Hello everyone! I just wanted to update you all on our program this year! Can you believe that it’s already mid-July? I truly cannot believe how fast 2009 is going! We have had a few new consumers this year that have joined us and also new staff. We have been growing steadily and are now using our 2nd building daily. The consumers have the opportunity to go back and forth between the 2 buildings each day for different activities and classes that we offer each day.
In June, we started our Pasco County Public Transportation (PCPT) Bus trainings with some of our higher functioning consumers. This has been a fun learning experience for everyone, including staff! We have also had a few luncheons each month, where our consumers had the opportunity to learn how to move through a “buffet line” at AFIRE in order to retrieve their lunch. Staff was there to assist them when needed. We have also gone to many different restaurants in the area, where our consumers have to read the menu, order their own lunch, pay their bill and leave their own tip. Staff is always there to help when needed. Our consumers had a fantastic time going to see a baseball game against the Dunedin Blue Jays and the Fort Myers Miracle. We had a great time “cheering” on the teams and had an especially good time singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” during the 7th Inning Stretch.
At the end of July, we will be starting to learn the words to our “Christmas Play” songs! In August, we will be “trying-out” for parts and going to the New Port Richey Recreation Center for our practices twice per week! Even though most of our costumes were made the past two years, some new ones will still need to be made. We will also be making some new scenery and props. Once we have our date chosen for our Christmas Play, we will be letting you know, so that you can make arrangements to be there! The consumers have done a great job these past two years, and I know they will do a fantastic job again this year!
I would like to give a great big THANK YOU to our Teachers for all of their hard work and dedication with our consumers each and every day. You all are very compassionate people and truly care about our consumers’ well-being. Without all of you, we could not have the great program that we pride ourselves in having here at AFIRE.
Thank you,
Denise Haystrand
Teaching Director
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