Valley residents are lucky to have an open invitation to help celebrate Community Living Month with Madawaska Valley Association for Community Living (MVACL). While this event takes place every May, the 2025 celebration includes some different ways to participate. If you missed the MVACL Trivia Night at Vito’s on May 21st don’t worry – read on to learn about other exciting events coming up.
FREE Challenger Baseball all summer
Last month The Current reported that MVACL was selected as a Blue Jays Community Partner for 2025. MVACL has received the appropriate adaptive equipment and coaching training sessions (held remotely) have begun. Above from left: Volunteer coaches Glen Getz, Maryann Dombroskie, and Amanda Levean. (Photo Kelly Dombroski) The three individuals received their coaches training on May 6th. Chadd Stoppa will do his training on June 3rd as he couldn’t attend the May session.
Starting July 8th a FREE Challenger Baseball program will be offered at the Paul J. Yakabuski Community Centre hardball field every Tuesday and Thursday from 3pm to 4pm until September 30th. Challenger Baseball has four main objectives: connection, courage, independence and love of physical activity. Although this adaptive program is designed to empower individuals living with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, the program will be offered to anyone who wishes to participate. To register, to volunteer, or just to get more information, please contact Mindy Brotton by phone 613-756-3817 or email mbrotton@mvacl.ca
Susan Dagenais – author talk – May 24th
In collaboration with the Madawaska Valley Public Library, MVACL is hosting an Author Talk on Saturday May 24th at 1:30pm in the MVACL Learning Centre, at 19491 Opeongo Line, Barry’s Bay. Ottawa Valley resident Susan Dagenais will discuss her book “E is for Maggie” which recounts her personal experiences of living with and loving her autistic daughter.
Movie night – May 27th
MVACL and MV Public Library are holding another collaborative event at 6pm at the Royal Canadian Legion Barry’s Bay Branch 406 at 250 John Street, Barry’s Bay. There will be a Canteen in support of Madawaska Valley District School at this FREE screening of PG rated teen drama “Out of my Mind.”
Baseball Day – May 30th
The annual MVACL Baseball Day takes place at the Paul J. Yakabuski Arena on Friday May 30th. There will be games, door prizes, a Barbecue, and a DJ on site – so this year’s bigger and better Baseball Day offers a fun time for everyone. The more spectators, the better, says Mindy Brotton of MVACL. To register a team or for more details, please contact Kelly Dombroski at 613-756-3817. You can also email kdombroski@mvacl.ca or mbrotton@mvacl.ca
Giving back to the community
Visitors at St. Francis Memorial Hospital on May 14th enjoyed free parking tokens provided by MVACL. It’s another way that MVACL gives back to the community to spread kindness and to celebrate the values of Community Living Month.