Inclusion Fusion: CAC March ’24 Newsletter

Far Northern Coordinating Council: Getting to Know Your Board

by Cali M.

Welcome to the first issue of Inclusion Infusion brought to you by the Far Northern
Regional Center’s Consumer Advisory Committee.

What’s a Consumer Advisory Committee? What’s a Coordinating Council? What’s a consumer for that matter?

Oh, I almost forgot to introduce myself, I’m Cali, the Chairperson of the FNRC Coordinating Council, our Board of Directors. Happy to be of service. The Coordinating Council is a group of about eighteen people who guide and oversee the direction of our Regional Center.

Our consumers are the people who use the services we coordinate and provide. People with developmental disabilities. Some young, some older and a lot of people in between. It could be you or someone you know and love. There are over 10,000 of us (and growing) living in nine of the most Northern and most beautiful counties in California (seriously, have you seen the sunsets here?!) Our Board isn’t just people who care and want to make a difference. We are actually consumers and family members of consumers served by FNRC.

A group of our Board members, all consumers, form the Consumer Advisory Committee. They provide a perspective that can only come from all of the challenges life has shown them.

Inclusion Infusion, is our way to let you know what is going on in our community. It’s offered to you by the Community Advisory Committee from their viewpoint. It’s about what consumers think is important. What the committee finds helpful and interesting. Things they want to share with you – our friends and families.

Without further ado, I’m excited to present our first issue of Inclusion Infusion! Please have a look and pass it along to your friends. We’d love your feedback. Maybe you would like to attend one of our meetings when the Consumer Advisory Committee meets in a location near you.

Until next time, may you be the light in someone else’s sunrise

Our Shining Light: Recognizing Individuals Who Go The Extra Mile

by Lori C.

In recognizing an individual that goes the extra mile, Loy Remley immediately comes to mind. Many of you know her from Special Olympics and Out and About. Loy and three other moms started Out and About, originally named “Stepping Out,” nearly 20 years ago. These mothers recognized the need for their children to socialize, to be in the community and to form friendships. This pioneering group decided that keeping their children home was unhealthy and unnecessary. Loy took charge of what she could in her own community.

Loy kept an eye on many Far Northern consumers through Special Olympics, group homes and job sites. Her primary concern was that the consumers were happy, well cared for and safe. She was never afraid to speak up on their behalf.

Through the years, Loy stayed true to the mission. She put the clients first. She could see things out of the consumer’s eyes; always the first to foresee pitfalls and problems, and offer solutions. She never seemed to tire and pushed us all to be and do better. To say she went the extra mile would be an understatement.

With much sadness, Loy passed from this earth November 22, 2023. She leaves a hole in our hearts. Her tiny feet left huge shoes to fill.

People First of California

by WIlliam m.

People First of California is the only advocacy group run by and for people with developmental disabilities. People join the group to make friends, speak up for their rights and support their communities. Members are important to chapters, as they make the decisions for their chapter. Chapter officers listen and follow closely to what members say. Adding new members is important to chapter growth, and each chapter has ways of recruiting new members. Let’s look at some ways the Chico and Shasta chapters find new members!

There are five chapters in our area, including the Chico, Corning, Red Bluff, Sierras, and Shasta chapters. These five chapters together form Region 2 of People First. To grow and stay strong these chapters must have members. It’s the members who elect officers and make the decisions on what each chapter wants to do for its community. Finding members to become part of People First can be challenging, and each chapter decides how it wants to get people to join the chapter.

Growing chapters requires members inviting friends, coworkers, and even family. Each chapter finds new members through different means. Officers and members can also go on social media sites like Facebook to see if potential members would like to come to chapter meetings. Chapter members can also vote to put on events to find new members. One chapter recently held a bowling tournament and had members invite people to come see what People First was all about. Another chapter held a membership drive in January to add new members. The person who brought in the most new members won a $15 gift card. Also, in the past, chapters have had events like barbeques, pizza parties, and more to try and grow their membership

Fast and Cold Water Safety

by Travis M.

Be aware! Late winter and early spring creates many dangers near waterways. As the weather slowly begins to warm, ice and snow will start to melt. This makes for very cold and fast moving water in Northern California. This freezing water can easily catch you off guard and create drowning hazards. Avoid trying to swim or walk through creeks, rivers or lakes this time of year. Some rivers may appear to move slowly but are actually quite swift. Rocks and logs near these waterways can be very slippery this time of year so do not play or climb on them. Even when it is warm outside this water can remain very cold until later summer months.

Please take this warning seriously. Last year, 22 people in California lost their lives due to unsafe activities near fast moving water. It is never worth the risk to try and cross these bodies of water. Even shallow water can knock you off your feet and carry you down stream quickly. If you see someone stuck in fast moving water call 911. It may take special equipment and highly trained people to rescue them.

Icy water can present its own form hazard. Even an experienced swimmer exposed to freezing water temperatures can reach hypothermia. Water below the temperature of 40 degrees can cause hypothermia in some people within minutes. This increases the risk of drowning.

Natural waterways such as Burney Falls (pictured above) may be beautiful to observe and visit, but they can pose risks. Enjoy these magnificent sights from a safe distance and respect their power and awe! Be safe and have fun.

Emergency Preparedness Tip

by Travis M.

Protect your home and property from Flood Damage. Clear out rain gutters, drainage ditches, and notify city workers of clogged sewer systems. Debris such as leaves, twigs, plastic, and rocks can block water flow areas. When drainage areas become blocked water will have nowhere to go but up! Ensure you have a good functional drainage system around your home. Taking time now to clean out these areas can save you thousands of dollars of property damage during future rain storms. Stock up on sand bags when the weather is dry, you never know when you might need them in the future. The best way to protect your home is to stay pro-active!

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