Issue 60, January 2020
Inside this issue:
Come Meet with Us Pg. 2
From the Desk of the Peer Board of Directors
Pg. 3
Peer Member of the Month Pg. 3
Message from the Program Manager Pg. 4
What’s New? Pg. 4
Winter Semester - Wellness Network Learning Community Courses
Pg. 5
Member Feature Pg. 6
Featured Community Events Pg. 7
Upcoming Events Pg. 8
What We Did…. Pg. 8
Christmas Dinner Celebration Pg. 9
Christmas Party and Gift Exchange Pg. 10
Favourite Christmas Activity Pg. 10
Acknowledgements Pg. 11
Acknowledgements Pg. 12
Feature of the Month Pg. 13
Recipe of the Month Pg. 14
Social Recreation Pg. 15
The Little Happiness Corner Pg. 16
Events Calendar Pg. 17
Menu Calendar Pg. 18
Prosper Place Pioneer
Created and published by members and staff of Prosper Place. Prosper Place is a peer-run organization for people living with the effects of mental illness.
10455 – 172 St. NW, Edmonton, AB, T5S 1K9 Phone: 780.426.7861 Fax: 780.426.7874
[email protected] | www.prosperplace.org
Prosper Place Pioneer Issue 60, January 2020
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Meetings are a very important part of Prosper Place.
Meetings are open to members and staff.
Come join us for the opportunity to contribute to the team!
Come Meet With Us
DAILY MEETINGS
Unit Meeting
Daily at 9:30 am and 1:30 pm
Each unit holds a meeting for members and
staff to sign up and decide which tasks or
projects need to be worked on.
Announcements
Daily at 10:30 am
One free coffee, tea, or juice is available.
Announcements let everyone know what is
happening at Prosper Place. If you miss
announcements, you can catch up by reading
them on the ‘Communications Corner’ Board.
Come enjoy a coffee break with your
colleagues!
TEAM MEETINGS
• Fundraising Team
• Employment Team / Workshop Team
• Social Rec. / Special Events Team
• Newsletter Team
• Menu Planning Team
See events calendar for dates and times
of all our Team meetings.
NEW MEMBERS
Jamie Lee K Jeff E
Albert Z David B
SOCIAL RECREATION
Wednesdays 1:30 pm
Come join your friends and enjoy games,
cards, movies, crafts and so much more!
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in the Prosper Place Pioneer are those of the authors, not necessarily those of
Prosper Place. Please feel free to contact Prosper Place at 780.426.7861 with any questions or concerns.
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
Elizabeth M George T Sherry T Joy P Felicia L Conrad T Mary S Rosemary A Ace A Ciara M Darcy M
Lynette W Madeline C Louis Z Angele (Roy) S Terry E Mudar A Bernie G Darnell L Hadi E George J
Reminder : We will close on December 31,
2019 at 2:00 pm and January 1, 2020 for New
Years Day.
Prosper Place Pioneer Issue 60, January 2020
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From the Desk of the Peer Board of Directors
We are the Peer Board of Directors. Prosper Place is focusing on being more peer lead. Peer and a Member are virtually indistinguishable. It simply means we are all in this together. We are equals who share in the leadership of our community. The individuals who currently sit on the Peer Board of Directors consist of Samantha, Jerred, Pauline, Michael, Tammy, and Colin. One of our newest endeavors is to renew the previously known Newsletter Door Prize into a more engaging Peer Member of the Month. This will be awarded monthly in recognition of outstanding achievement and personal contribution to Prosper Place. The nomination forms are available in the Canteen. Reasons for nominating a peer include criteria such as attendance, performing tasks well, initiative, following the Code of Conduct, being respectful, positivity, giving compliments, as well as taking part in activities. Once you have filled out the nomination form, simply give it to a staff. They will present the nominations to the Peer Board of Directors, who will then make the decision for who will be celebrated as the next Prosper Place Peer Member of the Month. Submitted by Jerred M. Peer Board Co-Chair
Peer Member of the Month Recognition January 2020 - ASIF S.
