BIAOV COMMUNIQUE. Phone: Fax Bronson Avenue Ottawa, ON K1R 6H5.

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1 BIAOV COMMUNIQUE Phone: Fax Bronson Avenue Ottawa, ON K1R 6H5 September Autumn Issue

2 In October, members and survivors participated in the semi-annual City of Ottawa cleanup, raking and tidying River Road Park in Vanier. On a weekly basis, members Throughout the winter, members enjoyed weekly art workshops, learning numerous art skills such as painting, wood burning, and floral arranging. They also participated in workshops on mental health strategies, budgeting, and cognitive exercises, conducted by the Neil Several members attended Winterlude in February 2013, viewing ice sculptures at Confederation Park and feasting on beaver-tails.

3 The spring found activity with the Ottawa Race Weekend, May 25 & 26. Seven members of the Step-Up Running Group entered the 5k & 10 k runs. A generous donation of $3500 was made to further the work in the Step Up Work Centre Program in the memory of Martin Gerster. Members of the Step Up Work Centre partnered with Pathways to Independence in the CABI Walk (Conquering Acquired Brain Injury) held at Andrew Haydon Park. Brain Injury Education Day was held at the Step Up Work Centre. Thank you to Sally Cuddy, S.W. from the Robin Easey Centre, providing strategies that could be used after a brain injury. Shari Woelke, O.T., gave an interesting presentation on managing symptoms after brain injury through Bio Feedback and Laird Trimble led the group in a gentle Tai Chi class. Hats off to the Step Up Kitchen Unit for a wonderful lunch that was served.

4 BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS MONTH The Ontario Brain Injury Association launched the DON T (Drive Only Never Text) campaign on June 7, 2013 at Queen s Park. Display at Brain Injury Awareness Day presented by Vista Brain Injury Services at the Hampton Inn. Members sported these t-shirts at various functions throughout the month such as the walk-about in the Byward Market area where pedestrians were stopped and encouraged to be more aware of their surroundings while walking and texting. Thumb rings and pledge cards were handed out throughout the month and we will continue to do so until all supplies are exhausted. Our 1 st annual bowl-a-thon was held on June 9 th at the Walkley Bowling Centre. Over $7,200 was raised. Thank you to all our sponsors, participants and the management of Walkley Bowl. Bravo to the team and individual winners. Brad and Vanessa took the DON T pledge and exchanged thumb rings at the bowl-a-thon.

5 The summer found members visiting Laurier House, Mosaika at Parliament Hill, and going cruising the Ottawa River on a 90 minute tour, followed by a canal-side picnic.

6 BOOK LAUNCH OCTOBER 6 TH, OTTAWA PUBLIC LIBRARY MAIN BRANCH A Fond Farewell to Makeda A large group of members, survivors, attendants, and sponsor representatives joined for a wonderful potluck lunch and gift presentation to say Good-bye to Makeda, who leaves us after three years of running the Step Up Work Centre. She is a bright, vivacious woman who brought us lots of fun and inspiration. We wish her well on the next phase of her life.

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