TEHKUMMAH—While lots of folks spent the weekend putting away barbecues and lawn furniture, Community Living Manitoulin (CLM) members and supporters welcomed “Winter Wonderland” as they celebrated their annual fall dance -– the biggest event of the year and the highlight of the social calendar.
CLM, which promotes and facilitates the full participation, inclusion and citizenship of people who have an intellectual disability, has held the dance for decades. The event historically was known as the Harvest Ball, but that changed this year to a special theme so it can be altered from one year to the next. Staff and management sought input from group home and independent living members about the best name for this year’s dance and Winter Wonderland was the top choice.
Individuals involved in the community participation program did all the shopping and made centerpieces for the tables, while staff made giant paper snowflakes that hung from the ceiling to decorate Tehkummah Triangle Seniors Hall where the dance took place on October 17. The hall had been the regular site of the dance for decades until COVID restrictions temporarily halted the event.
All the tables filled up by 7:30 pm and extra chairs were brought in to accommodate the crowd joining the festivities. “We had a record number of family and friends as well as Special Olympic athletes in attendance,” says Adrienne Farquhar-Kuula, executive director of CLM. “It was probably the best turnout we’ve ever had.”
Double Barrel’s live performance was an enormous hit, with musicians sharing their cowboy hats and singing along to air guitar artists on the dance floor. “The band is so fantastic; they engage with people and get into the spirit of the celebrations,” adds Ms. Farquhar-Kuula. “It was so successful, and everyone had so much fun. It just gets better every year.”
Another favourite of the evening was a hot chocolate bar that offered all the fixings for a delicious libation. CLM is grateful to Andrew Orr and staff at Foodland Mindemoya for donating all the other drinks and snacks available for participants’ enjoyment during the evening.
by Heather Marshall