Peer members, Staff of Prosper Place and our supporters in the community. It is my great honor to announce to you our Peer Member of the Month for January, 2020. He is no other than everybody’s friend at Prosper Place, Mr. Asif S. He resoundingly met all the criteria for nomination as determined by his fellow peer members and as agreed by consensus of the Peer Board of Directors. Asif, as he is fondly called by the Peer Community at Prosper Place, brightens up the room whenever he walks in at Prosper Place, according to peer member Brian U. Peer member Paige W. was quick to add that Asif always makes her smile. As agreed by the Peer Board of Directors, the monthly Peer Member of the Month winners will receive a free meal at the fabulous Prosper Place Cafe. Asif is the first recipient of this coveted free meal. This recognition was decided by the Peer Board of Directors as an excellent but practical incentive for all the peer members to be their best at all times and abide by our Prosper Place Code of Conduct. Congratulations Asif! You are an inspiration to all the peer members at Prosper Place.
Submitted by Michael M.
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Message from the Program Manager
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all
members and staff of Prosper Place for their accomplishments
over the last year. I am looking forward to a year of
new goals and challenges.
Wishing you all a very Happy New Year and Best Wishes for 2020.
April Scott
Program Manager
What’s New?
Prosper Place Pioneer Issue 60, January 2020
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Winter Semester Wellness Network Learning Community Courses
WRAP
Co-facilitators: Naomi and Yelena
Tuesday: January 7, 2020 – March 3, 2020
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Cooking Basics
Co-facilitators: April & Sam
Monday: February 3 – March 9, 2020
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Everyday Confidence
Co-facilitators: Colin & Pauline
Tuesday: February 18 – March 24, 2020
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Goal Setting
Co-facilitators: Jessica & Michael
Wednesday: February 19 – March 25, 2020
10:00 am – 12 noon
Leadership Series
Co-facilitators: Colin & Jerred
Thursday: February 6 – March 26, 2020
11:00 am – 12 noon (lunch break 12 noon – 12:30 pm); 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
Creative Sandwiches
Co-facilitators: Andrew & Monique
Friday: March 6 – March 27, 2020
10:00 am – 12:30 pm
We are accepting registration for our Winter Semester courses. Spaces are limited so please register early!
Visit: wellnessnetworkedmonton.com for more information.
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Member Feature My Why……….
I have been living most of my entire life with mental illness. It was simply my normal. I believed
that everyone went to bed with the prayer “let me die before I wake..” I believe that because it
was normal for me that I could cope with it and I’m still here today.
A few weeks ago my doctor told me about Prosper Place. He felt it would be a good fit for me. I
had been so isolated for way too long. I talked to Lori on the phone and began to get really
excited. To go somewhere that I could be myself. A place where my mental illness didn’t make
me different. Somewhere that people would understand and not judge.
Of course as the first day to go got closer my anxiety, doubt and fear, plagued me near
constant, no matter what coping skills I used. I was tempted to call and cancel, but I knew that
my isolation wasn’t healthy and this was what I needed to do.
The night before my visit was a tough one for me. Little sleep, panic attacks and negative
thoughts kept me from getting much rest. I have learned a variety of coping skills and relaxation
techniques and believe me, I used them all.
My best friend came to pick me up and as soon as he saw me he said “Should you maybe think
of taking an Ativan?”
My reply…”I already did, so drive before I chicken out!”
Well l ended up making it through the orientation that day. I was thankful that it didn’t take
long and headed home. A couple of days later was my intake interview. I don’t think I slept
much at all the night before.
To my welcomed surprise, it went really well. Colin was nice and easy to talk to. We got off
topic many times. We had been talking for so long that someone called into his office curious as
to what was taking so long.
On my way home I was feeling really good for a change. I felt like I would enjoy going to Prosper
Place.
I’ve been going once a week for about a month or more now. I’m starting to feel more
comfortable and to my amazement I’m even remembering people’s names. I now look forward
to going and in the new year I plan on going a couple times a week.
It’s nice to have a place where people are accepting and non-judgmental. Somewhere that I feel
welcomed and appreciated for who I am. Where my life experience is valued and I feel safe to
express myself.
Submitted by Lisa L.
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Deep Freeze
Saturday, January 11th &
Sunday, January 12th, 2020
Embrace the cold northern climate
by enjoying artistic panache and
authentic cultural and heritage
winter games and fun.
Boardwalk Ice on Whyte
Thursday, January 23, 2020 to
Sunday February 2, 2020
Experience amazing ice sculptures as Boardwalk Ice On Whyte's hosts an international ice carving competition.
