Story written by Tamara Botting
It was a celebration of the arts, drama, dance and visual arts, at the Branlyn Community Centre as members of Lansdowne Children’s Centre’s Artfelt Minds Club (Autumn, Alexis, TJ, Kara, Kendra, Dennis, Brooklyn, Cohen, Isabelle, Billie, and Hope), Lansdowne Lights Drama Club (Aeva, Zoe, Isabelle, Max, Jacob, and Alex) and the LCC Dance Crew (Isabelle, Aeva, Zoe, Matthew, Lilly, Sophia, Abbie and alumni/ dance teacher assistant Tatum) showcased their talents before a full house audience at the Therapeutic Recreation Artists’ Gala.
The annual event was hosted by Lansdowne’s Therapeutic Recreation program, and was the result of three months of preparation, rehearsals, creating sets and props and artistic expression.
“In Therapeutic Recreation programs, Lansdowne clients can participate in their preferred leisure activities without the barriers that might exist in settings with less available support staff,” said Elizabeth Burke, Recreation Therapy Assistant at Lansdowne. “In programs, we focus on building the skills needed to participate in activities and work together with the clients to find the best modifications and adaptations to support their independence as they participate. This looks different for every individual and creates a mutually respectful environment where clients socialize, have fun with and learn alongside peers as they work on individual and program goals.”
The night wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of the Alan R. Cook Foundation.
“For the past several years $25,000 has been granted annually to support the Therapeutic Recreation services for arts-based programming. It has made such a difference, and we are very appreciative to our generous donors,” explained Tiffany Morgan, Recreation Therapy Supervisor.
Cook, who passed away in May 2018, had been a dedicated participant and advocate for the arts throughout his life.
For many years, he contributed his talents to the Brantford Symphony Orchestra (BSO), on stage as a talented cellist, and behind the scenes as the orchestra’s personnel manager and a dedicated fundraiser.
Cook contributed to the next generation’s love of the arts as well, and “was instrumental in presenting live outreach recitals in both Catholic and public schools throughout Brant County,” his obituary noted.
Morgan shared that at the gala, one of the first-time participants in the Artfelt Minds Club asked to give her a hug and said, “Thank you so much I had a wonderful time.”
The LCC Dance Crew is led by instructor Tanisha, who attended the event and felt great pride for her hard-working team.
“The LCC Artist Gala is my favourite event and I’m so happy to be a part of it. The gala showcases the many talents and efforts of therapeutic recreation participants.”Tanisha continued, “I had such an amazing time dancing with them all this session. The LCC Dance Crew nailed it, yet again, on stage this year! Amazing job everyone!”
There were also smiles on the faces of the young artists and performers, whether they were showing off their talents on the stage, or in the gallery after the scheduled portion of the evening.
