April 2004

CORE: They're out there! 50 years and going strong

Step by step, CORE Association is now celebrating fifty years of service to Medicine Hat. Many of you may remember CORE's former name, the Medicine Hat Regional Association for the Mentally Handicapped. Well, CORE has come a long way from its original beginnings in a church basement. Besides its name change, CORE has developed into an intrinsic component of Medicine Hat providing services that enhance the quality of living for everyone in the community.

CORE's vision is that "all individuals with developmental disabilities feel accepted and valued as members of their community." Just take a walk through the rooms and halls of CORE and you will feel the sense of belonging and self-worth emitting from every person you meet. CORE offers a variety of programming. They provide opportunities for community inclusion, in-house training, sensory awareness, academics, hobbies and leisure activities.
One program in particular, which has everyone smiling, is the awesome Step by Step art program. This program is open to all people interested in developing their creative side. This program is highly beneficial for its participants in that it provides a sense of value and self-worth and an opportunity for socialization in the day program and the community. It is also educational, providing opportunities to learn about current events and local histories through visits to the museum and art galleries, studio trips and community events.

Step by Step offers a variety of classes using different media. Everything from drawing to fibre art is explored. Participant Anita Harris, who pens her works simply 'Anita', beams from ear to ear when she exclaims that her art works might be for sale and will be exhibited. Her excitement is contagious. Rosemarie Kat, AKA 'Rosie K' as she signs her works, smiles with pride as she shows me her art. It is all what I expect to see and more. More than just colour applied to a surface, her ceramic gecko displays a first place ribbon from last year's Stampede competition and her hand dyed handbag reveals true talent. Rosie K's paintings are lacking no less in luster. Anita's acrylic painting, "Niagra Falls," falls nothing short of real talent. Their paintings are expressive and reflective of their interests and influences.

Art instructor Teresa Weiss credits this "dream-come-true job" to the observance of a little cat being drawn by an individual who claimed to be unable to draw, having never drawn before to know any better. This same little cat now hangs behind her desk in testament to the growth and success of a little idea and a big dream, which may soon take the participants to Edmonton to exhibit and give a talk on their program.

CORE will host several events this year in honour of their 50th anniversary celebration, including a spring tea, a banquet and a public activity day. For more information and dates you are welcome to phone CORE at (403) 527-3302 or e-mail them at core.main@coreassoc.net.

Questions for me? Please e-mail BeKean@telusplanet.net