CONNECTIONS Brain Boogie

A Lime of a Time! Fall 2013

Inside this issue:

Upcoming Events:

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Find the continued report and more photos for the 2013 Brain Boogie.

Drumming to their own Beat – find out about the drumming group located in Regina.

Find out about the upcoming Fall Retreat.

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Brain Injury Caregiver Workshop with Jeff Kreutzer.

“Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower”

-- Albert Camus

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The eleventh annual Brain Boogie…Positive Steps in Motion has been declared a success in all five locations across the province. Preliminary numbers indicate that it met or exceeded its goal despite cloudy weather in some locations. Each year, local organizing committees innovate to increase the fun factor and attract new participants to boogie with SBIA. This year, they encouraged people to form teams, whose names and costumes added to the fun. Estevan team “Save Your Noggin’,” led by Jennifer Kuchinka, had fun all summer raising money through activities like a teeter-totter a-thon. Families were also encouraged to come out to walk together, enjoy the park with games, face painting and bouncy slides in some cities. Runners and walkers were encouraged to join the Boogie for their daily routine, with designated 1 km, 2 km and 5 km timed routes in Moose Jaw and Saskatoon, offering a new challenge and attracting new participants. The five Brain Boogies are participant centred events that raise funds for local and provincial education and programs.

Regina Group photo

Find information regarding our regular programming. All programs are free of charge.

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Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association Fall 2013

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Brain Boogie… continued

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It is an amazing event that SBIA is proud to grow each year.

Moose Jaw was the first of five cities to host the annual event on August 31 in beautiful Crescent Park. Starting with a yoga warm up courtesy of the Yoga Loft, approximately 40 participants raised over $3000!

Following the walk/run, participants in Moose Jaw enjoyed the Family Fun Boogie Celebration, which featured a bouncy slide, face painting, carnival games with prizes, and a superb barbeque of hotdogs and hamburgers! Angie and Darrell Andrei with their band provided entertainment for the celebration.

In Yorkton, the Brain Boogie took place on September 4 in City Centre Park. The event raised over $1000 and featured a Zumba warm-up led by Janay Wilson of ForeverFit Gym.

Local organizer Lynette Strom said passers-by honked their horns in support as they watched the antics of the group. The Zumba warm up was a definite highlight!

Saskatoon, Regina, and Prince Albert held their events September 7.

More than 40 participants attended the Saskatoon Brain Boogie, with a team dressed in fairy gear! This year the event moved to Victoria Park to follow a path overlooking the beautiful South Saskatchewan River. The Saskatoon event raised close to $7500!

The day began with greetings from His Worship, Saskatoon Mayor Don Atchison; and SBIA partner BHP Billiton, represented by Ewan Alexander, VP of Health, Safety and Environment with BHP Billiton. Each man donned one of the enormously popular lime green Brain Boogie 2013 shirts!

After the walk/run, Saskatoon hosted a Barbeque and Family Fun Boogie Celebration! Fun times were had with a bouncy castle and face painting.

Despite the cool weather in Regina, close to 85 participants, volunteers and dignitaries were fired up about the walk/run. As in past years, Regina where the event was born, hosted the largest event, bringing in almost $20,000.

The day began with dignitaries MP Ralph Goodale, MLA Christine Tell and, Major Michael Fougere bringing greetings and comments from their respective offices. Glenda James, SBIA Executive Director, took the stage introducing the emcee for the event, Nelson Bird of CTV and his dog, Geronimo. The Saskatchewan Roughriders Cheer Team led the group in a warm-up, before participants followed bagpiper, Betty Anne Sinclair on their walk/run around Wascana Park. Team “Pinky & the Brains” stood out in the lime green crowd, as it followed the trail.

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Regina dignitaries

Prince Albert walkers

Saskatoon Team, Save Our Soles

Prayers for Bob in Moose Jaw

Connections Fall 2013

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Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association Fall 2013

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The  Acquired  Brain  Injury  Partnership  is  a  joint  initiative  of  SGI  and  the  Ministry  of  Health.    For  more  information  about  this  initiative,  please  see  our  website:  www.abipartnership.sk.ca  

Brain  Injury  and  the  Family  Bouncing  Back  after  Brain  Injury:  A  Family  Guide  

Presented  by  Jeffrey  S.  Kreutzer,  Ph.D.  

Radisson  Hotel  Saskatchewan  –  Blue  Lounge  Regina,  Saskatchewan  Sunday,  October  6  1:00  pm  –  4:30  pm  

 

This  learning  opportunity  is  a  pre-­‐conference  workshop  offered  in  conjunction  with  Brain  Trust  2013  –  Brain  Injury  and  the  Family  (a  clinical  conference)  

Intended  Audience:   adult  family  members,  spouses,  caregivers,  and  friends  of  brain  injury  survivors.  

