Broken Free
One day at a time is how it feels,
The way we need to go
As through each day, we follow our hearts
Full of love to show ...
To show to the many people we serve,
And, all whom we chance to meet
A peace, full of hope looking forward,
A spirit to conquer defeat!
Defeat, of our human condition
The connection we strive to achieve
Through kindness and love for each other
We smile, we trust, we believe!
We believe in a brighter tomorrow
From our trials we will rise ...
Stronger and more united,
Broken free, from our masked disguise!
Zoe Webber (pictured)
Feb. 12,2021
Challenges
The coronavirus pandemic has created many challenges for our organization as we implement protocols, adapt or suspend programs. Our biggest challenge to-date was the outbreak at one of our residential care facilities on Christmas Eve. Five residents and seventeen staff tested positive, creating staff shortages. We would like to thank the staff who stepped up and maintained care to the residents with COVID. Your dedication to our association and individuals in our care is truly heartwarming. The outbreak is now over with no deaths and everyone doing relatively okay.
Residential Care Homes
The association has been busy as we moved the residents of Aspen House to a BC Housing residence we have named Cedar House. We have sold Willow House and are moving the residents to a home we purchased in Armstrong; we will keep the name Willow House. This home was previously a care home, so it has a good layout. We would like to thank all staff involved in the moves and especially Tim L, our Maintenance Manager, who worked tirelessly to get the homes ready and licensed. Thanks also to our realtor Krista Blankley and RE/MAX.
Birthdays
You may already know that birthdays are a big deal at Venture Training. We are doing our best to make birthdays special during these times. Sometimes we have a "parade" of staff and participants drive by honking and waving. Eileen S., who is pictured on the right, turned 71! More than 60 participants had birthdays in the past three months; Happy Birthday to all!
Fun Facts:
Average Age 45
Median Age 43
Oldest 87
Youngest 19
55 Plus 93
Employee of the Month
At our Senior Staff meetings each month we take nominations for "Employee of the Month". The winner is then drawn randomly as it is impossible to choose one over the other. Winners receive a $50 gift card to the store of their choice. Here are recent nominees and recipients:
Recipient: Liberto J. (pictured)
Nominees: Karen Y. / Tina C. / Donna N. / Angel S.
Recipient: Troy D. (pictured on forklift)
Nominees: Blinda G. / Gelacio C. / Debbie S. / Tom B.
Program Spotlight
he Venture Woodworking program is operated out of the woodshop on the Venture Centre campus. The program in one form or another has run in various locations since the 60's and found its current home when it was constructed in the late 70's. In the picture to the right, program participants use the ripsaw to cut dunnage and lath. The woodshop also produces survey stakes and specialty items, such as garden boxes.
Fun Facts:
Woodworking Program (2020)
Budget $533,800
Sales $296,000
Staff 5
Participants 26
Vaccine Survey
Interior Health has requested that we provide an estimate of how many of our employees wish to be vaccinated for the coronavirus. The responses yielded the graph to the right. While vaccination is not mandatory, we encourage everyone to get the vaccine. As of this writing, we do not know when the vaccine will be available to us.
Old Fashioned Bread Pudding Recipe
Skip V. pictured on the right, loves to cook! Here is the recipe for a farm favorite:
Ingredients:
2 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 cups soft bread cubes (about 6 slices bread)
1/2 cup raisins, if desired
Whipping (heavy) cream, if desired
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat oven to 350°F. In 2-quart saucepan, heat milk and butter over medium heat until butter is melted and milk is hot.
- In large bowl, mix eggs, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Stir in bread cubes and raisins. Stir in milk mixture. Pour into ungreased deep round pan.
- Bake uncovered 40 to 45 minutes or until knife inserted 1 inch from edge comes out clean. Serve warm with whipping cream.
*Recipe courtesy of bettycrocker.com
