics, such as first name, last name, contacts, age, etc. More than 3,000 were entered.

Treatment plan entry was the next step in readying the EHR for the Nov. 1 go-live date. At the

Montana Folk Festival

AWARE set up a booth at the Original stage during the Montana Folk Festival in Butte, July 12-13. From left, Russell Peterson, Troy Miller and Mary Caferro visited with concert goers and passed out Apostrophe. They also sold bird houses that can be found at HOPE Collectibles & Recycling in Anaconda as well as artwork by artists at Growth Thru Art in Billings.

beginning of October, staff began entering treatment plans for each they client enrolled.

The EHR treatment plans are particularly special because many hours were spent converting hundreds of paper forms by each service into forms and libraries that could be shared by all services in the system.

“We didn’t want a cookie cutter plan,” Pandi Highland, AWARE program officer, said. “It takes a whole team and the individual and family to create an individualized plan to address their issues and assist to accomplish their dreams.”

Because myEvolv is a revolving system, data entry will continue throughout AWARE on a daily basis. The next data entry phase, progress note entry, began November 1.

Go-live helpdesk instructions IF YOU NEED HELP

LOGGING IN

1. Please contact your supervisor first.

If you’re having trouble logging in to remote desktop or your myEvolv account with your username or password, try out the suggestions below.

• Try a couple of times to make sure that there wasn’t a typo.

• Passwords are case sensitive, so check to make sure that the correct capitalization was used.

• When entering your username and password on the login screen, make sure there are no extra spaces included before or after the text.

• If these actions don’t work, please email the EHR Helpdesk (ehrquestions@ aware-inc.org).

2. If your issue isn’t resolved, contact your assigned go-live support people (i.e., program director, T3 trainers).

3. If your issues are not resolved, the T3 trainer will submit an issues form (which will get submitted to the EHR Helpdesk).

EMERGENCIES ONLY Call EHR Helpdesk: 1-406-559-3507

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NEWS BRIEFS Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare announces winners of statewide contest for artists with disabilities From: PRNewswire-USNewswire SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) honored the winners of a new statewide art contest, “Art: The Universal Language,” during a celebration on Oct. 8, 2014 according to PRNewswire.

The art contest was a partnership between The Arc of Pennsylvania, the commonwealth and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts.

Compiled by Todd A. Maki The website says that Sheldon is good with kids who are autistic, because he does slow deliberate actions, and he can do them repeatedly. If you talk to him or touch him, he reacts.

The research will be done at the Hays school district with children who are autistic, but the learning will be a two-way street because Fort Hays students will be doing the actual programming for Sheldon.

Read the complete story at KSN.com

Autism researchers make huge step in discovering genetic mutations that may lead to the disorder Kate Allen [thestar.com]

“The artwork that was submitted shows the incredible talent of people with disabilities,” First Lady and Chair of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Susan Corbett said. “I'm so pleased that we can showcase their remarkable work and demonstrate that art truly is the universal language.”

“I hope this will inspire all artists to pursue their talents,” said Maureen Cronin, The Arc of Pennsylvania's executive director. “These beautiful pieces remind us to focus on people's strengths and capabilities.”

“A Winter's Tail,” by Susan Crowley, was named best in show.

Winning entries will be displayed in the rotunda during the ceremony and online at www.dpw.state.pa.us.

Read the complete story at: PRNewswire.com

Humanoid robots help kids with autism

By Molly Hadfield [KSN.com] Sheldon the robot’s main job at Fort Hays University is to get students involved in science, technology, engineering and mechanical learning, according to the KSN.com website.

It’s that ability to draw people in that researchers are using to help reach children with autism.

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A team of scientists led by Dr. Stephen Scherer, director of the Hospital for Sick Children’s Centre for Applied Genomics, has created a “formula” for determining which mutations are likely to lead to autism and which are not, according to reporter Kate Allen of thestar.com.

But genome research has also compounded the puzzle of autism. People who display the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may carry the same number of genetic mutations as their unaffected siblings.

“There are no common patterns,” says Scherer director of the Hospital for Sick Children’s Centre for Applied Genomics.

The research suggests that autism begins prenatally. The formula is not predictive enough that it could prove an unborn baby has autism, but it could help clinicians diagnose autism earlier in childhood, allowing important interventions to start early in life, when they are most effective.

