Eleanor wins Waterford CAREGiver of the Year title

Eleanor Fox was announced as the overall 

winner of Waterford’s Home Instead

Senior Care’s CAREGiver of the Year awards.  Eleanor will now go on to represent Waterford in the national CAREGiver of the Year awards which will take place later this year.

A Waterford native, Eleanor is Home Instead Senior Care’s longest serving CAREGiver, clocking up almost 6,000 hours of care for her 50 clients.  Eleanor was a popular choice amongst the adjudicating panel, which consisted of Barbara Murphy, Manager of Older People Services, Nick Donnelly, CEO of Waterford Chamber of Commerce, and Anne Corcoran Browne, daughter of popular and well-regarded Waterfordian, Denny Corcoran, who was formerly a client of Home Instead Senior Care.

According to Director of Care at Home Instead, Danette Connolly, Eleanor was a very worthy winner of the prestigious title. “To Eleanor each person she cares for is much more than just a client and indeed many of them and their families have come to regard Eleanor as a friend.  This is most likely because Eleanor treats each client as a friend and not a frail, sick or frightened senior.”

“Eleanor has truly embraced the philosophies of Home Instead Senior Care.  She is a superb example of a CAREGiver that lives Home Instead Senior Care by building trust, taking the lead and sharing her heart with her clients”, Danette added.

Now in its fourth year the awards recognise and reward the work of Waterford’s CAREGivers.  According to Nick Donnelly, Adjudicator, “It is refreshing to see a company such as Home Instead place so much emphasis on the role of their carers, by investing in them and ensuring that their clients reap the rewards of the best possible service.”

“The work of the CAREGiver is invaluable and often goes unrecognised.  The decision was a difficult one to make as there are so many dedicated and compassionate carers in the city and county.  Each and every one of them has brought something good to the lives of their clients.”

Other awards on the evening included the CAREGiver Award for the most promising new recruit, the longest service award, the CAREGiver Award for the CAREGiver who is currently a Student and Length of Service Pins were presented to 46 recipients.

To find out more about the Home Instead Senior Care CAREGiver awards or the work of Home Instead Senior Care call Home Instead Senior Care on 051 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie

An afternoon of Fun for Life !

Last year's winner of the T-Shirt design competition -  Eoin Moran

The South East Fun for Life takes place on Sunday, October 5^th in the People’s Park, Waterford.  It’s guaranteed to be a jam-packed family fun day and all for a great cause, the South East Cancer Foundation.

There is a full programme of events on the day including bouncy castles, climbing walls, rodeo bull, balloon modeling, kids races, Waterford United Penalty Shoot Out, along with a farmer’s market and much more.  The People’s Park will also be home to the finish line of the Solas Centre South East Run for Life and Beat 102 103 will be broadcasting live from the event.

All volunteers in the Park on the day will be wearing the winning design of this years T-Shirt competition sponsored by Datapac. The competition was open to 5^th and 6^th Class students throughout Waterford and Wexford with the winning design chosen by Sean Corcoran of The Art Hand.  Not only will the winner see their design being worn throughout the Park on the Day but they will also receive a Sporthouse School Bag full of goodies along with a trip to Hasbro Toy Factory for their entire class.  Two runners up will also receive Sporthouse School Bags.  All entries will be displayed in the Park so come along and see these fabulous fun designs.  

The Fun for Life is the family-centric part of the day as the Solas Centre South  Run for Life gets under way that day on the Quay at 12.30.  Thousands of runners, walkers and joggers are expected to complete the 10 mile course and finish in the People’s Park.

According to Clair Moriarty, South East Run for Life Committee Chair, the Fun for Life was created to ensure the participants in the South East Run for Life, their families and friends can all enjoy a great day for a great cause.

“We are hoping to increase on last years numbers with participants coming from all over the South East, so we want to ensure that their families and friends are well looked after and entertained while the runners undertake the more taxing 10 mile run.”

