Paul Wagner

On behalf of everyone at Peppermint Ridge, I would like to send my condolences to the Wagner family on the loss of long time Ridge resident, Paul Wagner, who passed away this morning.

I met Paul when I first began working at the Ridge in 2002. He introduced himself and began to tell me about the story he was writing. In Paul's story, just about everyone he knew became a character. I was flattered when Paul told me I was going to be TWO characters!

Paul was very active with Inland Regional Center, and was vice-president of the consumer self advocacy group. He conducted trainings for other Regional Center consumers every year at the self-advocacy conference. Paul always had a positive attitude and a compliment for those around him. He was smart, funny and kind. He knew no limits...he practiced yoga, achieved the rank of Tenderfoot in Boy Scouts, and worked extensively to ensure the rights of his peers.

Paul, I will miss you. You have left us entirely too soon.

Sailing...

On Saturday, August 4th, I was reminded that I have the best job in the world! I accompanied Del Park and Villa on a sailing trip out of Dana Point with George Saidah and the Heart of Sailing foundation. What an awesome day! The weather was perfect, the ocean, beautiful. The rhythmic movement of the sailboat on the water was hypnotizing, relaxing and therapeutic. Heart of Sailing will be back in California in October, and I am hopeful that more of the homes will participate. In the meantime, George told me about another non-profit organization that takes people with disabilities out flying! Stay tuned for more information on that!

Colleen