Success Stories

Local Man knighted at medieval fair.

By Jim Mullin

GREEN VALLEY - One local man from Green Valley, Ontario had the opportunity to board a time machine. It took him to a future world where "Rock and Roll" no longer exists. He journeyed to the middle ages, the time of mighty warriors and ancient kings. But it was the present day, where he experienced the affluent culture of a bustling, metropolitan city from many walkabouts during his four day stay in Toronto, Ontario.

If you ask Mr. Tim Lalonde, he'd tell you that he enjoyed hobnobbing with royalty the best. He did take an orange carriage to a giant castle that arose at Canadian Exhibition Place. The castle is known by the world over as Medieval Times and the orange carriage was plainly, a city taxicab. We did pretend. For Tim, the trip to Medieval Times was truly magical. At the great court of the Royal Castle amidst much fanfare, Tim was honoured by the revered King. The King's trusted scribe called upon Tim and he excitedly walked toward the throne and bowed before the King. He was filled with much excitement and joy as the King placed his gilded sword upon his shoulder saying, "I hereby dub thee, Sir Timothy Lalonde of Green Valley." Applauds and cheers from onlookers greeted Sir Timothy as he looked outward upon them. His smile would forever remain in my mind as he stood beside the King, proudly donning a velvet cloak of crimson.

Tim dined with folk from across different kingdoms. He taught me a thing or two about eating without silverware and came out unscathed, while I was in a real "mess".

As we feasted, we watched a "live" tournament and cheered on our brave knight as he jousted against other knights upon Andalusian horses. We yelled, we screamed and we jeered against the rival kingdoms as the knights engaged in hand-to-hand combat to the death, with hopes of earning the title as "First Knight - Champion to the King." Our knight fought mercifully to victory.

Tragically, our brave knight fell and Tim gasped. We learned there was a traitor in the midst who wanted to claim the throne. Fortunately, our revered King lived and the traitor died a traitor's death. We yelled and applauded mercifully when the traitor met his doom. A new Knight emerged, known as the People's Knight and the Kingdom survived for another day. Sir Timothy was applauded at the "after show celebration" by the King and the princess, where the Knights gathered around Sir Timothy, expressing their keen interest in him. Sir Timothy was the last guest of the castle to leave.

Tim experienced many things during his visit to Toronto. He watched the live musical, "We Will Rock You", from one of the best seats in the house. He sang aloud to each familiar melody made famous by QUEEN and we cheered on the Bohemians as they fought to win back "Rock and Roll". Tim dined at the Hard Rock Café and was mesmerized by the activity bustling past the window on Dundas Square. He watched a live taping of "Much on Demand" at the Much Music Headquarters and was stopped by tourists, who asked him for directions. He got used to riding in a taxi and he even called for one yelling, "Taxi!" at the top of his lungs.

Sir Timothy returned to the station to board the long, green time machine, affectionately called VIA, and the wonders of Toronto became immortalized as he shared his experiences the entire journey home.

In retrospect, this is just a small sampling of the many joys of watching dreams come alive at Community Living Glengarry. Sir Timothy's experience is a memory to last a lifetime.

Mark Turgeon

Mark Turgeon proudly wears his Field's smock and nametag as he begins each shift at his volunteer placement. Mark who has been nicknamed "Mr. Smiley" by his co-workers is the store's greeter and makes sure to offer everyone a shopping cart and greet them with a smile as they enter the store. A real social butterfly, Mark loves to make small talk with the customers. "Customers come into the store and they smile right off, it's amazing to see their faces light up. I have regular customers that come in and ask for the fellow with the smile." This is just some of the feedback we've received from Sue the store's manager. The kind people at Field's have had a positive impact on Mark's life; he always looks forward to going to Field's and is proud to wear his uniform. The sense of comraderie and support from all the staff at Field's is reflected every time they see Mark. They have truly made a difference in his life. Everyday Mark goes to Field's is a meaningful one form him.

Thank you Sue and everyone from Field's for your support and dedication.

Matthew

Matthew White came to live with us at Dominion Street in October of 2007, moving from Rideau Regional Center of Smith Falls to Community Living Glengarry.

Matthew is a pleasant man, quiet and unassuming in nature. Born of the Mohawk First Nations Band in Akwasasne, Matthew reflects his true nature by living his life on his own time. Behind his small gestures and simple spoken words, his facial expressions and eyes belay a whole world of complex emotions and issues. IN the true sense of th meaning: Matthew "walks his talk". He expresses himself in a manner that exemplifies the true meaning of being who he is, richly motivated to conform for no one but himself. Though somewhat shy of some social situations, Matthew remains sensitive and receptive to the world around him - often enlightening us with his ability to reflect the true nature of what is happening. Always to appreciate good humour, his laugh and generous smile can lighten up anyone's day.

Matthew brings to us his great love for nature and the out-of-doors. Having ventured through outdoor social gatherings, camping, cottage life and boating, Matthew culminated his past year by attending the Akwasasne International Pow Wow in September. It seems that Matthew's connection to his aboriginal ancestry is very strong. He has surrounded his life with many reminders of rich cultural value and spiritual tradition that seems to have refined his sense of purpose in life. Always one to deflect the mundane for the delightful realization of what does surround us in everyday life; Matthew brings a great sense of simplicity and the realization of "what really is important" to us every day. (Nià:wen Matthew Ohkwari)