GCSS Community Events

by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

At the suggestion of Sherry Heyl, our Internet networking advisor, I've decided to switch the location of our GCSS blog (or at least the Community Events part of it).

According to her (and another friend of mine who also works with a non-profit organization), Blogger/Blogspot aren't considered the most professional of websites for business blogs. WordPress, however, has a better reputation with professional bloggers.

I already have a personal WordPress account, and could easily set up one for GCSS. When I do, I'll make sure to notify everyone (as a matter of fact, I may set it up today). If I can figure it out, I'll try and link our Twitter and Facebook accounts to the new blog as well.

Most of these things, in retrospect, are rather simple; they just take a bit of time. Since this blog seems to only get the occasional reader anyway, I'm feeling positive about the transition to WordPress anyway.

As soon as it's up, I promise to e-mail everyone and let them know. I look forward to hearing from you! Happy holidays, once again!

P.S. Don't worry, I've run this by Evan...so it wasn't entirely an impulsive decision on my part.

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

Due to my having a lot on my plate last month, and failing to make our calendar a priority, I was a little delayed in getting it out to everyone.

I promise to make sure that doesn't happen this month, despite Christmas and New Year's Eve being just around the corner. So luckily, there are plenty of activities going on in the Atlanta-Metro area, and I just need to be a good Coordinator and sniff them out.

In addition to the usual list of events, however, I'd like to focus the blog even more on happenings related to people with disabilities. So, at least once a week, I'm going to search for disability-related news items that you all might enjoy.

Sound good? As always, if anyone has an event and/or news item to suggest for the blog, you're more than welcome to e-mail or call me about it. Thank you again for being a great team.

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

Due to feedback from a trustworthy source, I've realized that the original look and feel of this blog wasn't appropriate to GCSS.

So, as you can see, this is the current one, borrowed from Blogger Templates. Ideally, I'd like to have the same graphics that are on the GCSS homepage decorating the blog, but at the moment, I hate to admit, I'm uncertain as to their location! That would likely be a question for Kevin or Sari.

More News Is Good News

As you may already be aware, the Fall 2009 newsletter is available, both online and in print form. If you haven't yet had the chance to read it and wish to do so, just click here: About Us: Press Room - Newsletters

Not to toot my own horn, but this is the first time that I've contributed to the newsletter, and I certainly hope that my additions have had a positive affect. One was a brief article entitled "Transitioning to the Cyber-Age," in which I described our use of Twitter and Facebook as promotional tools. The other is, in fact, one of my blog entries that Amanda Duckworth wanted to include because of its relevance to the holiday season.

If and when you have the opportunity to read the newsletter, the directors of GCSS (and I, their humble supporter) would appreciate your feedback! Thank you. More to come...

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Sensory Day at BounceU

BounceU, in collaboration with the Autism Society of America, invites children with autism to "Sensory Day," on Sunday, Dec. 20th, from 3:30-5:30 PM. Children are free to run, jump, and play (keyword: Fun) around the facility during this time. Adults, too, are allowed on the inflatables.

So, says BounceU, "Mark your calendar and bring your socks." It's an experience you won't forget.

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

Many of you working in the Disability Support Community have likely heard the name "Jerry's Habima Theatre." But for those who haven't, allow me to fill you in. Habima Theatre is, according to Atlanta JCC, "Georgia's only theatrical company directed and produced by professionals featuring actors (aged 18 and up) with developmental disabilities."

If there is anywhere to truly experience the remarkable achievements of adults with developmental disabilities, this is it. This coming year, Habima will be producing a revue entitled Disco Inferno, written by Justin Sepple, on March 24-28, at the Morris & Rae Frank Theatre (part of the MJCCA, Zaban Park).

An ad for Disco Inferno describes it as "Saturday Night Fever meets Damn Yankees in this romp through the 1970's." Among the classic song selection are such favorites as The Trammps' "Disco Inferno"; "Celebration," by Kool and the Gang; "Crocodile Rock" (as sung by Elton John); "I Will Survive" (as sung by Gloria Gaynor); and "Pop Muzik" (made popular by the British band M).