Schedule  for  the  day:    1:00  –  What  We  Know  about  Brain  Injury,  Families  and  Marriage  1:50  –  Resilience:  Bouncing  Back  after  Brain  Injury  2:15  –  Break  2:45  –  Practical  Approaches  to  Successfully  Overcoming  the  Greatest  Challenges  Families  Face    4:15  –  Questions  and  wrap-­‐up  4:30  –  Finish  for  the  day  

Presenter  Biographical  Summary  

Jeffrey   S.   Kreutzer,   Ph.D.,   ABPP,   FACRM   is   a   Professor   of   Physical   Medicine   and   Rehabilitation,   Neurosurgery,   and   Psychiatry   at   Virginia  Commonwealth   University   (VCU),   Medical   College   of   Virginia   Campus.     He   serves   as   Director   of  Virginia's  federally   designated  Traumatic   Brain  Injury  Model  System  and  coordinates  VCU  Health  System  outpatient  services  for  families  and  persons  with  brain  injury.    A  founding  member  of  the  Brain   Injury   Association   of   Virginia,   Dr.   Kreutzer   is   a   neuropsychologist   and   family   therapist   with   nearly   three   decades   experience   developing,  providing,  and  evaluating  brain  injury  services.    He  has  published  more  than  160  peer  reviewed  papers  and  is  the  primary  developer  of  the  Brain  Injury  Family  Intervention,  an  empirically  based  education,  skill  building,  and  psychotherapeutic  program  for  families.  Dr.  Kreutzer  is  the  Editor-­‐in-­‐Chief   of   the   recently   published   Encyclopedia   of   Clinical   Neuropsychology,   and   in   2010   he   received   the   Distinguished   Lifetime   Contribution   to  Neuropsychology  Award  from  the  National  Academy  of  Neuropsychology.    

For  more  information  and  to  register  by  September  30th  for  this  FREE  event  please  email  or  contact:  

Kelly  Froehlich  Saskatchewan  Ministry  of  Health  306  787  0802  kfroehlich@health.gov.sk.ca    or  register  online  at  http://www.sbia.ca/events.aspx  

Connections Fall 2013

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Brain Boogie… continued

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Following the walk/run, participants enjoyed a barbeque lunch, a drumming circle, and musical entertainment. SBIA Board Members, Nicole Wall and Barb Butler, handed out prizes, with Nelson Bird being honoured for his long-term commitment to SBIA and the Brain Boogie with the Tony Reslein Memorial Trophy.

The Prince Albert Brain Boogie took over Rotary Trail, raising over $4,000, this year with help from local Elks/Royal Purple volunteers.

The day began with greetings from Prince Albert City Councillor, Tim Scharkowski, and the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region Education and Prevention Co-ordinator, Larry Krause.

Entertainment and a barbeque were the highlight at the Prince Albert Brain Boogie!

A big thank-you goes out to our partners and sponsors, found on page 3, for their continued support!

SBIA local chapters are a major part of the Brain Boogie, without their participation and organization we would not be able to host 5 events every year! Thank-you for your continued support of the Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association!

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Moose Jaw: Moose Jaw Warriors Jillian’s Canadian Tire Casino Moose Jaw Folgizon Insurance Galaxy Theatres Tutti Frutti Yogurt Western Development Museum Yorkton: Yorkton Co-Op Grocery Harvest Meats Janay Wilson - Forever Fit Regina: Wheatland Roofing Darkside Window Tinting Knight Archer Sask Central Southland Mall Rainbow Cinemas Safeway Regent Park Globe Theater The Sign Guy Dutch Cycle, Harvard Broadcasting Red Cross, Andrew Novak Photography Regina Rams Regina Pats Laser Quest Arbonne - Bre Folk Brawn and Body Athletic Wear Co-Op SIAST Pilot Butte News and Views Art Affection Saskatoon: Kim Shaheen Financial K + S Potash Meidl Honda

Local Sponsors

More photos can be found on our Facebook page: facebook.com/SaskBrainInjury

Walkers in Prince Albert

Moose Jaw participants, volunteers and the band

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Rainer Saskatoon Media Group Vanessa Chesters Goodlife Fitness Walmart - Preston Crossing Prince Albert: Malcolm Jenkins The Prince Albert Daily Herald The Prince Albert Firefighters The Prince Albert Elks Rawlco Radio Shellbrook Affinity Credit Union Prince Albert Raiders Affinity Insurance Lammle’s Western Wear Scotia Bank RBC Riverside Arctic Cat Spiritwood Credit Union Fast Genetics Main Street Salon Spiritwood Tire and Lube Spiritwood Ambulance Angel Haryung Ming’s Wok Cameron & Bourdages Memorial Fund (RCMP) Spiritwood Coop Martodam Motors Spiritwood Stock yards Cavalier Agrow Spiritwood Lou Carrire Larry Krause Spiritwood Good Health Pharmancy Patti and Darrel Koivisto

Saskatoon starting line

Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association Fall 2013

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Dates: September 25-27, 2013

Where: Kingston, Ontario

Website: www.biac-aclc.ca

BIAC National Conference

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Moose Jaw

Walking Group • When: Weekly - Starting in October • Where: Yara Centre • Contact Erin at 306.690.5229

