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Goderich Signal Star, 2017-02-22, Page 19New Community Living South Huron executive director all about community Lynda Hillman-Rapley Postmedia Network There's a new guy in town. Ken Sykes has taken the reins as executive director of Commu- nity Living South Huron, follow- ing the retirement of Bruce Shaw who worked in that capac- ity for 19 years. Sykes has been with the Com- munity Living organization for 38 years and knows his way around. He spent most of that time in North Bay and has a small community comfort level. "People who have an intel- lectual disability can be denied the chance to explore what makes them happy," said Sykes in an interview. "Sometimes parents don't know how to let their child live on their own. Sometimes employers don't know the benefit of hiring a person with an intellectual dis- ability. That's why Community Living Ontario exists - to ensure that everyone has that opportunity." Sykes has worked closely with Community Living clients and their challenges since he was 19. He initially secured work in North Bay as a counsellor in a five -man residential group home. He then became a super- visor and aspired to make a dif- ference. Sykes said he wanted to climb the career ladder to be a leader within the social service. That happened when he became executive director in Almaguin Highland Community Living in east Perry Sound. He loved the area but after 14 years he decided to return to North Bay where he again worked as a resi- dent manager. At Community Living South Huron in Dashwood, where Sykes has brought his skillset and experience, he says he feels blessed to have the opportunity to work within the culture of a small com- munity that "embraces the clients." That said, before he came to Dashwood to take up his new duties, Sykes searched out the Lakeshore Advance's story about Shaw's retirement and was pleased with what he read. "The story talked about this man's (Shaw) 19 years at Commu- nity Living, his being a mayor and a principal, and that these would be big shoes to fill and I thought, 'I have to fill those shoes. I have to replace a legend!' Instead of being intimidated, Syke said he quickly realized that Shaw's shoes weren't to be filled. "No one can fill those shoes. I have to leave my own footprint and lead this agency in the right direc- tion. Forward:' Community Living South Huron's territory extends from Grand Bend to Seaforth. Since Sykes was raised on a lake, he decided to put down roots in Grand Bend. The new job began in mid-January. "So I am really new. I will Benmiller Inn & Spa e7:10):214t‘,; or some Pamberina Our spa is open 7 days a week and walk-in's are welcome! 9am to Spm - call for more details or visit www.benmi ler.ca for a full menu of services! **some services require advanced reservations** .0. Casual Fine Dining Open Daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ***** Live Entertainment Friday, February 24th 7:00-11:00 pm Matt Hussey Close to Home, Far Ordinary Ben miller Inn & Spa x11 B nmillcr Linc. (,n(Icrich 19.524.2191 NN .henntiller.ca spend some time listening and watching. When you take a lead position, you evaluate as where the agency is, what's working, and what could be better. "I know this business. 1 under- stand the needs and celebrate community," he explained. "We want to be the 'unity in community." Sykes continues: "This is a business I love, the agencies, the partners. The staff and board here are strong and I already feel a connection. We need the sup- port of the community and I already see that is happening here. I know the business policy and have the benefit of Shaw's expertise, having spent a couple weeks working with him before I took the reins. There is a positive energy here. Thanks to him the pillars are in place:' Sykes' focus will be to deliver "the best in the interest of those we serve." There are provincial ministry mandates that must be upheld and he wants to ensure those policies meet the