“All of this data existed,” Scherer said. “We really just had a new idea about how to look at the data.”

Genome research has been a boon for unravelling the mysteries surrounding autism, allowing scientists to identify around 100 altered genes associated with the neurodevelopmental disorder.

Read the complete story at thestar.com

Billionaire urges disability hiring Michelle Diament [Disabilityscoop.com] One of the richest people in the world is calling on employers to join him in hiring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Michelle Diament of DisabilityScoop.com reports that Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim and Best Buddies founder Anthony Shriver kicked off a new campaign to encourage expanded employment opportunities for people with an intellectual disability, autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy and other special needs.

Dubbed “I’m in to Hire,” the awareness campaign calls on people — whether they are in a position to hire individuals with disabilities or not — to sign an online pledge to advocate for inclusive workplaces.

“The ‘I’m in to Hire’ campaign is challenging all of us around the world to open our minds and consider people with intellectual and developmental disabilities as qualified, dependable and employable candidates. These individuals are dedicated and skilled workers.

It is clear that their involvement in the economic activity is relevant for all of society,” Slim said.

for an answer when the three-year-old boy, whose mother says is often shy about physical contact, wasn’t so sure about the pup’s advances. The dog’s rolling on her back and placing a paw on the boy’s shoulder finally broke the ice, and he appears to hug her.

Scott Stump of today.com reports that the playful labrador retriever gradually wins over a toddler with Down syndrome to earn a hug from a boy who usually shies away from physical contact.

The dog then gently reaches out a paw and nuzzles Hernan's leg playfully before licking his left hand.

Himalaya then sits up on her hind legs and tenderly places a paw on Hernan's shoulder. The dog continues to interact with the boy until Hernan finally leans over around the 3:15 mark of the video and appears to give the dog a hug in a heartwarming moment that has received more than 1.2 million views. *See the video and read the entire story at http://www.today. com/news/labrador-befriends-toddler-down-syndrome-meltshearts-8C11319748]

Heart-warming homecoming as team manager with Down Syndrome named King

By Heather Alexander [Chron.com] A homecoming night loss couldn't rob Montgomery High of a special night this weekend.

As of 2013, 85 percent of people with developmental At halftime of Friday 20-6 loss to Westfield, the Montgomery disabilities did not have a paid job in the community, according student body named Colton Webb, a student living with Down to data from National Core Indicators. syndrome, as its 2014 homecoming king.

A report released by the Institute for Corporate Productivity in conjunction with the launch of the campaign indicates that most employers who hired people with developmental disabilities reported having a positive experience.

Read the complete Story at http://www.disabilityscoop.com

Can't -Miss Vids...

The crowd roared in applause as a smile spread across the student's face. Webb's Mom, Shelly Webb, said it was amazing to see the students so accepting.

The newly crowned king's dedication to football was clear as he left celebrations early to return to his team, on which he serves as team manager.

Labrador befriends toddler with Down syndrome, *See the video and read the entire story at http://www.chron. melts hearts Scott Stump [today.com]

com/neighborhood/woodlands/sports/article/Heart-warminghomecoming-in-Montgomery-County-as-5787949.php

A gentle labrador retriever named Himalaya wouldn’t take no 9

AWARE staff attends The Arc conference The Arc Montana recently attended The Arc of the United States’ national convention in New Orleans, La. More than 800 advocates, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, families and providers were in attendance. They represent 48 states, 250 chapters, 8,891 years of experience and 18,493,280 hours of experience.

Below is the powerful speech given by keynote speaker Shaun Bickley, self-advocate from Texas.

Shaun is invited to be the keynote speaker for The Arc Montana 2015 conference.

Speech by Shaun Bickley

Hi, I’m Shaun Bickley. I work for Texas Advocates in Austin.

I was diagnosed in 1994 at the age of nine, before it was the popular thing to do. Like most people who were diagnosed when I was, I ended up in and out of segregated settings in school. I was told that my education was not important, making me act normal was.

In tenth grade, I was allowed regular classes, but with an aide who would follow me around — to class, through the hallways, to the bathroom — and speak to others for me, and this was not support.