Tickets can be obtained through the MJCCA Box Office, at 678-812-4002. Please attend the show! You won't be disappointed.

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

Today, GCSS kicked off its Art & Craft Bazaar, sponsored and organized by the Our Place and Art & Food programs. It took place from 9AM-2:30PM, and both staff and consumers took part in running the event.

Among the arts and crafts being sold were knit hats ($3); Christmas bags ($.50); small tins of cookies ($1); small tubs of cookies ($2); large tubs of cookies ($3); and photo albums ($1).

Baked goods were quite abundant as well, including a peanut/pretzel mixture with chocolate, and a walnut/craisin/apricot mixture. Of note: both selections were delicious.

Also included, in the craft area, was jewelry made by consumers, including some beautiful custom beaded necklaces for only $5.

Some of the most impressive items were the abstract paintings made by consumers. One, for example, entitled "Starburst," featured blue star-like shapes painted over a gorgeous reddish-pink background. Beside it lay an untitled painting, using a black background with light and dark green spirals intertwined. Though unfortunately, these descriptions don't do the artwork justice, most of it is still on display, so come by tomorrow and check it out!

Additionally, clients at Our Place created such pieces as a red-painted wooden ship with the University of South Carolina's logo and mascot prominently displayed, and a $15 GA Tech rocket ship.

Most fantastic of all, perhaps, is a fully decorated Christmas tree, including lights and brilliant ornaments, such as purple jingle bells, golden holly, purple ribbons, snowflakes, and a decorative bugle. The tree is available for $100.

Though the sale for today is nearly over, it's being held again tomorrow, so be sure to drop by!

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This is a "re-posting" of an e-mail from Dec. 9.

Please join the Human Resources Finance & Corporate Services Team & Construction in a unique giving back opportunity at a local day school for adults with mental disabilities.

RSVP to Jessica Baker (jessica_baker@homedepot.com) by December 10, 2009.

Art & Food Center

Those of you at GCSS already know this, but the Art & Food Center in Marietta is a GCSS support program that provides a number of different services to families of grown children with special needs. As mentioned in the bulletin from the e-mail, Art & Food's focus is to train students in independence, through lessons in cooking, sewing, painting, sculpting, and much more.

Specifically, the "Supporting People in Their Community" event takes place Friday, Dec. 18, 2009, from 9am-5pm. The address of the Art & Food Center is:

2058 Lower Roswell Rd.
Marietta, GA 30068

Particpants will be:

1. Building a shaded structure over the back deck of the center
2. Building two large planter boxes with flowers in front of the back deck
3. Time permitting, doing light organizational tasks inside the center

For more information, please contact:

Jessica R. Baker
Human Resources Administrator
Finance & Corporate Development
The Home Depot Store Support Center
2455 Paces Ferry Rd. Atlanta, GA 30339
Location: B-12
770-433-8211 x17623 (phone)
jessica_baker@homedepot.com

Thanks to Pam Peterson for providing this information!

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

I thought it worth mentioning that one of Whitney's recent ideas for a new website was some sort of forum, in which people could discuss restaurants, theaters, and other public places as they pertained to people with disabilities.

In a sense, it would be similar to Access Atlanta, except the reviews would include such factors as whether or not a venue was wheelchair-accessible, had provisions for the hearing-impaired, etc. As someone without a physical disability, it's easy to overlook those factors sometimes.

While recently discussing this with the tech department, some of the folks there said web design wasn't their specialty, but recommended a couple of sites that were good platforms for setting up your own blog and/or forum. I'm in the process of looking over some of these sites now, and I think once I'm familiar with them, it should be easy to decide which would be the best to use.

The one thing that I hesitate about when it comes to using one of those sites: what if we want this to be more than just a message board? In the long run, I might want to have a fully functioning site; of course, it could start off as a message board, and we'll see how that catches on.

Well, just tossing some ideas around...if anyone wants to contribute their thoughts, feel free!

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

The next edition of our newsletter, while still in progress, should be completed relatively soon. Though it would be inappropriate to give away the content here, I should note that it contains my first contribution to the newsletter, as well as a list of "10 Things You Might Not Know About GCSS," which was a collaborative effort between Amanda Duckworth, LaRue Griffin, and me, with added support from several other members of GCSS.