However, Clair added the Fun for Life is for everyone and wants to encourage as many people to come along and enjoy the teeming fun line up.

“The entertainment is guaranteed to appeal to all ages.  Beat 102-103 will be broadcasting live from the People’s Park, there will be face painters, bouncy castles and a rodeo bull.  The Farmers Market will also be there with a wide and tasty selection of fresh artisan treats and refreshments.”

The event is organised by Ian Power of Sporthouse, who were thrilled to be involved with the Solas Centre Fun for Life in aid of the South East Cancer Foundation, which is such a deserving cause.

So this weekend, whether you’re participating in the Solas Centre South East Run for Life or you just want to enjoy a few hours of great family fun you won’t want to miss the Fun for Life Day at the People’s Park, Waterford on Sunday, October 5th from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.

For more information on the Fun for Life Day call the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the Facebook page “Solas Centre South East Run for Life”.

Waterford Entrepreneur receives Seán Lemass Excellence Award

Cathal Daly of De la Salle Waterford, winner of the Senior category of the National Student Enterprise Awards earlier this year, received the Seán Lemass Awards for Excellence in Enterprise from An Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny T.D. last week.

The annual Student Enterprise Awards, run by all 31 Local Enterprise Offices around the country, is the biggest student enterprise programme in Ireland, attracting 17,000 teenage entrepreneurs last year from over 370 secondary schools. Now in its 13^th year, well over 100,000 students have taken part over the years by setting up and running their own student enterprises in the classroom, with support from their Local Enterprise Office.  Further details around this year’s programme are available at www.studententerprise.ie.

The launch tool place at the Seán Lemass Awards for Excellence in Enterprise at the Department of Education and Skills in Dublin, where twelve award-winning studentswere presented with an award by An Taoiseach, Mr. Enda Kenny T.D. The Seán Lemass Awards are a joint initiative by the Local Enterprise Offices and the Professional Development Service for Teachers. 

Pictured: Stephen Walshe, Local Enterprise Offices, Cathal Daly of ‘‘Upright Cycle Stands’, Senior Category Winner of the 2014 Student Enterprise Awards from De la Salle College, Waterford City, An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D. and Vincent Reynolds, Chair of Local Enterprise Office Network launching the 2014/2015 Student Enterprise Awards, organised by the Local Enterprise Offices.

Solas Centre South East Run for Life – looking for fundraising inspiration?

September is here, the kids are back to school and the South East Run for Life is less than a month away.

The annual 10 mile run, which takes place on Sunday, October 5^th,  is a week earlier this year, so that means a week less for training and a week less for fundraising.

The South East Run for Life differs from other events because, while it does not have a registration fee, it is a fundraising event for the South East Cancer Foundation and the more money raised, the more people and families affected by cancer can avail of the cancer support services at the Solas Centre.

As a registered charity, 100% reliant on donations, it is the generosity and commitment of the people of the South East that enables the South Eastern Cancer Foundation to continue and further improve the services it provides to those affected by cancer.

Claire Moriarty, Chair of the SERFL committee, is urging those who intend to partake in the 10 mile run to pick up sponsorship cards and start fundraising today.  “While the run does not have a registration fee, there is a cost to organise this event and that is why the fundraising effort is critical to the Centre’s continued success.”

“We are looking forward to seeing some fun, quirky, and just plain mad fundraising events over the coming weeks.”

“There are loads of tried and tested fundraising ideas that work so well for charities, but we have been warmly encouraged by many of our supporters who are raising funds through fun events.”

According to Claire, “Bank of Ireland Lisduggan will hold a Solas Centre Orange Day this month.  The branch will be decorated in a sea of orange, the staff will wear orange on the day and will be selling orange cupcakes in an attempt to fundraise for the Solas Centre.”
“The Sportif Cycling Club has organised a 200km cycle in the aid of the Solas Centre and we have been told that Book Clubs throughout the South East will hold fundraising events to raise money for the event.”