But it was more freedom than I had, and I knew it could be taken away. When I was 18, the school decided it no longer had any obligation to me, and since it still refused to listen to my wishes, I left.

Because my home was unsafe and violent toward someone like me, I moved to Texas with a suitcase and spent some time on other people’s couches.

Being controlled is one extreme I’ve had to deal with in my life; the other one is having absolutely no support. The one doesn’t prepare you for the other.

If an autistic person can ask for help, they are obviously too high functioning to need it, and none is given. In my twenties, I have frequently relied on others for help with food, not had my own place to stay, and yet, not been able to navigate any formal system of services because they were designed to be accessed by my parents — who, after all, aren’t the ones who need it.

So like most autistic people, I’ve had to be resourceful and adaptable in a way that able people don’t have to be. I get around without knowing how to drive by relying on others or, most often, myself.

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The Arc Montana Coordinator Mary Caferro (left) and Jacquie Peterson, AWARE media relations (right), caught up with Barbara Coppens (center) who is an advocate board member of The Arc of the United States as well as the summer 2012 Apostrophe feature cover story.

I figure out how to solve problems, and if I don’t, then I have new problems, or very old problems.

But none of them is “autism.” Discrimination, harassment, being fired, being denied supports, being told what I and people like me think, lights that flicker and sounds that scream — but nothing about autism. Nothing more about what I am than my eye color, but one of these is good and pure and one of these is… something to be eliminated.

And this is what happens when you treat people as problems instead of as people.

When I got my job for Texas Advocates, it was many things, but it was also a way out of poverty.

But this is only possible because I had — and have support, from the staff at The Arc of Texas.

Because my perspectives have been treated like an asset — because I have been treated like an asset, and not an accommodation to be made and swallowed. So don’t think of me that way either.

I’m not an abomination, something to be cured for the convenience of others. Because what a cure is is getting rid of someone. Making them go away, making them disappear, making them not exist, rather than learning how to exist with them in a community. It is the laziest of genocides dressed as love.

And to my brothers and sisters, who have been listening patiently while I talked to everyone else about us — it was for you all along. There never was anything wrong with you.

Field of Honor

AWARE sponsored 16 American flags placed in the The Exchange Field of Honor in Butte July 3-6, 2014. The Exchange Club of Butte and its volunteers created The Field of Honor with 1,000 3’ x 5’ American flags aligned 50 x 20 perfect rows.

A picturesque view, the flags stand proud with a back drop of the Belmont Mine head frame, just off Continental Drive.

The display pays tribute to the strength and unity of Americans, Veterans, soldiers currently serving, first responders, law enforcement, personal heroes and victims of child abuse in Montana. Photo by Blake Hempstead.

AWARE hires new marketing director Jamie Boyer is AWARE’s new

marketing director. She started at AWARE in September.

She has a business/ marketing degree and received her MBA in 1995 from the University of Jamie Boyer Montana. Jamie will Marketing Director be working out of the Anaconda office and traveling to meet with service administrators, program directors and others to gain an understanding of AWARE and the multitude of services provided throughout the state.

AWARE will be prioritizing and developing the overall marketing plan for the agency after Jamie has had an opportunity to meet with the entirety of

the staff. In addition, Jamie will be consolidating and gathering all of the AWARE marketing materials being used across the state to develop a consistent theme for all marketing resources.

“One of my goals is to share all that is ‘AWARE’ with each community,” Jamie said. “There are many innovative and unique programs offered by AWARE that provide us an opportunity to share and engage the communities in which we provide services.”

“After just a short time at AWARE, I am truly impressed with how many people AWARE has touched, and how many lives we have helped, improved and provided opportunities to,” Jamie said. “It is almost overwhelming! I look forward to meeting everyone. I am learning more about who we are, who we serve and how we can improve our marketing strategies across the state.”

Contact Jamie at 406.563.8117 extension 1018 or at jboyer@aware-inc.org.

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AWARE Recycling in Butte installs new baler AWARE Recycling in Butte recently upgraded its services with the installation of

its new Harris Piranha Horizontal Baler. Installed Oct. 7, 2014, the new baler bundles all materials accepted by the recycling center, including aluminum, cardboard, plastic and paper.