Admission: Family Pack (2 adults & 2 children) $20 Adults $7 Child $4 (2 to 13 years old) Under 2 free
Superhuman
Telus World of Science
Thursday, January 23, 2020
6:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Our bodies and brains are capable of incredible feats and
are the result of millions of years of evolution. Have a look
at new technologies and find out if a spider bite or
radiation can really give you superpowers! Admission: Adults only event $25.95
Featured Community Events
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Christmas Tins Workshop
Christmas Cards
Workshop
Upcoming Events
Come join us for our HAWAIIAN Theme
New Year’s Celebration on January 8, 2020 from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm.
Dress in your best Hawaiian outfit, and celebrate 2020 Hawaiian Style!
“Hau’oli Makahiki Hou!”
Free appetizers will be served!
What We Did…
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Christmas Dinner Celebration
December 19, 2019
A huge “THANK YOU” to Capilano Glass and Screens Ltd for your turkey donations. Christmas dinner at Prosper Place was delicious.
Our annual Christmas dinner was amazing and a lot of fun! We had a huge dinner of turkey and ham with all the trimmings. We also had a choice between pumpkin or apple pie for dessert!
Thank you to everyone that showed up and participated in the event. Merry Christmas!!!
Submitted by Paige W.
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Christmas Party and Gift Exchange December 23, 2019
“THANK YOU” so much to our Secret Santa for your generous donations to Prosper Place!
A day full of laughter, love and good cheer with family and friends as we celebrated with delicious food, games and our gift exchange.
What is your favourite Christmas activity? Submitted by Nikita W.
My favourite Christmas activity is opening Christmas presents on Christmas day with family and going to Christmas parties. I also asked some members about their favourite Christmas activity. Paige: Opening Christmas gifts with family on Christmas Day.
Curtis: Attending Christmas parties.
May: Eating Christmas treats and singing Christmas carols.
Brent: Putting up the Christmas tree.
Adel: Gift wrapping.
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Acknowledgments
Thank you to the St Thomas Anglican Church women!
On November 20, 2019 Prosper Place representatives drove to Sherwood Park and attended the
St. Thomas Anglican Church Women’s 19th annual Christmas dinner. Lori, Sam, and Colin gave a
presentation after we enjoyed a holiday delicious feast. The food was outstanding, and the
Anglican women were warm and welcoming.
Sam, Peer Board of Directors co-chair and part-time staff member, shared her story of lived
experience and gave a stellar presentation. Colin and Lori talked about Prosper Place and some
of the ways we are evolving into an organization of vibrant peer culture and excellence.
We were invited to attend the event by Trish Downing, a long-time friend of Prosper Place and a
member of the women’s group. Donations to Prosper Place were collected that evening.
On December 9, 2019, 3 women from St Thomas: Trish, Vicki, and Brenda, came to Prosper Place
for a tour and they presented a generous donation on behalf of the women’s group.
Thank you St. Thomas Anglican Church Women’s group for your kindness and generosity! You
embody the spirit of giving and sharing. We are so grateful for your gift.
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Acknowledgments
Congratulations!
Thank you to all our students who participated in our Wellness Network Learning Community Courses – Fall Semester. Several courses (Cooking Basics, Creative Sandwiches, Everyday Confidence, Goal Setting, Writing for Recovery and WRAP) were delivered and these are some feedback you shared:
We are so proud of your achievement – congratulations!! It’s not too late to sign up for our
Winter semester – see page 5 for more details!
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Feature of the Month: New Beginnings, New Opportunities
Submitted by Jerred M.
"Forgiveness means giving up the hope for a better past." -Rev. Don Felt
To quote the timeless New Year song and Robert Frost, "should auld acquaintance be forgot"?
This question can even be asked about our 'past self', not just people who are no longer in our
lives. Every year is a new opportunity to grow. A clean slate. We owe it to ourselves to still carry
forward the lessons we have learned, but also learn to forgive ourselves.
"When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don't adjust the goals, adjust
the action steps."
-Confucius
Some people like the idea of resolutions, some don't. But the fact remains that whether we want
to set explicit goals or not, we have the opportunity to begin a fresh year. The phrase 'New Year,
New Me' has become cliché, and comes with a problem. It isn't a new us. We are still the same
people. It is our potential for 2020 that is renewed.