I'll soon begin work on other projects as well...when they begin to take shape, I'll certainly make more of you aware!

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

I'm sure many of you have heard the word "persona" before. Some of you may even be familiar with how it applies to business.

As part of my ongoing business/marketing education, I had a lesson in creating personas, in other words, fictitious consumer types within a target market that might make use of our services.

While I had completed the customer profiles that I talked about in earlier blogs, the persona concept is a bit more in-depth, and requires more field research. Conversation Marketing defines them as "your marketing campaign's imaginary friends." At the site, the blogger, Ian Lurie, goes into detail about customer demographics, personalities, and their relationships with you (meaning the business).

Forgive me if I'm preaching to the choir at all here...some of this information I knew in theory, but certainly couldn't have taught to others. As I'm in the process of storing the knowledge in my own head, it helps tremendously for me to discuss it with others.

One thing that Sherry Heyl (of Concept Hub, Inc. fame) asked me to do was to go out and find out where people in our target market hang out, so to speak. It would help to have more real examples from which to create the fictional personas.

So...how does all this sound? Any ideas to contribute?

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

Unfortunately, due to my being scattered and somewhat distracted by the holiday, the Community Events Calendar isn't complete yet. However, I assure everyone that it's in progress, and should be finished by tomorrow.

I'm also aware that I missed a major meeting today which I had hoped to be a part of, and I regret that, but thank you for your acknowledgments nonetheless! Hopefully I'll be able to make the next meeting of this sort.

In any case, besides the calendar, I've received what I believe to be the last bit of important info. for the newsletter, so hopefully that too will be available shortly! I look forward to producing more great work with your help and support.

Thank you, GCSS!

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On Nov. 14, preempted by writing about our Facebook Cause, I decided to do a general article on Associated Content entitled "Join Causes on Facebook," in which I mentioned GCSS' "Support Individuals with Developmental Disabilities" Cause.

I know that some of you have had the chance to read it, but if you haven't, please click the link above when possible. I'm happy to say, however, that 10,233 people have read the article thus far, according to the stats listed on the site. I wrote about more than just GCSS within the article, but I feel that simply including us within it should help draw attention to the Cause.

Evan did make the point one afternoon that Facebook isn't necessarily the most likely place to get direct donations, but if it is a place to help make more people aware of what we're about, then that's just as helpful (in my eyes).

So if you have read the article, then I may be repeating myself, but if you haven't, I certainly encourage you to do so.

Oh, and about the aforementioned customer profiles, those are basically finished, and I'll be submitting them to Sherry Heyl today. There will be more updates as that concept develops.

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

The previous blog entry, "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," will also be published in the next issue of GCSS' newsletter. I'm proud to say that this is the first time my writing will be in the newsletter (not to brag or anything)!

There is also a pending interview with Pam Peterson, who is organizing our "Holiday Bazaar," which will take place at the GCSS office on Dec. 14th. So look for a full article in the newsletter coming soon!

Today at the office, we will be having a "pre-Thanksgiving celebration," if you will, featuring delicious food, eclectic (but clean) music, and perhaps dancing (as that's been an essential part of our last few celebrations!). Although I have some idea of what's in store, this crew always tends to have a few surprises up their respective sleeves, so you never know...

In any case, happy early Thanksgiving to everyone once again! When the newsletter is complete, I'll put the word out!

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

Well OK, maybe not "Charlie Brown," per se, but with childhood memories of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, that would be my ideal November holiday.

This year's Thanksgiving baskets, developed by the Excitement Committee, are already on their way to consumers in need and their families. Each contains a $10 gift card towards the purchase of a turkey, as well as additional non-perishable food items, as mentioned in the blog titled "Happy Birthday to Chi...and Pre-Thanksgiving Madness!"

In difficult economic times, it is still important to be thankful for those blessings that we have, whether they be food, water, clothing, shelter, loving family, or even less tangible things such as freedom. We would all do well to remember the rights that we sometimes take for granted in the U.S., such as freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. Though some might debate the truth of that statement, we have also seen that in some nations, both men and women are often executed or tortured for opposing religious beliefs or taking actions that are considered unethical.

