Vivaldi, Best Buddies, and Salmon—August 10, 2016 Luncheon
Posted by Andrea Mosmann on Aug 11, 2016
(REDONDO BEACH, California) August 20, 2016—At today’s luncheon, we listened to Vivaldi and learned about the Best Buddies program from Alisa Stein.
Announcements:
Club President Alexis Sheehy reminded us that the Governor is coming to visit the club next week.
Jim Stickler announced that we will be filling 120 backpacks with back-to-school supplies next week immediately after the club meeting.
Scott Young told us that in getting ready for the picnic on the 27th of August, we need people to help with the design for the boat. This needs to be done by next week.
Alexis Sheehy announced that an anonymous check for $5000 was donated to the club foundation.
The Flag Salute was led by Marcello Gonsalves, and the Inspiration included words by the Dalai Lama and was presented by PDG Vicki Radel. Nancy Langdon and Jeff Weigel delivered Meals on Wheels this week. Our greeter was Bob Hockberger. Guests were Athena Marano and our speaker Alisa Stein.
Speaker:
Alisa Stein represents Best Buddies, the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.One of Best Buddies’ important missions is to match jobs to kids graduating from high school with disabilities. She participates in job development, by going to companies and other organizations to discuss job options for the participants. She also employs job coaches, who go where the participants are employed to ensure that they are doing well, that the employer is satisfied, and to see if a raise may be in order!
Kaiser Permanente Hospital is one of Best Buddies strongest partners. There are 20 departments, or rotations, at Kaiser, including the gift shop, food service, and environmental services, which hire Best Buddies participants.
In one example, Alisa described Tyler, who is autistic. He works at the inpatient pharmacy at Kaiser, and in just 10 weeks, he was able to find and dispose of all expired medicines. Alisa says that “Kaiser Permanente Hospital has been extremely gracious
in posting us there and helping our people to get jobs.” Other participating companies include Dasco Engineering, Starbucks, Staples Center, and Hojas Tea House.
in posting us there and helping our people to get jobs.” Other participating companies include Dasco Engineering, Starbucks, Staples Center, and Hojas Tea House.LAUSD refers participants (ages 18-24) to Best Buddies an also sends special education teachers to provide instruction on interviewing, resume writing, hygiene, and other skills to help participants gain employment.
If you are in a business that may be open to hiring individuals with disabilities, keep Best Buddies in mind. Visit Best Buddies at: www.bestbuddies.org
Vivaldi
The Baroque piece that we heard by Vivaldi was the Gloria in D major. The wonderfully sunny nature of the Gloria, with its distinctive melodies and rhythms is characteristic of all of Vivaldi’s music, giving it an immediate and universal appeal.