needs of the community and, that if there are changes in provincial regula- tions or mandates, that those changes are seamlessly implemented. "I am a co-operative kind of guy," Sykes said regarding pro- vincial policies, but he's quick to say the local community will always be his focus. COMMUNITY CALENDAR 103rd Annual Goderich & District Mariners' Service Sunday, February 26th at 2:30 p.m. Know Presbyterian Church 9 Victoria St. N. Guest Speaker. the Rev. Ernie Naylor Music by Goderich Laketown Band & Harbouraires Men's Choir Nautical displays, refreshments & Fellowship to follow. Everyone Welcome. AFFORDABLE, PROFESSIONAL HA?RCARE. OVARANT EO a Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9-9 Sat. 9-6 HWY#8, HURON ROAD 524-1673 Coming Events Wednesday, February 22, 2017 • Signal Star 19 Coming Events BLYTH LEGION and Ladies' Auxiliary are hosting a bingo on Feb. 28th at Blyth Arena. Doors open at 6 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. CELEBRATE PHILIPPINES 2017 World Day Of Prayer. "Am I Being Unfair To You, Friday, March 3, 2017, 2 p.m. St. George's Anglican Church, 87 North St., Goderich. All are welcome. Fully accessible. DUNGANNON Lion's Euchre & Darts Dungannon Agricultural Hall Sat., Feb. 25th. Euchre at 2 p.m. Darts @ 7 p.m. Lunch provided. FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH LUNCHEON Saturday February 25, 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Beef stew, chicken stew, biscuits, dessert and beverage. $10 per person. Montreal Street. Wheelchair accessible. LUCKNOW PHARMASAVE CUSTOMER APPRECIATION! "One Day Sale" Friday, February 24th. Save 25% off store -wide on REGULAR PRICED Purses, Jewelry, Giftware, Home Decor, Clothing, Cosmetics, Vitamins, Cough Remedies, Toothpaste & more! Exceptions Apply to Sale Merchandise, Prescriptions, Phone/Gift Cards, and Stamps . Sale Hours:9am to 6pm Friday, February 24th only. Located on Hwy 86 - downtown Lucknow. MACKAY CENTRE FOR SENIORS 2017 membership $10 - MacKay Centre of- fers programs that promote active living - meet new friends, come out for lunch, for more information call 519-524-6660 or check out our website at www.mackaycentreforseniors.com Loci¢rich. Legion Branch 109 FOR RENT AN bookings for... weddings, banquets, birthdays, receptions, dances, social functions, call George 519-524-9282 To all clubs, unions, etc., space is avai ,Ie for rent, Legion bottom floor. Cal Mon -Fri 8 am - noon CALENDAR OF EVENTS Feb 25: Crippled Ducks Mar 4: Assorted Affair Music from 4-8pm TUESDAY: SOCIAL DARTS 7 PM TUESDAY: MIXED EUCHRE 7:30 PM WEDNESDAY: JAMMERS 7 PM THURSDAY: 75c WINGS ALL DAY PEPPER 1 PM (EVERY SECOND THURSDAY) FRIDAY: MIXED CRIBBAGE 1:30 PM MEAT DRAWS EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY 6 PM SUNDAY AFTERNOON BINGO 1:25 PM Hours: Mon: 11 am to 7 pm, Tues - Sat: 11 am to 11 pm Coming Events Coming Events MACKAY CENTRE FOR SENIORS Tuesday Meal Deal - 12 noon, delicious 3 course meal - $10.00 (member) $12.00 (non-members) Pick up a newsletter from MacKay Centre or check out our website at www.mackaycentreforseniors to see the menus. MACKAY CENTRE WEEKLY CARDS Bid Euchre every Thursday at 1 p.m. New players always welcome. SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE & SAUSAGE SUPPER, Berea -by -the -Water Lutheran Church, 326 Gibbons St., Goderich, Tuesday February 28, 2017. 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., $8/adult, $20/family. LET'S ALL DO �j OUR PART! '/•� PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER Arena Bingo every Wednesday night 655pm Early Bird 3 SPECIALS Jackpot Special Goderich Arena, McDonald St. Licit M717467 TV BINGO Monday Night 7:pm Hurontel Channel 1 Tuckersmith Channel 48 Eastlink Channel 10 • . WI • . • lit • - • . • • • Help Celebrate • • • i • • • �• Patrick O'Donnell's°. `• 80th Birthday '� on r • March 4th, 2017 • 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. . - Knights of Columbus Centre Goderich, Ontario • • Best Wishes Only! . • .