That said, I will personally be spending Thanksgiving in NY, my home state, with my parents and sister. Living in GA, in various programs like this one, has helped me to better appreciate my family, in that they supported my decision to come here and have partly provided me with the funds to do so.

A young woman in her 20's might say that any time she's spent living at home with her parents has been a challenge...I'm sure many of us would agree with her. Nonetheless, when we're apart from our families (assuming they're not abusive or psychotic), we ideally begin to realize how much they love us, and how thankful we are to have them.

In my case, as well, I will admit that sometimes I've gotten very frustrated over some of my limitations, especially in the areas of short term memory, judgment, and emotional control. On the other hand, having spent time around people with other kinds of disabilities (and even other people with brain injuries), I've realized how much I'm capable of and also how I may have misjudged some people that I first saw as "low-functioning."

So, as always, I write this blog not only for myself, but to inspire others at GCSS, as well as the random stranger who just might happen upon our site.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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Though I've never attended business school, what I do know about business I've learned simply through experience. This continues to be the case, as the position I now hold requires that I expand my understanding of these concepts.

As I said in a previous entry, I'm now in the process of doing market research for GCSS. Initially, my assignment was to come up with two customer profiles, those being someone with a disability and a family member of someone with a disability.

LaRue suggested that I even create a third customer profile based on someone who doesn't necessarily have a disability or a family member with one, but still wants to help. There are many people who could fit this profile.

In some cases, there are people with disabilities who also want to help, and may have family members with disabilities as well. Or, in other cases, the person may fit into just two of the categories.

In my case, for example, I have a disability (a brain injury), and also want to help others with disabilities. Plus, I have family members with various kinds of disabilities. However, I realize that someone else who fits into all three categories may be completely different from me.

It would be helpful to figure out what sorts of supports the majority of our clients need, just as Microsoft would love to know what people look for in a word processor or a Web browser. Word processors, in theory, make writing documents easier by providing tools such as a spellchecker, clip art, formatting tools, and font styles.

Likewise, there are many clients who need transportation, assistance with cleaning and preparing meals, help with managing finances, and education about safety and social issues. Of course, there are varying degrees with all of these supports.

So, in the end, I have my work cut out for me. But this is a fun project...I'll keep everyone updated on its progress.

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

Anyone who has been in business for a reasonable amount of time (and that term is highly subjective) likely knows what a Customer Profile is. Even if you know what that means, it bears repeating: "Description of a customer group or type of customer based on various demographic, psychographic and/or geographic characteristics," according to Answers.com.

Although I'm familiar with the concept and understand it in theory, this is the first time I've been assigned the task of creating a customer profile for a company. Specifically, I was asked to come up with two different CPs for people that GCSS serve. In my mind, this would include not only the clients themselves, but their family members and/or legal guardians.

For part of my research, I thought about getting in touch with some people from other disability support programs I've been involved with. This way, in my mind, I can create a more tangible customer, even if that customer happens to be a fictitious one.

Luckily, I still happen to be in touch with some folks at the Atlanta JCC (Jewish Community Center), as well as a couple of the day programs I used to work with. I believe part of the information I seek may come from some of these people. Plus, I'll simply observe my surroundings, and find out more about the families of people with various disabilities.

More on this as it develops!

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by Eric Pudalov

This afternoon, we dropped by Top Spice, the great Thai and Malaysian restaurant in Decatur, to celebrate Chiyoko Rasser's birthday.

The "birthday party" was quite entertaining, and included lots of laughter and merciless poking fun of one another (it's OK...it was equal opportunity). Though there was no cake or singing of "Happy Birthday," it was quite the party nonetheless.

In Other News...

Though November is already in full swing, it's worth mentioning that the Bowling Fundraiser, sponsored by the Excitement Committee, took place on October 17. All who attended had a wonderful time.

GCSS is also taking up a collection of non-perishable food donations until November 17, for those families we serve who are less fortunate. Items donated thus far include: Mott's applesauce (small containers), golden corn, mashed potatoes, cream of wheat, bottled water, mixed vegetables, Bush's Grillin' Beans, canned pineapple chunks, and elbow macaroni.