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Chocolate Velvet Dessert
• 1-1/2 cups chocolate wafer crumbs • 2 tablespoons sugar • 1/4 cup butter, melted • 2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips • 6 egg yolks • 1-3/4 cups heavy whipping cream • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:
• 1/2 cup butter, softened • 3 cups confectioners' sugar • 3 tablespoons baking cocoa • 3 to 4 tablespoons 2% milk
• In a small bowl, combine wafer crumbs and sugar; stir in butter. Press onto the bottom and 1-1/2 in. up the sides of a greased 9-in. springform pan. Place on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
• In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Cool. In a small bowl, combine the egg yolks, cream and vanilla. Gradually stir a small amount of mixture into melted chocolate until blended; gradually stir in remaining mixture. Pour into crust.
• Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.
• In a large bowl, combine the butter, confectioners' sugar, cocoa and enough milk to achieve a piping consistency. Using a large star tip, pipe frosting on dessert.
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Social Recreation
The excitement of Snakes and Ladders! Even Chef Andrew joins in on the fun!
We find some talented singers during Karaoke!
Social Recreation is held every Wednesday at 1:30 pm
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Poetry
Puzzle
The Little Happiness Corner
Colouring
New Beginnings
This Canadian home
We call Prosper Place
Is fresh and alive
New beginnings
Come with past renewal
As 2020 preludes
A new decade is upon us
Remember what you fought so hard for
To get to where you are today
The cool winds of change are howling in the night
Waiting for us to take the reigns
And walk with our heads high
And light shining so bright
Written by Brent W.
Jokes
Prosper Place Pioneer Issue 60, January 2020
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January 2020 - Events Calendar Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4
CLOSED
NEW YEARS DAY
Clubhouse Coffee Club
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Tim Horton’s on
Jasper Avenue & 107 Street
6 7 8 9 10 11
Menu Planning
10:00 am
Newsletter Meeting
1:30 pm
Workshop Meeting
11:00 am
WRAP
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Conversations - Prosper Place
10:45 am - 11:45 am
New Years Celebration
Hawaiian Theme
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Clubhouse Coffee Club
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Tim Horton’s on
Jasper Avenue & 107 Street
13 14 15 16 17 18
Newsletter Meeting
1:30 pm
WRAP
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Conversations - Prosper Place
10:45 am - 11:45 am
Social Rec -
Monopoly 1:30 pm
MCCollege Haircuts
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Social Rec/Special Events
Meeting 11:00 am
Microsoft Word Workshop
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Clubhouse Coffee Club
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Tim Horton’s on
Jasper Avenue & 107 Street
20 21 22 23 24 25
Newsletter Meeting
1:30 pm
WRAP
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Conversations - Prosper Place
10:45 am - 11:45 am
Social Rec - Cribbage
Tournament 1:30 pm
Clubhouse Coffee Club
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Tim Horton’s on
Jasper Avenue & 107 Street
27 28 29 30 31
Newsletter Meeting
1:30 pm
Fundraising Meeting
11:00 am
WRAP
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Conversations - Prosper Place
10:45 am - 11:45 am
Social Rec - Giant Word
Search 1:30 pm
Movie and Popcorn Day
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Prosper Place Pioneer Issue 60, January 2020
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January 2020 – Monthly Menu Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
1 2 3
CLOSED
New Years Day
Lunch: Shepherd’s Pie
Supper: Gnocchi in cream
sauce
Lunch: Leftovers
6 7 8 9 10
Lunch: Soup and Sandwich Lunch: Taco Salad
Supper: Rice Jambalaya
New Years Celebration:
Lunch: Free appetizers
Lunch: Open faced Roast Beef
Supper: Shake and Bake
Chicken w/ Macaroni Salad
Lunch: Leftovers
13 14 15 16 17
Lunch: Soup and Sandwich Lunch: Pancakes and Sausage
Supper: Chicken Caesar Wrap
and Fries
Lunch: Burger & Salad Lunch: Mac and Cheese
Supper: Smokies and perogies
Lunch: Leftovers
20 21 22 23 24
Lunch: Soup and Sandwich
Lunch: Individual Pizza
Supper: Meatloaf
Lunch: Burger & Fries Lunch: Hot Dogs, Baked Beans
and Salad
Supper: Chili Meal Deal
Lunch: Leftovers
27 28 29 30 31
Lunch: Soup and Sandwich
Lunch: Chicken Fingers
Supper: Pork Stir-fry
Lunch: Burger & Fries Lunch: Eggs Benedict and Ham
Supper: Spaghetti and
Meatballs
Lunch: Leftovers
Soups are $1.00. Lunches are $4 or less. Regular Suppers are $5 or less. Holiday Suppers are $6 or less.