Yorkton

Chapter Support Group • Where and Times TBD Saskatoon

Chapter Support Meeting • When: 3rd Mondays • Time: 7:00pm • Where: Sherbrooke Community

Centre Walking Group • When: Thursdays • Time: 6:30pm • Where: Saskatoon Fieldhouse Drumming Group • When: Tuesdays • Time: 7:00pm • Where: SARBI

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Regina

Survivor Support Group • When: Thursdays • Time: 11:30 – 12:30 • Where: Wascana Rehab Centre Drumming Group • When: Wednesdays • Time: 1:30 – 2:30pm • Where: St. James United Church SOAR (ages 12-17) • When: Saturdays • Time: 1:30 – 4:00pm • Where: Various locations in Regina Caregivers Support Group • When: October 15, 2013 • Time: 7:00pm • Where: Wascana Rehab, Room #5

Prince Albert

Chapter Meeting • When: Last Sunday of the Month • Time: 2:00 – 5:00pm • Where: South Hill Mall

Prince Albert Royal Purple Raising Funds for Local SBIA Chapter The Prince Albert Royal Purple Cuties 14 month calendars are

on sale for $20, plus shipping. To order, send a request to:

PA ROYAL PURPLE #50 93 8TH AVE. EAST

PRINCE ALBERT SASK S6V 2L2.

Great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer!

Our Programs More information can be found at: www.sbia.ca/programs.aspx

Connections Fall 2013

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Fall Retreat October 26 and 27, 2013 Regina, SK

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Fall Retreat is almost here!

The SBIA “Cruise Weekend” will be docking on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 at Executive Royal Hotel, 4025 Albert St., Regina, SK.

We have a fantastic line up of presenters, crafts, entertainment and food for survivors and caregivers alike. Best part of all – being together and connecting on a personal level with others in a similar situation.

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The retreat will feature an introduction to Mental Health First Aid.

John Mitchell, a Clinical Nurse Specialist will privide a general overview of Mental Health problems common after Brain Injury.

There will also be an opportunity for a questions and discussion toward the end of the session.

John will also give a presentation to the caregivers on Mental Health – Grief Recovery. It will be an information session outlining information about the program and its services.

On Sunday, we’ll be inspired by the amazing experiences and lessons expressed of the Survivor Story of Hope. ABI Survivor, Owen Lima & friend, Richard Swallow will share with us their story.

You can register online at www.sbia.ca/fall-retreat.aspx

Drumming to their own Beat by Barb Butler

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A drum circle is a rhythm based event where people come together in a circle configuration, to express themselves using drums and percussion instruments. A facilitator guides the session, providing encouragement, and supporting people to reconnect with their innate sense of rhythm. Inclusiveness is one of the key components. People of all skill levels, background, mobility and age participate in a nonverbal activity where each person has a musical voice.

The Saskatchewan Brain Injury Association holds a group in Regina once a week with an ever growing group of participants. Two of these participants are sister and brother team Jennifer and Devon Birns. Jennifer, at 28, is four years older than her brother Devon who suffered a brain injury at age 15.

When asked why she attended the group with her brother this is what she had to say. “Throughout the years, we have searched high and low for programs that Devon could participate in. When we heard about the drum circle, we thought it would be a great idea. We hoped he would enjoy it, and we would connect with other families. Within five minutes of attending our first drum circle, we

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knew that we would be coming back every week! This is the first time we have returned to a program, and looked forward to it every time! Devon is able to participate, which is a huge motivation for him. He was also accepted and treated with respect. As siblings, we are able to connect and spend time together outside of our home, and integrate into the community where we feel very welcomed! The drum circle has had a tremendous impact on Devon’s confidence, as well as given him an opportunity to meet some wonderful friends! We definitely consider it a blessing and will continue to attend every week!”

Drum Circles originated out of Africa. The instrument of choice predominantly used at the Drum Circle is the djeme drum, also called the healing drum. Literally translated, the word djeme from the Barma language means unity and harmony. A sense of oneness and community are features still in the conventional Drum Circle as it is known through-out North America today. This is why when we speak of the Drum Circle it is most often referred to in name as a Community Drum Circle.

The drum circle meets weekly at St. James United Church. It is facilitated

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by Mike Pelzer and Darryl Firth of Lambda Drum Solutions, the two were enamored with the thought of the drum circle being a source of relaxation. They wondered how the use of drums and other percussion instruments would positively impact the health of the community. Since then, the feedback from those who participate in the drum circle has been positive.

Douglas Desnome attends the drumming group every week and sees it as a stress reliever that has a calming effect on him. He always has a good time and enjoys meeting with the others that attend the group. Leslie Good drives in from Moose Jaw to attend the group. He noted that on the occasions when the lights are dimmed he feels so relaxed that he has been close to falling asleep. On the days when the weather outside is frigid he finds it really warms you up. It is a good workout that provides great exercise.

Prior drumming experience is not required to take part in a drum circle. The rhythm gene is in all of us. Some may not yet know it, but rest assured it is there. Live Life Out Loud!!

SBIA has Drum Circles in both Regina and Saskatoon.