So, more of those items are always welcome, or if you come up with your own non-perishable alternatives, please bring them by. It's much appreciated!

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

Having noticed that most, if not all, of you are on Facebook, I've begun the task of adding you as friends. Once we are "Facebook friends," I'm hoping that you'll join the Facebook Cause "Support Individuals with Developmental Disabilities.

As I stated in my earlier entry, we have only raised a small amount of money thus far. Despite my bragging about my tech abilities, at first I couldn't figure out how to donate money myself. But with a little problem solving, I was able to bypass that, and donated a small amount.

So, as I recruit more people to the Cause, I'm hoping that some people will be willing to donate any money at all (if even just a few dollars). I realize that the economy is still down, and that everyone is trying to save money. But in the long run, this will benefit our organization, and in turn, you!

I also thought I should mention that not long ago, I was a client of another organization, and I still occasionally keep in touch with some of the people I worked with there. A few are on Facebook, and I thought I'd recruit them as well.

I realize not everyone has money to donate, but again, I'm just trying to promote awareness and get our name out there. So the first step is for you to join!

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

Although I already posted about this under "GCSS Announcements," just in case everybody missed that one, I wanted to clarify some things about Twitter.

The other day, I created a Twitter account for GCSS, as I said in an earlier e-mail. If you haven't been able to access it, try this link: Twitter: GCSSCommunity

Even if you aren't a Twitter member, you should be able to see the News Feed as it gets updated. Since the account is brand new, "GCSSCommunity" doesn't have a whole lot of friends, but I'm working at making more people aware of the Twitter account as well as the Facebook page.

I'm often asked how to use Twitter by those who are completely unfamiliar with it. While I won't go into all of the finer nuances here, people refer to it as "micro-blogging," because you sign up for an account, and each time you post an announcement or what-have-you, it's required to be 140 characters or less.

For example, if you want to tell everyone on your friends list about a local coffee shop, you can post a link to the coffee shop's website, and then write a brief description of it in the space allowed. In a way, it's very similar to personal ads or movie blurbs in the paper.

Though GCSS' account is relatively new, we already have 6 followers and counting. That may not sound like much, but you and I can certainly recruit members whenever possible!

I promise to do my part in this by keeping it updated frequently, and seeking out people who would find us interesting.

So drop by Twitter...let's check ourselves out.

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

Are you all familiar with "Causes" on Facebook? If so, you can skip the next paragraph. If not, read on:

"Causes," in a nutshell, are groups based on issues that people care about on Facebook. Among them are subjects like "Tibetan Freedom Movement," "Think Autism," and "Save Darfur." So it may come as no surprise that there is one called "Support Individuals with Developmental Disabilities," created by GCSS' own Evan Pearson.

Though this Cause has existed for awhile and has a number of members, it seems that it's been inactive as of late. Therefore, I'm working on attracting more people to the cause, as well as keeping it updated more frequently. At present, it has 551 members, which is great, but most are inactive or have only contributed once or twice at best.

If we all want to help this Cause to grow, you can assist in several ways:

1. Join using your Facebook account (assuming you have one)
2. Donate money to the Cause (if even just a few dollars)
3. Invite your other Facebook friends to join
4. Invite other people to join Facebook who might be interested

Granted, not everyone is going to donate money, and some people will be more active than others, but as we all know, that's the nature of the business. However, it seems that the more frequently a cause is updated, and the more awareness is created, the more active members become.

Please let me know if you have a Facebook account, so I can add you as a friend, for one, and hopefully get you to join the cause as well. In the long run, it will greatly benefit our jobs, as well as the clients we serve (if even in an indirect way).

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by Eric Pudalov

As both clients and staff can tell you from experience, working together isn't always easy. All of us, at times, get frustrated, and we all go through misunderstandings.

So what is the best option when a situation begins to get out of hand? That can vary from day-to-day, and person-to-person, but there are almost always options.

Some may feel that a "disciplinarian" approach is best, using a "what I say goes" type of strategy. While this may work in some cases, particularly with people that basically need a lesson in manners, in others it may compound the problem. There are times when the discipline will simply make the other person angrier and more aggressive.

