Marie Mills Fall 2010 News...  

Justin has a lot to say... 

Communication is something that most take for granted. It is a different story for people who suffer from language disorders such as Justin Sparks, a resident of our Nestucca House Group Home. Justin has a lot that he wants to say, he just cannot get it out. That was until an opportunity came for him to use a Lingraphica device through his speech pathologist, Carol Nugent. Justin is a very sharp individual who can comprehend what is said to him but it is hard for him to respond as he does not have the capability for language. The Lingraphica is a computer device that combines images, text, animation and the spoken language to provide an individual with the ability to say what he/she wants to say. The system consists of a laptop computer and a touch screen “iPod”. The laptop component is used at home, and the “iPod” that synchronizes with the laptop is his portable device that he uses away from home.

Justin learning to use his Lingraphica with Carol Nugent

The system is programmed with various communication symbols, pictures and other items relevant to Justin’s life. The software matches language to those symbols and builds sentences around those to be communicated through the audio component of the device. Anyone who can see the screen and recognize images is a candidate for this system. The Lingraphica has been individualized for Justin, and the things important in his life such as family, friends, pets, or even special foods that he likes. For example, the symbol or icon for a pastry can be programmed to say “I would like a bear claw please”. Carol Nugent has been training Justin and staff on this system. While it is still in its infancy stage there have been successes. Recently Justin was able to tell staff, through the use of his device that he had a headache. According to Carol Nugent, Justin is a trail blazer with this device; it typically has not been used by people with developmental disabilities but has been primarily developed for, and used by stroke victims. Everyone is very excited for Justin and his “new found voice”. If you see Justin in the community, he just may have something to say to you!

Do You Need Help?

Marie Mills Center has a willing and able work force. Give us a chance! We provide janitorial services, subcontract labor and packaging, individual job placements; the list goes on and on. If you have a need, give us a call and we can discuss how Marie Mills Center could help you meet that need. For further information contact Cindy Green at 503-842-2539 x 14 or for Janitorial Services, Jodi Bradley at 503-842-2539 x 15.

Our 40th Year In Review

In spite of the economy, good things happened for us last year. In the area of client services, it was very active. After all, it should be active in this area - those we serve are our mission! In the past year we served 81 individuals with developmental disabilities which was an increase of 5 over the prior year. We also began transporting individuals from South Tillamook County to receive services at our Front Street Facility.

We also discovered creative ways to serve an aging population encountering increasing medical issues and needs. We had two individuals in our Independent Living Program encountering aging and medical issues requiring greater degrees of support. Fortunately we were able to partner with the assisted living program at the Kilchis House to provide residential supports to these individuals while we continue to support these individuals in the others areas of need in their lives.

Last year our Madrona House respite capacity was well used (nearly 100 days) for emergency housing for individuals with disabilities. We also worked hard to keep facilities up and running through planned remodeling which occurred in portions of our Nestucca House Group Home.

In the past year Emergency Preparedness was focused upon. In Tillamook, the “natural disaster capital” of Oregon, it is critical for us to take emergency preparedness seriously. In doing so we successfully completed our Madrona House “whole house” generator project which will provide a facility that will be powered in all types of emergency situations, and will be an agency “safe house” serving individuals in other program areas, as well as disabled individuals from the community.

For our current year we have a number of goals including upgrading our computer server system; increasing and developing more community based job placements for individuals in our programs; finishing final Nestucca House remodeling; and improving our transportation capability by acquiring a new van through grant funds. In addition, we will explore new ventures for Marie Mills Center including operation of a side business or enterprise that provides opportunities for our program to meets its mission while raising sufficient revenues to support that mission. The rational in this is that we are always at risk for state budget cuts. Identifying and developing such a venture could assist us in the long run by reducing our exposure to the uncertainties of state funding. 

We certainly have challenging and uncertain times ahead, but we can draw upon our past 40 years of positive experiences and lessons learned to give us strength to deal with whatever lies ahead. Marie Mills Center thanks the Board of Directors, Staff, Parents and Supporters of our efforts in our community, without all of you we could not be who we are today.

Thank You!