If you are taking part in the South East Run for Life on Sunday, October 5^th and are looking for some fundraising inspiration, you could try some of these:

·         Offer to walk neighbours/friends dog for a fee while training!

·         Organise lunch time walks – pay as you go!

·         Raise money by organising a training group with friends

·         Host a South East Run For Life pre event; BBQ/Lunch/Coffee Morning

·         Organise fun events with family and friends before the event e.g. egg and spoon race,         mini-  mini marathon around the estate/local area etc. 

·         Talks and demonstrations – e.g. book readings, cookery demonstrations

·         Sell unwanted gifts or clutter

Every year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny 2,000 people are diagnosed with cancer.  This year the Solas Centre aims to have 2,000 sponsored participants run, jog or walk the 10 mile route; that’s one runner, to match every person diagnosed.

The centre is a haven for those affected by cancer, where they can avail of confidential, informal and free support services such as counselling, psychotherapy therapy, massage, reflexology and support groups provided by highly trained individuals in a professional manner.

Sponsorship cards are available to download at www.solascentre.ie, or can be collected from the Solas Centre at Williamstown, Waterford.  Alternatively you can visit Beat 102 103 studios or AIB branches.

For further information contact the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the ‘Solas Centre South East Run for Life’ Facebook page or Twitter @solascentre

Free Alzheimer’s Training during World Alzheimer's Month

Home Instead Senior Care in Waterford is offering a unique approach to help local families manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, diseases that eventually rob older people of their memories and independence.

Free training for families’ caregivers is now available through three training workshops taking place on September, 17^th, 18^th and 19^th in Waterford and Dungarvan.

Though research continues, there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. But until there is a cure, there is care. This workshop is specially designed for family caregivers and offers a personal approach to help families care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease at home. 60-70% of people with dementia in Ireland currently live at home in the community and rely on family caregivers.

“Until there is a cure, we offer an interim solution,” said Danette Connolly, Director of Care, Home Instead Senior Care, Waterford. “The purpose of the Alzheimer’s Confidence to Care Workshop is to support family caregivers when it comes to understanding dementias and providing care at home for a loved one.”

                                                                                               

The Home Instead Senior Care network assembled the top experts in Alzheimer’s disease across the globe to develop this new training and support programme for family caregivers. “The training we’re offering to families is the same kind of training our professional caregivers receive. We want to support family caregivers, help them better understand this condition and encourage them care for themselves while also caring for loved ones,” Danette noted.

The workshop for family caregivers consists of four classes: Alzheimer’s Disease or Other Dementias Overview; Capturing Life’s Journey; Techniques to Manage Behaviours; and Activities to Encourage Engagement. A free kit is available for those who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. Also called Confidence to Care, the kit includes advice and resources to help families keep the home safe for a person with a dementia as well as advice on caring for the caregiver.

“Confidence to Care is a wonderful hands-on approach that helps caregivers deal with the behavioural changes that too often accompany these disorders – one of the biggest stressors for caregivers.” said Dr. Jane F. Potter, who served on the expert panel to help develop content for the Alzheimer’s Confidence to Care training workshop.

“It is our intention that this workshop is a support to the many families in our area who are being impacted each day by this devastating disease,” Danette added.

The free Confidence to Care workshops take place in Home Instead Senior Care, Cleaboy Business Park on September 17^th from 6pm to 9pm and September 19^th from 2pm to 5pm.  The Dungarvan workshop takes place on September 18^th from 2pm to 5pm at St. Joseph’s Community Hospital.

 For further information, contact your local Home Instead Senior Care office at 051 333960 or visit www.homeinstead.ie.

Waterford food producers to create 30 new jobs in 12 months

There is a quiet food revolution taking place in Waterford City and County.

From the traditional and famous Blaa to exotic seaweed based breads, the return of hand roasting coffee in the region to locally famous ice cream makers, these and more local food producers will be pitching their tents in Cathedral Square, Waterford City and creating the Enterprising Food Village in this September’s Harvest Festival. 

