Blissymbolics Communication Institute Canada
I have known Virginia since high school at Riverdale.
We both studied Psychology at U of T in the class of 5T3. We both worked at Simpsons-Sears upon graduating. We have kept in touch as we raised our families, and lived in many different locations. I hope Virginia will be able to view this Birthday greeting!
At Bliss i-Band on Wednesday, June 19, the I-Band members were happy to celebrate Gulay’s and Saee’s graduation from the Ontario College of Art and Design University, Toronto, on June 14. Both Gulay and Saee graduated from the Inclusive Design program, receiving their Master of Design. They both participate in the I-Band through helping Elaine Drover (Gulay) and Christine Jimenez (Saee), and their major projects of their final year involved collaborative work with Elaine and Christine. We look forward to Saee and Gulay continuing with the I-Band next year as they begin their professional careers.
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Here is a video glimpse of the special moment on stage!
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Here is a close up of Gulay with her parents and Saee with her friends!
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The Life of Rhonda McCaig
We are fortunate that current technology enabled us to retrieve this video, produced
over 10 years ago!
The original recording has been restored and can now be viewed by Rhonda and her friends.
Please enjoy this music production by the Creative Spirits Theatre Group in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada. The original production, was called “My Life” .
The current video is named after the ending song, written and played by Production Director, Kelly McGillvray.
Rhonda’s friends in the Bliss I-Band thank Rhonda for sharing her story with us!
The members of the Bliss I-Band were happy to celebrate two special events this May!
Carolyn Henry had her birthday on May 28 and on May 22 Carolyn was recognized for 25 years of volunteering at the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital!
and
Happy Birthday!
Here is a music video to help you remember your special month of May!
Carolyn, we hope you enjoy signing along with Rebecca and Shirley
as you look back on your special times in May 2024!!!
During these first months of 2024, we have lost two moms whose love and support enriched the lives of their offspring beyond measure.
The role Lourdes Jimenez played in Christine’s life and the role played by Rosemary Marshall in Paul’s life, varied with the talents and needs of Christine and Paul. These two moms, however, had much in common.
Lourdes and Rosemary both raised their children near Hamilton, Ontario. Rosemary raised Paul on a farm near Binbrook. Lourdes raised Christine in their family home in Burlington. They both had the help of a wonderful Bliss teacher, Barbara Rush, and a Bliss-nurturing community and education system. They both had two other children and a busy family life. They both spent many years raising their children as single parents after losing their husbands. They both participated in and were valued members of the Bliss community. They both were, first and foremost, very special parents!
Lourdes was a kind and loving full-time mom, providing Christine’s extensive physical care and ensuring that Christine had the education and communication support and social opportunities she needed. I remember fondly visits to the family home and always knowing there would be a warm welcome.
Rosemary was a busy farm manager and school bus driver, proud and supportive of Paul in his determination for independence, whether it be on the tractor or on the computer. I remember my visits to the farm, nervous (needlessly) of their barking dog running to the car upon my arrival. I was always aware of the many farm chores that awaited both Rosemary and Paul upon my departure, but I always received inviting relaxed hospitality …. and their assurance that their dog was welcoming me!
In the first picture below, you see Paul and Rosemary conversing, at a Bliss Christmas party, circa 2012, with Barbara Rush listening, and you have a peek at another special mom in the background….Miriam Running, mother of Ann, both of whom we have lost many years ago.
We are proud to celebrate the lives of two remarkable women – Lourdes and Rosemary!
I will always treasure the many good times I shared with them!
They will always be remembered with love!
Shirley
On Friday, March 22, Joe shared with Rebecca Chan and me the sad news that his beloved cat, Kristen, had to be put down that day.
Both Rebecca and I knew how very much Kristen meant to Joe, and what an important part of his life she was. She was his “Baby” and he cared for her faithfully in different homes in Toronto and then in his new home in Orillia.
Our thoughts are with Joe!
Rebecca expressed it well when she said:
“I hope you will be comforted by knowing that you gave Kristen a wonderful home on this earth, and in return she gave you her loving presence.
Through the sadness, I will remember how wonderful it is that you had each other. “
Kristen had her own very strong personality. She was feisty and unpredictable in her younger years, and a relaxed and comforting companion as she aged.
Joe,
May you gain solace in your many happy memories of your times with Kirsten!
Our love is with you.
We, at BCIC, were very sad to learn that Bob passed away on March 9 from pneumonia.
His longtime friend, instructor and work partner, Anne O’Malley was by his side at the end. Bob was a loyal supporter of BCIC – serving as Secretary on the Board of Directors for many years and always a strong ambassador for Bliss.
Here is the reaction of Elaine Drover, BCIC Vice-Chair:
I IN SHOCK. BOB WAS SWEET HARD WORKER
I AM REALLY SORRY.
LOVE
ELAINE
Here is a link to a project Bob did with Valerie Cruse, around 2008.
I look forward to including the above “Combining” keynote presentation in the Blissymbolics Instructional Compendium (BIC)
Bob will be greatly missed!
We send our sincere condolences to Anne O’Malley and Bob’s family.
Shirley
On Sunday March 3, 2024, the Bliss I-Band enjoyed a ‘Meet and Greet” with Martin Henderson and Alex Breckenridge, leading stars in Virgin River! For 14 minutes, we heard about the music interests of Alex and Martin and we learned about how the music in the film is added to the performances of actors. What we see on TV is the result of many layers of talent!
It was a memorable experience for everyone who attended. The meeting was planned by Shirley as a thank-you to the Bliss i-Band members who played the music in “Bliss i-Band Virgin River Medley Abridged Version” now available on YouTube AND to tell Martin and Alex how much the Bliss I-Band enjoys and appreciates Virgin River. We showed a short clip in which we conveyed our thanks to the full Virgin River team for their excellent Netflix series!
The following picture shows a screen shot from the video as Carolyn and Samantha play using garage band and chordify, and you see Carolyn, Glynis, Shirley, Julie signing the chords, with Samantha intently watching.
The next picture shows the Bliss I-Band members and helpers listening to Martin and Alex. A happy time was had by all!
See November 2, 2023 blog entry for link to complete Virgin River Medley
10 songs from Virgin River Length 1.25 hours
Message to Martin Henderson and Alexandra Breckenridge
Click above link to see 3 minute message
We are pleased to provide the link
to the Virgin River Medley
produced by the Bliss i-Band Chordify group,
premiered on November 1, 2023.
The Bliss I-Band produced this video to express their appreciation to the cast and production team of Virgin River; to show their enjoyment of the Virgin River series; and to share their pleasure with friends..
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S4T7qbz8kHLWj5ZwCpmTtoFtYyfiL40o/view?usp=share_link
At our zoom premiere on Nov. 1, Bliss I-Band members were delighted to present Bliss i-Band “Virgin River Medley” to a group of old friends. The following are some screen shots of some of those who attended, as they watched the video.
On November 1st, we also shared a short clip that reminded us of the many good times Bliss users and alumni had at the Bliss Learning Centre in Bala. Below is the link to a view of the Bliss House and a group sharing dinner and our music grace. The video ends with a view of the Moon River, reminding us of the many associations we have with Virgin River.