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Spaghetti Sauce Cook Off

In May, Marie Mills Center held its first annual Spaghetti Feed Fund Raiser. The purpose of this event was to generate funds for Christmas Gifts for those in our program. This event consisted of a spaghetti sauce cook off sponsored by Fred Meyer and the Garibaldi Food Basket between Chefs: Mario Venti, Tommy Boye and Gordon McCraw. The winner of the sauce cook off was Mario Venti (and Family).

Chefs Mario, Gordon, and Tommy Boye (l to r)

Dinner consisted of the tasting of three sauces, and salad and bread that was beautifully displayed in bread bowls made and donated by the La Commercial Bakery. The evening was rounded off with live music provided by The Oyster Shooters and door prizes all of which were generously donated to make this a very special evening raising $1360 towards our goal of $2650. Many thanks go every one that helped and/or donated to make this event a success. We also thank the following who donated to the Christmas Fund: the Catholic Daughters, the Nehalem Bay Methodist Women, St. Mary’s Church, the Bridge Club, and the THS Charity Drive.

Retirement From Tillamook Country Smoker

Deb Delaney is one of the many success stories of Marie Mills Center. We are all very proud of Deb and everything she has accomplished in her life. Debbie recently retired from working at the Tillamook Country Smoker. Deb started working there 22 years ago overcoming many barriers, she is an inspiration to many at Marie Mills Center, and ‘the Smoker”. In recognition for her hard work and longevity a Retirement Party was held in her honor at the Smoker attended by her crew members, Marie Mills Center staff, and members of the Smoker Staff and Crew. Deb took a major step forward years ago when she first started at the Smoker, as up until that point in time, she had never worked. Since that time Debbie has accomplished many things including moving into her own apartment.  NICE JOB DEB!

Marie Mills Foundation

The Foundation continues to be active generating resources to brighten and ensure the future of Marie Mills Center and those served with disabilities. If you would like more information about the Marie Mills Foundation or services provided by Marie Mills Center please contact Ron Rush at 503-842-2539 x 12.

The Foundation would like to extend a thank you to the following individuals who contributed since our last newsletter: Cindy Green (honoring Mollie Nuppenau), Harry Backeberg, Patsy Rinehart, Pacific Campground, Jack and Sheila Weichal, Roy and Claire Peterson, Evelyn Milner, Pastega Family Foundation, Laurie and Bob Lamb, William and Geraldine Berg, Helen Benscheidt, Gary and Joanne Beyer, Charles Benscheidt, Rudy and Ruth Fenk, Ron and Muriel Beeler, Chuck and Susan Hurliman, Nancy and Richard Jones, Rips Mixer Shop, Laurie and Brent Jacobsen, Ed and Wilma Myers, Walt Newberg, Robbie Sue Main, David and Mary DeCook, Farm Bureau Association Foundation.

Again, Thank You All!

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Linda Kay Marshall - Given Honorary Knighthood By Royal Rosarians

In February of this year Linda Kay was notified that she had been selected to receive Honorary Knighthood from the Royal Rosarians of the City of Portland. This honor was given to show gratitude for Linda Kay’s dedication to the June Dairy Festival’s Committee. Honorary Knighthood has been bestowed upon dignitaries from around the world since 1920.

Among this year’s recipients were Brian Grant, President of the Brian Grant Foundation and Grand Marshall of the 2010 Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade; Terry Porter, Ambassador of Portland Trail Blazers, as well as military fleet members, and many other deserving individuals.

Congratulations to you all!

Tillamook County United Way

Marie Mills Center encourages support of the Annual Tillamook County United Way Drive in October.  The Tillamook County United Way’s Vision for a Better Community includes:

• Caring for Kids • Strengthening Families • Assisting People in Crisis

• Promoting Self-Sufficiency • Promoting Health and Wellness

On average, the United Way touches 16,000 lives in Tillamook County. Giving through the United Way allows your donation to become a helping hand to someone right here in our community!

Visit the Tillamook County United Way at www.tillamookcountyunitedway.org.

Employees of the Month

Scott Otto March 2010	Matt Adcock April 2010	Frank Fisher May 2010
Vicky Johnson June 2010	Steve Everett July 2010

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Upcoming Events

Past Newsletters

We invite you to tour Marie Mills Center. You will observe individuals at work and see our programs in action. Call Ron Rush at 503-842-2539 ext. 12 or visit us on the web at www.mariemillscenter.com

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