According to Terry Harrington, Butte facility manager, and Mike Kopp, AWARE Recycling business manager, the new baler was installed to meet the high demand for recycling in Butte and surrounding areas.

During the summer of 2013, A&S Metals in Butte closed its doors, leaving the services it once provided to AWARE Recycling.

At that time, the recycling center noticed a dramatic increase in business as Butte residents started bringing in their recycling. Butte-Silver Bow county also asked AWARE to take over the recycling pickup sites that were formerly serviced by A&S. The Butte facility was already shipping product to Anaconda to be baled since Butte did not have a baler. With the closure of A&S, the increase in product was coming to the Butte facility and being shipped to Anaconda for baling, placing an added burden on Anaconda.

“It became apparent that our process had to change,” Kopp said.

Now, the new baler allows the Butte facility to process and ship all materials right from its shop.

“Not having to ship product to Anaconda will 12

Pictured above is AWARE Recycling’s new baler that was installed October 7. Prep work to install the baler necessary to install the baler began in September, which includes the following: • A 9’ x 12’ x 4’ hole was dug and concrete was poured to ensure the conveyor is level to the floor.

• Conduit and outlets were installed to provide power to the baler.

• Heavy-duty forklifts were brought in to move the baler into position.

reduce our transport costs significantly,” Harrington said.

AWARE Recycling plans to operate the baler five days a week, which will help to generate revenue for the facility.

“Being successful at recycling depends directly on the amount of product that can be processed,” Kopp said. “The baler will dramatically increase the amount of product that we can accept.”

AWARE to host 2015 psychiatry conference Borrow a Book AWARE’s library is located on the second floor of the administration building in Anaconda.

The libarary holds more than 100 books. You’re welcome to borrow them at anytime. Titles you might like include the following:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders – Richard L. Simpson • Books of Adam – The Blunder Years – Adam Ellis • Cultural Reciprocity in Special Education – Maya Kalyanpur and Beth Harry • Disabling Professions – Ivan Illich et al.

• Essential Manager’s Manual – Robert Heller & Tim Hindle • Fear of Falling – Barbara Ehrenreich • Gesundheit! – Patch Adams • How About a Hug – Nan Holcomb • IQ of 63 So What – Ben D. Anderson • Job Success for Persons with Developmental Disabilities – David B. Wiegan • Kaizen: The Key to Japan’s Competitive Success – Masaaki Imai • Launching into Adulthood – Donald Lollar • Me, Hailey! – Sheri Plucker • Nursing Care for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities – Cecily L. Betz & Wendy M. Nehring • Opening Doors, Opening Lives – Jennifer Greening • Prozac Backlash – Josheph Glenmullen, M.D. • Ryan’s Victory – Judith Mammay • Self-Determination and Transition Planning – Karrie A Shogren

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AWARE Inc.’s annual Psychiatry Conference is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 30, 2015 at Big Sky Resort.

Each year, AWARE Inc. brings practitioners in the psychiatric community together during its Big Sky Psychiatry Conference. The Conference offers connection, education and recreation for the psychiatric community of Montana. It also addresses several important needs including a forum for Montana psychiatrists to exchange ideas, an opportunity for educational support for the psychiatric workforce in Montana and a venue for addressing educational gaps in psychiatry.

“Our goal is to bring together practitioners and experts in the field to share best practices, network and ultimately, improve the level of care offered throughout Montana,” said Dr. Lantz, AWARE’s Medical Director.

The one-day conference will feature three presenters covering six topics with an introduction and welcome by Dr. Lantz. New this year will be a closing reception which provides an opportunity for attendees to network, share information and build relationships with peers.

“AWARE continually works to improve access to services, and connect patients with providers. This conference is not only important for its networking and educational opportunities, but it also serves as a means to introduce AWARE to the psychiatric community while positioning AWARE as a leading provider of psychiatry services in Montana,” concluded Lantz.

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The Early Childhood Center expands services

two home-based programs: Parents as Teachers (PAT) and Safe Care.

PAT is a relationship-based, parent-focused program in which a parent educator visits the parent/ child home each week. There is an emphasis on parent-child interaction, development-centered parenting and family well-being. Parent educators promote positive parenting; share knowledge of developmental milestones and child development and help to ensure children grow up healthy, safe and ready to learn. Each home visit is individualized to the parent/child needs.