Festival goers can also look forward to practical cookery demonstrations in the village over the weekend.

Over the past few years the routes to market for local food producers have expanded exponentially. Festivals such as Harvest increase sales, but more importantly introduce these brands to new markets and future customers.

Based on working with local food producers, Mr. Ciaran Cullen of Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office anticipates an increase of over 30 jobs from those businesses in the next 12 months. “The food culture in Waterford has shifted perceptively in the last few years.  Here in Waterford we are lucky to have a dedicated group of food producers who are making great strides in putting Waterford on the Irish food map. This is in no small part helped by the Local Enterprise Office’s ‘Food Academy Programme’, in partnership with SuperValu and Bord Bia. Our clients have informed us of plans to expand their workforce due to increased demand both within Ireland and internationally.”

The Food Academy really does give small producers a big chance, as local producers from Waterford City and County; Gino’s Ice-cream, Ponticelli Coffee, The Early Bird Egg Company, Edelicious and Sea of Vitality were among the first participants in this tailored retail programme resulting in the Waterford ‘five’ becoming the first graduates to have their products displayed on the shelves of Caulfield’s, Garvey’s and Quish’s SuperValu stores in Waterford last month.

Based on the success of the initial sales and customer feedback SuperValu has agreed to expand the Waterford food products nationwide to line the shelves of between 15 and 20 stores across the SuperValu platform. Mr. Cullen believes this expansion in sales will translate into jobs and inspire further food enterprises in the county.

The Harvest Festival takes place in Waterford City on the weekend of the 12th to 14th September 2014. Now in its sixth year, the three day festival has built a reputation as a valuable showcase for local and regional food producers.  Young and young at heart alike will be able to find something to whet their appetites throughout Waterford’s city centre, the Viking Triangle and the three City Centre Parks.

If you want to know more the Harvest Festival’s full programme of events is available on http://www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie/.  The Festival brochure is widely available throughout the City and County.  Be sure to keep up to date on all things Harvest Fest by checking it out on Facebook and Twitter.

Waterford on display as Waterford 1100 announces window display competition

Waterford City and County Council recently launched the Waterford 1100 Window Display competition to encourage local businesses in Waterford City to “celebrate Waterford”, with prizes of €1,500, €1,000, €750 and €500 respectively to be awarded to the winning entries.

The initiative has received support from prominent business groups, Waterford Chamber of Commerce and Waterford Business Group.  The premise of the initiative is to encourage businesses within Waterford City to celebrate an aspect of Waterford through window displays incorporating their products or stock. 

Billy Duggan, Chairman of the Waterford 1100 committee commented, “As Ireland’s oldest city, Waterford City has contributed significantly to the historical, social, economic and artistic landscape of the country over the past 1100 years. We are encouraging businesses in the city to take part in the Waterford 1100 celebrations by participating in the window display competition.”

“The theme of the window display competition ‘celebrate Waterford’ will mean so many different things to different people”, Mr. Duggan added. “To some, celebrating Waterford might mean a Munster senior hurling championship win, or the city’s Viking heritage or a fresh blaa filled with red lead. We are actively encouraging businesses to interpret the theme in a way that is meaningful to them – and in the most creative way possible!”

The panel of judges consists of Peter Kelly, aka “Franc”, the wedding planner synonymous with shows such as RTE’s Weddings by Franc and Franc’s DIY Brides, WLRfm’s Big Breakfast Blaa presenter, Karen Tomkins, and Billy Duggan, Chairman of the Waterford 1100 committee.

The judges will be looking for creativity, relevant to the competition theme and a certain WOW factor. Participants are strongly encouraged to integrate their own product into the display so that will not only make a strong impact but may also encourage customers into the premises.

