SNAPS 2009 President's Message
Presented at the AGM, May 2009, High River
It’s hard to believe it is already time to prepare another president’s
Annual Report. It seems like I only just finished writing the last one.
This year has flown by with the many activities that SNAPS has
undertaken. As president this past year I have continued to be amazed by
the impact that SNAPS has had on the many families in the areas that are
served by SNAPS. The growth of SNAPS is very apparent with the expansion
of our agency into such areas as Claresholm and Stavely along with the
communities of Nanton, Okotoks, High River, Turner Valley, Millarville,
Black Diamond and The MD of Foothills. The various events that SNAPS has held through the year have truly highlighted awareness in the communities we support. The Christmas Concert moved from Okotoks to High River for the first time and held it in the Full Gospel Tabernacle, a wonderful venue for our Concert. The weather this year wasn’t the most cooperative with a blizzard blowing in at the last minute but the die hard supporters braved the elements and joined us for a wonderful evening of music and entertainment. Donna Kay and Friends once again generously offered their talents to produce a first class production.
The Third Annual “Show the Love” Heart Art Gala was again held in Nanton was and was very successful, with a huge thank you given to Connie Kjinserdahl, Sandy Rhodes, Susan Kirsch and the hard work by the staff of SNAPS. It was great to have return artists as well as new artists and this year, it was also very encouraging to see the local schools; Cayley, JT Foster, Senator Riley, Joe Clarke, and the High River Nursery schools offer their support by donating art work from various students. So much so that there were over 60 pieces of donated art from family and friends of SNAPS.
The Art Gala was capped off by a presentation from the Nanton Fire Department as they donated $600.00 from their Fireman’s Ball which was held previously. The firemen not only donated the money to SNAPS but they stayed and participated enthusiastically in the auction. The auction was run by Bernie Lalonde and his wife, who donated their time and talents for the evening. The success and community support for the Gala has ensured that this will continue to be an annual event for Foothills SNAPS.
The Little Britches Parade was held on the May long weekend and FSNAPS was once again sponsored by Hi-Way Service to enter a float in the parade. The visibility provided by participation is parade makes is very important as SNAPS continues to make awareness of the association a key priority. Hi-Way Service has again offered to support SNAPS in the upcoming parade to be held this Victoria Long Weekend.
Foothills SNAPS continues to host the Coffee Chatter Program in High River, Nanton and now in Claresholm and Turner Valley and family members from other communities are welcome to attend these networking opportunities. The Speaker Series - Food for Thought were provided based on requests of a certain topics to provide information to our families and other community partners we work with in the area.
FSNAPS continues to play an active role on many committees that are linked directly to the Special Needs Area. The committees include: Westview SHIP (Student Health Program), Foothills SEAC (Foothills Special Education Advisory Committee), Calgary and Area Family Voices (meetings held in Calgary), 4C (Caring Citizens Committed to Healthy Communities) and AACL (Alberta Association of Community Living). We are able to provide input and suggestions at the table of these committees and be a part of the decision making process.
An annual event of Foothills SNAPS each year is the Connecting the Dots Conference. The conference is to be held at the end of May, at Highwood High School in High River. The theme this year is “Survival to Triumph” There will be many interesting topics for families to participate in. The space has once again been generously donated by the Highwood High School. Included in the days events is an Education Fair for our families to gather information from organizations throughout the Foothills area.
I would like to take a moment to thank the hard work and dedication of our board this past year; Sandy Rhodes, Connie Kjinserdahl, Deanna Leis, Susan Kirsch, Carol Hamm, and Doug Suitor. This group of hard working individuals have committed their time and efforts to make SNAPS the best it can be. I would also like to extend a thank you to our dedicated Executive Director, Orvella Small, for all her hard work and commitment to the organization. I would also like to welcome Alise to the SNAPS staff as she recently joined the organization in the role of Administrative/Respite Coordinator. We look forward to a long and prosperous working relationship
SNAPS is really about families and I would be remiss to not mention the support and strength that I receive from my family as well. My husband Kevin, daughters Jessica and Stephanie offer me their support and love as I undertake the role of President of SNAPS. They are always on the front line volunteering their time at the various events that are held through the year. With their support I have been able to fulfil my duties as President knowing they stand beside me.
“People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.” Elizabeth Kubler Ross.
Respectfully submitted by
Lorraine Forsen
Foothills SNAPS President