Your SibNews for April-June 2023
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Featured in this issue:
The WisconSibs, Inc Board of Directors is excited to announce Ann Sickon (sigh’-kon), of Middleton, as the second Executive Director of WisconSibs, Inc.
Sickon was most recently the Executive Director, and then the Senior Executive Advisor of the Center for Independent Futures (CIF),Evanston, IL, an Illinois-based nonprofit organization dedicated to creating innovative product and service models that give individuals with disabilities and their families the skills and opportunities to realize full lives. Ann has degrees from Loyola University Chicago, University of Michigan-Flint, and Henry Ford Hospital School of Nursing.
Having a sister with disabilities herself, Ann brings immense passion and understanding to this position. She is a parent of two adult daughters living in Madison, and a son attending the Cutting Edge Program at Edgewood College. She will fulfill her duties as Executive Director both in Appleton and remotely from Middleton.
Earlier this year, Harriet Redman, who founded the organization 25 years ago announced her retirement as Executive Director. She will continue in an advisory role as Sickon gets acquainted with the operations, participants, and collaborators and serve as the Director of Special Projects part-time. She will continue to advocate with and for siblings, locally and nationally.
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While in-person WisconSibs events are suspended for a few weeks, the Sibs Are My Peeps Photo Challenge is going strong! Kids, adults, grandparents…ANYBODY and EVERY BODY…can join in and have fun.
HOW TO ENTER
1. Using Peeps® and a box (not to exceed 24” deep X 24” tall) create a scene that depicts “Take a Peep Around the World”, the theme of the 2020 WisconSibsSibs Are My Peeps®Photo Challenge. Take your Peeps® on a magical, marshmallowy-sweet adventure to anywhere in the world. Melt ‘em, mold ‘em, dress ‘em up. Be creative. Find ideas at: https://wisconsibs.org/what-we-offer/sibs-are-my-peeps/
NEW OPTION! Don’t have Peeps® or a box in the house and can’t get out to get some? No problem. Make a “flat Peep” display using paper, some crayons, and of course your imagination. Pinterest is a good place to find Peeps coloring pages or download this one. Peeps coloring page
2. Email no more than two photos of your scene to: [email protected] Photos must be .jpg, .jpeg or .png. Your email must also include:
–Names, ages and hometown/state of all who helped create the scene.
–Phone number and e-mail address (not for publication).
–Title of your scene. (Extra points for cleverness of course.)
–2-4 sentences about your creation or its significance.
All submissions will be reviewed and five winners will be announced. Winners will be awarded “Sibs are my Peeps” t-shirts.
“In these confusing times, its even more important to find ways to use our imaginations as an escape or respite. We hope this challenge will provide some fun for siblings and many others. We also hope to raise awareness of the many roles siblings play in our lives as we approach National Siblings Day on April 10. We especially acknowledge the often-overlooked critical roles that siblings play when one may have a disability. ” says Harriet Redman, Executive Director of WisconSibs.
The Sibs are my Peeps®” Contest welcomes friends, families, or co-workers, or any other individual or group, regardless of age or ability. No purchase is necessary to enter the contest.
QUESTION?
Do I need to be a sibling? Nope. Anyone can enter. Any age. Any ability. Any person. Any group, business, or school. From anywhere.
Do I need to be artistic? Nope. Just be willing to have fun with it. The theme this year is “Take a Peep Around the World”.
Does it cost anything? Nope. Only cost is purchasing Peeps which are about $1.30 a package.
May I post my creation on social media? You sure can! Just tag it with #sibsaremypeeps and #wisconsibs To officially enter the challenge, please email your 2 photos to [email protected]
Additional tags could include #covid-19nomatchformypeeps #takeapeeparoundtheworld
How do I enter?
Go to www.wisconsibs.org/what-we-offer/sibs-are-my-peeps to get details and see examples.
#covid-19nomatchformypeeps #sibsaremypeeps #wisconsibs #takeapeeparoundtheworld
This issue is filled with stories and information about:
To view or print, click Dec 2019-Jan 2020 SibNews
This Special Anniversary Edition of SibNews features Ben and his sister, Amanda. Ben has been active with WisconSibs since practically the beginning and shares how the organization and the siblings he’s met has made a difference in his life.
Plus, LOTS OF PHOTOS from our 20th Anniversary Celebration and some of the amazing treasures found in the Time Capsule that siblings created 20 years ago at one of the first Sibshops.
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At least that’s how these kids seem to feel. While its the long and hot “Dog Days of Summer” for the rest of Wisconsin, these WisconSibs ages 6-12 and their teen/young adult counselors, all (but 2) having siblings with disabilities, are having a blast at the “SibDays of Summer”.
Learn more about their week of activities and growth by downloading their SibDaily News issues.
Can’t wait for next year!! In the meantime, watch for information about Sibshops starting in September.
Parents, adult siblings and other family members will want to get informed about this new option in Wisconsin.
Plan to attend:
Decision-Making Support Options: Guardianship, Supported Decision-Making and More
July 18 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Mad Apple (3025 W College Ave) in Appleton
Sponsored by SOAR Fox Cities and WisconSibs, Inc.
Registration requested. Contact either
[email protected] 920-731-9831 – or-
[email protected] 920-968-1742
Supported decision-making is a process now formally recognized in Wisconsin state law that provides an alternative to guardianship and will be a helpful tool for many Wisconsin residents. Supported Decision-Making can allow older adults and people with disabilities to retain their authority to make life decisions, while also having trusted people provide support. Attend this presentation to learn what the new law does and how you might use it in your life or to support a family member. Kristine Williams, attorney with Remley & Sensenbrenner, and WisconSibs board member will provide information and answer questions.
Download flyer : HERE
Download the Alternatives to Guardianship booklet: HERE