Peter Kelly (aka Franc) of the judging panel for the “Celebrate Waterford” competition said, “I'm delighted to be coming to Waterford, Ireland's oldest city, on its 1100th anniversary.  I'm excited to see all the wonderful window displays because I know how creative Waterford people are.”

Businesses can register via www.waterford1100.com and window displays will be judged from Friday, September 19^th, with the winners announced at a reception in City Hall in early October.

Cllr. Eddie Mulligan, Chair of the Waterford Business Group said “The WBG is delighted to support the Council on this project.  Our members, who are established right across the city, have been making great strides in enhancing the City centre offering.  The window display competition is a wonderful way to encourage businesses to celebrate Waterford through creative, fun, engaging window displays.  It will also make visiting the City, whether for shopping, having a coffee, or just meeting friends an even more enjoyable experience.  We would ask that everyone does their part in ‘Rediscovering your Waterford City’.”

Mr. Nick Donnelly, CEO of Waterford Chamber of Commerce, which also fully supports the initiative commented, “There is great potential for Waterford to move forward and a project like this which encourages businesses to work collectively to enhance the City can only be welcomed. We’re looking forward to seeing how businesses choose to ‘celebrate Waterford’ and put the spotlight on some of Waterford’s great achievements, people and history.”

For a fact sheet about the Waterford 1100 Window Display competition or to register your business visit www.waterford1100.com

It’s all of a buzz in the City for Harvest

With so many family and community events popping up throughout the Harvest Festival, Waterford City will certainly be buzzing from September 12^th to 14^th.  Wyse Park, New Street Gardens and People’s Park will host a vast array of activities. 

In New Street Gardens there will be cookery demonstrations, bee-keeping classes, GIY workshops, puppet making, live music and plenty of family fun! Wyse Park kicks off with a Hoedown on Friday thanks to St Brigid’s Family & Community Centre and Inner City Youth Project, so don’t forget to swing your ‘pardner do-si so’. There will also be herbal remedy stalls, storytelling, food craft, not to mention building -a- Bed led by Waterford Civic Trust St John Priory Project and the GROW Project.

People’s Park is all about Picnics and Play with giant Jenga, boules and chess, not to mention the muddy mayhem, games, science and foodie fun activities all Saturday afternoon proudly brought to you by Caulfield’s SuperValu.

Let the kids’ creativity and imaginations run wild as they make their own cupcakes, pasta art, noodle doodles or paper gardens in the City Square Shopping Centre. The City Library will be transformed by the mad cap antics of clowns, acrobats and all things circus!

City POP is brought to Harvest by an eclectic mix of skilled local people and artistic innovators. It aims to bring an exciting and eye-catching visual element to the streets of Waterford. Passers-by can interact with the energy of the festival through larger than life creations and art installations. Keep an eye out for The Grow Project's latest creative outdoor installation- a colourful makeover for the gardener's humble friend, the wheelbarrow!

Follow the ‘Green Trail’ and discover guerrilla gardens and pop up planting, all adding a Harvest feel to the Waterford landscape. The ‘Green Team’- GIY Waterford, Ballybeg Greens and Ucasadh - has been busy planting and plotting to lay a living carpet under the Viking Long Boat.

Stroll along Scarecrow Street, watch out for frying pans and watering cans overhead and check out the giant veg patch in John Roberts Square, or spot the amazing signposts built with skill and care from Traditional Craft by Waterford.

Art on the Railings is another colourful addition to the festival on Saturday, September 13th from 11am to 4pm. With over 35 artists showcasing their talents on the railings around Bishop’s Palace and Christ Church Cathedral you can be sure to pick up a quirky, affordable and original piece of work. 

All roads lead to Waterford on 12^th - 14th September.  If you want to know more the Harvest Festival’s full programme of events is available on http://www.waterfordharvestfestival.ie/.  The Festival brochure has been distributed and is widely available throughout the City and County.  Be sure to keep up to date on all things Harvest Fest by checking it out on Facebook and Twitter.