Another option is to calmly (but firmly) reason with the person (no matter what their age), and hopefully get them under control. If you have ever done police work (or even just watched CSI: Miami), you may have noticed that this is often the first approach if someone isn't combative. On the other hand, if the person is already physically violent, it is understandable if he needs to be restrained.

I don't mean to be a hypocrite in giving this kind of advice...as some of you who have worked with me know, I can have a quick temper at times. This is probably the first time I've said this on the blog, but this is partly due to my traumatic brain injury, which affects the emotions. I often feel as though I'm on an "emotional roller-coaster," anxious one minute, then angry the next, and then, surprisingly, calm a few minutes later.

I work with a therapist now who has been helping me learn techniques to deal with these sorts of situations. One of the things that I sometimes do is to massage my hands when I begin to feel tense (but before I explode). I also do slow breathing techniques with my eyes closed, or if the situation permits, I go and exercise. If I'm in an inescapable situation (such as driving), I can still do the breathing techniques with my eyes open.

Unfortunately, in the past, I will admit that my anxiety and temper have cost me jobs and relationships. But thankfully, I don't regret that. They have been helpful experiences in the long run, and have given me lessons that I can one day pass on to others.

It can be difficult sometimes to teach these sorts of techniques to others, of course, especially if they're not ready or willing to learn. However, it's almost necessary if we're all to get along as a group.

I will blog more about these sorts of things as they develop. If anyone has feedback, it's always welcome.

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

Hoping that everyone who celebrated Halloween had a happy one, you may note that November is now in full swing (not that it necessarily feels any different).

This week in GCSS' Community Events, a good number of things are going on. Today, Marietta is featuring its "Scarecrows on the Square." Tomorrow, the 3rd, will be the final day of this display. So, if you haven't yet had the opportunity to drop by and see this spectacle, do so now! For more information, see this site: Marietta's Scarecrows on the Square.

Tuesday also marks the opening of the Atlanta Botanical Garden's "Holidays in the Garden," featuring such activities as the "Holiday Puppet Shows" and "The Botanical Express" (beginning Nov. 7).

Then, this Friday, A Christmas Carol, the animated feature starring Jim Carrey as the voice of Ebenezer Scrooge (as well as a host of others), premieres. Theaters in the Atlanta-Metro area that will be showing the film include: Regal Hollywood Stadium 24, Regal Perimeter Pointe 10, and Regal Medlock Crossing Stadium 18. More information on showings will be available after the premiere.

One of the few available online reviews comes from "Guy Who Reviews Movies and Also Watches Them, yet another member of Blogger who...well, does exactly what his blog entails. The movie is rated PG "for scary sequences and images," but will likely be appropriate for most of GCSS' clients.

A film that I most definitely recommend seeing is Where the Wild Things Are, adapted from the book by Maurice Sendak. The picture was directed by the amazing Spike Jonze, director of Being John Malkovich and Adaptation, as well as incredible music videos for artists such as the Beastie Boys, Weezer, and Björk. As in just about all of his work, Jonze creates a magical world of creatures, otherworldly sights and sounds, and childhood memories.

Whether you personally will enjoy it or not remains to be seen...but it looks as though it's one of the better films out at the moment.

Finally, this Saturday, Fulton County residents (and students) have the option of attending the "Fulton County Free Saturday" at the High Museum of Art. If you already happen to be an art enthusiast (and a Fulton resident), you may as well take advantage of the opportunity.

We are currently in the process of developing a Facebook group for GCSS...it currently exists as a "Cause," and although we have a reasonable number of members, our Cause needs to be updated more frequently if it is to benefit us. Therefore, look for more news on this ongoing project.

All that said, there's plenty more to come. Keep coming back for more updates!

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

In celebration of "Employee Appreciation Week," GCSS held a Culture and Diversity Day today at the office. From 11am-1pm, in the Training Room, employees set up a number of displays honoring their various heritages and cultural identities.

Among the display tables were an Indian table (3rd Prize); a Romanian setup designed by Stefania Matei and Raluca Toma (which one 2nd Prize for Best Table Design); and a Moroccan table designed by Grace Buotto (which won 1st Prize).