AWARE’s Early Childhood Center in Butte has grown – both in size and in program offerings. The center

now provides comprehensive care for children, ages birth to five. To accommodate the expansion in services, a large addition was added to the existing Early Head Start building.

Among the additions is a classroom designed specifically for three to five year olds, which will allow children the opportunity to transition out of the Early Head Start program while remaining in the familiar center setting.

“This allows us to meet the needs of families with children aging out of the Early Head Start program before they may be eligible for the Head Start program,” says Melinda Wade-Corso, AWARE’s early childhood services director. “It also gives us the opportunity to serve the many families in Butte that are looking for a quality, pre-k educational opportunity for their children.”

There will be a fee for children attending the preschool, but scholarships will be available for those meeting income requirements.

Additional programs added to the center include 14

Safe Care is a voluntary, 19-week program composed of four models, which include infant and child health, home safety, and parent/infant, parent/ child interaction. A Safe Care educator makes weekly visits to the family home and demonstrates activities, which model positive behavior and social and emotional development while addressing health and safety issues for the child and for the family as a whole.

James Krudde celebrates 80th James Krudde celebrated his 80th

birthday August 29, 2014. Fellow friends and residents joined him for a birthday lunch at Gamer’s Cafe in Butte. According to Knute Oaas, service administrator, Krudde is the oldest individual with AWARE and is a cancer suvivor.

Think pink!

AWARE staff in Great Falls celebrated “Pink Out” day Oct. 24. It’s part of the national breast cancer awareness month. The Great Falls office participated by wearing pink all day. “We wore pink to show our community that we care, and we are proud to support our female and male survivors of breast cancer,” Marie Moore said. Row one from right, Sherry Chattick, Jessica Fenger, Marie Moore; row two, Jessica Chapman, Mindy Hayes, Kim Kuntz, Sheri Deitz, Jenna Munkres, Dawn Goulet, Teslynn Anderson; row three, Craig Jensen, Brian Wallace, Kellen Kirby, Misti Guilbe, and Carmen Bessette; staff not pictured, Melissa Block and Megan Bailly.

Keep your skin healthy for the winter Cold and dry winters can be tough on your skin, especially in higher elevations or dry climates like Montana. Your itchy and flaky winter skin may be screaming for some moisture — but it doesn’t have to. Follow these tips to keep your winter skin healthy and hydrated:

Use lotion immediately after bathing while the pores of your skin are still open. Look at the ingredients in the lotion and make sure it doesn’t have alcohol in it.

Take one shower or bath per day. When you do, turn the hot water down a little bit. A warm shower won’t dry your skin as quickly as a really hot one.

Use a mild soap that doesn’t have a lot of harsh chemicals. Natural soaps can be found in any grocery store. They don’t use the harsh chemicals, and they have higher levels of fat and glycerin, which are great for your skin.

Use a humidifier in your home. You can buy one for about $20 in most discount or drug stores.

A humidifier is a good way to keep your skin hydrated. It also helps with static electricity in your home.

Eat more foods containing omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids are good fats that are found in fish, nuts, berries and certain oils. When you eat foods that have them, you provide your skin with the oil and fat in needs to stay moist and hydrated.

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AWARE Inc.

205 East Park Avenue Anaconda, Montana 59711

NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID ANACONDA, MT PERMIT NO. 14

1-800-432-6145 www.aware-inc.org

Fred Boyer sculpture unveiled at reception AWARE held an artist’s reception Oct. 30, 2014, at the Center for Excellence.

Fred Boyer’s Bronze sculpture, “Dad’s Surprise” was unveiled to the public during the event. Hors d’oeuvres and beverages were served to more than 75 people who attended.

Left, CEO Larry Noonan discusses AWARE’s plans to errect a life size and a 1/4 version of ‘Dad’s Surprise’ just outside the Center for Excellence. Standing next to the two 1/4-sized versions, Fred Boyer looks on.

Inset, Richard Saravalli unveils an 8-foot poster, which depicts the actual size of the sculpture to be placed outside the Center for Excellence.

For more information, please call or email Saravalli at 406.449.3120 x 27 or rsaravalli@aware-inc.org.