A variety of delectable dishes were served for lunch and dessert as well. Prizes were awarded for the best concoctions. The selections included African spinach sauce with rice; "cherry tarts" by Bonnie Kaufman (winner of 1st prize); "sushi candy" made by Chiyoko Rasser (winner of 2nd Prize); and "dairy delights" by Linda Timmons (winner of 3rd prize). Food-related gifts were awarded to each winner.

Diversity Day had its own soundtrack as well, consisting of music from across the world, as well as a few U.S. and Canadian hip-hop and R&B tracks ("Crabbuckit" by K-OS, "A Long Walk" by Jill Scott, "Bowtie" by Outkast and Jazze Pha, and "Feel Good, Inc.," by Gorillaz and De La Soul). Not to mention that a good number of the staff ended up doing "The Electric Slide" (caught on camera...how incriminating!) in the media room.

All in all, it turned out to be a very successful, educational, and fun event. Let's have many more like it!

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by Eric Pudalov, Community Events Coordinator

Well, OK...it isn't Christmas yet, but we're about to send out our completed November Events Calendar. LaRue is just putting the finishing touches on it today, and we should all see it shortly.

Here's a preview of some of the exciting entertainment, education, and extravaganzas we'll see this month:

Movies at the Starlight Six Drive-In

Though this isn't a "scheduled" event, per se, staff and consumers can pick any night of the week to go to "Atlanta's cheapest theater" and see the movie of their choice. Now playing: Law Abiding Citizen; Pandorum; The Stepfather; Where the Wild Things Are (adapted from the Maurice Sendak book); Zombieland; and Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant. Clearly, many of these movies are Halloween-themed, so if you can't stomach the horror genre, go to a mainstream theater.

Stone Mountain Christmas

From November all the way through Christmas, Stone Mountain transforms into a winter wonderland, featuring events such as The Polar Express 4-D Experience, "Snow Angel Meet & Greet," and a "Visit with Santa Claus."

Plus, Stone Mountain's signature lasershow transforms into the "Christmas Lasershow," featuring classic and contemporary Christmas songs and a "fireworks finale." The park also offers a chance to accomplish some of your holiday shopping, with hand blown glass ornaments, homemade fudge, toys, and holiday clothing.

More event details will be available on the Community Events e-mail, which should be sent out today.

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Although November isn't quite here yet, our work on the November Community Events Calendar is still in progress. We're still in the process of finding interesting, family-friendly, and (sometimes) free or at least inexpensive events for our staff, clients, and their families to attend.

The finalized calendar will be ready by Wed., Oct. 28. Everyone should receive a mass e-mail around that time with event details, as is the routine.

Just so you know: although Christmas doesn't, of course, hit until December, many Christmas-themed events will be taking place next month up until December 25. Keep an eye out for some of these. A few will require tickets, but many are free as well.

Check back here for the latest!

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If you were one of those GCSS clients or staff that attended yesterday's MENA Job Fair at Skyland Trail, it may be interesting to know...what did you think?

Like at a majority of job fairs, the employers and/or colleges there were not handing out job applications, per se. Though most of the booths had information readily available, the majority of GCSS clients walked out of the fair equally as confused as when they entered.

Of all the job offers there, one of the most suspicious was Primerica Financial Services, a "direct marketer of financial services which uses a large sales force of full-time & part-time representatives, headquartered in Duluth, Georgia," according to Wikipedia: Primerica Financial Services. Primerica is, essentially, a multi-level marketing company, along the lines of ACN, Inc., Amway Global, and The Cobra Group. If you are the type of person that makes an aggressive salesperson and are able to independently acquire customers, then it can be a lucrative job. For many with disabilities, however, particularly mental ones, it seems this sort of position might be extremely difficult. Just an observation.

Additionally, many had expected the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to be present, but in their spot sat an empty table (for undisclosed reasons).

Now, this isn't to say that the trip was completely worthless; for some, it was just a chance to get used to talking to employers and handing out resumes. Part of getting a job, after all, is being able to pitch oneself successfully, and this was a major part of coming to the fair. So even those who didn't find anything that they were looking for hopefully had a chance to talk to some interesting people.

Also, a representative from Skyland Trail, where the event was held, had a booth with information as well. Some clients had the opportunity to speak with her, gave her resumes, and received contact info. in order to possibly apply for a job there.

FedEx Kinko's, as well, had their own booth; two representatives explained the benefits, for someone with a disability, of working for them. Again, however, people were unable to apply for a job directly at the fair.

Perhaps the reason that no applications were available is that most major companies now do their hiring online. If paper applications were filled out, then they would most likely get lost in the system.

So...people are still looking. Good luck to you all.

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On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the Metropolitan Employment Networking Association (MENA) and Skyland Trail (an adult mental health care association) will be hosting their "2009 Career Expo" at Skyland Trail, where people with disabilities and mental illness can find appropriate jobs.

The fair takes place from 10am-2pm. According to Education and Employment Services Counselor Heidi Jones, employers at the fair will include the IRS; Goodwill Industries; Benefits Navigator (a program of Shepherd Center); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Primerica Financial Services, and the Social Security Administration (SSA). Canine Assistants will also be doing a demonstration.

Lunch will be available for purchase on site from 12:30pm-1:15pm for $5.00 per person; it includes salad bar, hot line, and beverage.

Jones also notes that parking is limited, so carpooling and using MARTA transportation is encouraged! Limited additional parking will also be available at the Hampton Inn.

Granted, the job market is difficult for everyone right now, not just those with disabilities, so many job fairs tend to be extremely crowded. One such job fair, held Aug. 15 at Atlanta's Turner Field, had an incredibly large turnout, such that it was difficult to get the attention of any one employer.

If you plan on attending this job fair, it's first come, first serve, so have plenty of resume copies ready, and go in with a confident attitude!

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In keeping with October's Halloween theme, there are events a-plenty going on this week involving ghosts, ghouls, and gremlins.

Starting on Thursday, the 15th, and running until Halloween is the Tour of Southern Ghosts at Stone Mountain Park. The tour features a cast of six different storytellers each night, and as a result, guests can return on subsequent nights and hear an entirely new set of fearsome folktales.

Also starting Oct. 15th is Disney on Ice Presents "Celebrations" at Philips Arena, a winter-themed show featuring everyone's favorite Disney characters, including (of course) Mickey and Minnie Mouse, a "Halloween Haunt" with Disney villains, a "Very Merry Unbirthday Party," and a "Royal Ball" featuring the Disney princesses. The show is appropriate for all ages, so anyone is welcome.

At 5 PM on the same day, former President Jimmy Carter and David Rubel, author of If I Had a Hammer: Building Homes and Hope with Habitat for Humanity, will be hosting a book-signing event at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum on Freedom Pkwy. Books will be available for $19.99.

On the 16th, Little Five Points hosts its two-day annual "Halloween Festival and Parade." On day one, from 6-10 PM, the Spook Show Mon-Stars will be performing classic punk songs, like the Ramones' "Blitzkrieg Pop" or "Banned in D.C." by Bad Brains (actually, no one's listed any specifics, but they might take requests!). Following the musical performance is Prof. Morte's Silver Scream Spook Show, the screening of a classic horror film such as Nosferatu or the 1931 Frankenstein, starring Boris Karloff.

On the 17th, from noon to 5 PM, children's activities will take place in Findley Plaza (at the intersection of Euclid Ave. and Moreland Ave.), as well as face painting, Tarot reading, and Henna tattooing. The Halloween parade itself starts at 4 PM, followed by a "Parade Awards Presentation" at 6 PM on the Findley Plaza stage.

In addition on the 17th, Historic Downtown Lawrenceville Square will be hosting its "2nd Annual Rock 'n' Rib Fest, featuring food and beverages made by McCray's Tavern on the Square, Texas Roadhouse, Pig Pit Crew, and California Dreaming Restaurant and Bar. Competitive BBQ cooking teams from McCray's, Spiced Right Smokehouse Barbecue, and others will be facing off in a Rib Cook-Off, with plaques given for "Easiest to fall off bone," "Best rib sauce," and "Best overall rib."

So, there's no shortage of activities this week, and hopefully the trend will continue! New developments will be posted as they arise.

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