Ruth Shelton was an incredible artist, activist, friend and student of Short Center North. Ruth first came to the Short Center in 1982.
When she first came to the center she made it very clear that she wanted to draw. Ruth created multiple impressionist style paintings
and participated in many art exhibits while at SCN. Ruth's perseverance and determination to suceed, as evidenced by her completing
her entire catalog of work with a specially constructed headset, was an inspiration to everyone.
Prior to coming to SC she had drawn a little, but she drew with the pencil or marker in her mouth; which destroyed her teeth. Because
of the damage to her teeth her careprovider wanted her to stop drawing. She was quite insistent that she wanted to draw, so staff tried to
adapt a sports mouthpiece but it was cumbersome and painful. About this time she tried painting with the brush in her mouth,shortening
the handle, it was a mess and again she was told to stop because the paint would get all over her clothes and chair.
Ruth never stopped SCN staff would cover her up (some of the time) and not mention the art during meetings or visits with case managers
Once SCN figured out how to adapt a headset it made an incredible difference in her work. It freed her up, she was able to choose colors
and work larger. She would put so much pressure on the surface and combined with the sideways motion to reload her brush, would move
the head gear all the place.
We would look over at her and her headset would be at some bizarre angle, but she would still be trying to get paint on the surface. When
we readjusted it she would smile and laugh. Ruth was a joy to watch work and to talk with. Her drive to create was inspiring. She will be
greatly missed.
2009
MARY SPINELLI
Mary Spinelli attended the Alan Short Center for over 15 years.
She was a very caring and thoughtful person. Her favorite activities in program were arts and crafts projects and she preferred to make
quality pieces she can sell at shows and fairs. She also liked being part of the music classes.
When it was time to do the ladies' hair and make-up, Mary was usually the first one to sign up to get it done. She always looked so lovely.
Whenever she was on a break from class activities, she always spent her time with long-time boyfriend, Larry. Over the weekend break,
they loved getting to go out on dates and spending time at each other's homes. One of her favorite outings was when Deanna took her
and Larry to the PCS Valentine's dance. She and Deanna talked about it for months.
This was also Deanna's fondest memory of Mary.
DONALD ROBERTS
January 11, 2009
Don had been involved with both the Alan Short Center (ASC) in Stockton, and the Short Center (SCS)
in Sacramento, and most recently had returned to ASC. Don often said that no other place offered the
freedom for his creativity, or the supplies, as ASC. As a versatile artist, he worked with pencils, paints,
chalk and ceramics. His pieces are very rich with vibrant and dark colors and his pieces quite unusual.
You can never mistake his work, as his very creative imagination makes his work very unique and
not something you see every day.
His same unique style was used for his ceramic creations. The only difference is that his images are more
like hieroglyphics and bold graphics rather than smaller details. His backgrounds are usually black
(or other dark colors), making his already bold color choices really stand out and grab your attention.
Dons work has been exhibited throughout the United States and several of his pieces have been
purchased for private collections.
Don played a key role in the Stockton Arts Commission Grant Murals Projects. Don not only did a lot of
the research and planning of the images, but also in the actual drawing and glazing of the mural.
Aside from Don's artistic abilities, his other passion was advocating for himself and his peers.
He never hesitated to make his voice heard. He was very passionate about making sure that his peers
could be heard and their rights honored. He felt so strongly about helping those who couldnt help
themselves., That passion became more evident when he ran for Mayor of Stockton to make sure
he could help make a difference. He received close to 900 votes!
He had recently rediscovered his passion for music. He was thrilled about playing the piano again
and excited about being part of the ASC band, TRIPP. He was even starting to write songs.
A truly special person was lost when Don left us unexpectedly January 11, 2009. He left behind a
grieving wife and an entire program that will miss him dearly.
Former long time DDSO
Foundation Trustee, Art Dublirer, passed away after a long illness on November 26, 2008, at the
age of 89. To the end he maintained his characteristic courage, resilience and wry sense of humor.
He is survived by his son John of Arlington, Texas, his widow Dorothy, stepchildren Jeff Gidley (Darlene)
and Carol Gidley Addy of Sacramento, California, Susan Gidley Hirzy (Mark) of Davis, nephews
Michael Dublirer (Kathleen) of New York, Robert Dublirer of Ft. Lee, New Jersey and six grandchildren.
Arthur was attending City College New York when he was drafted into the Army on February 12, 1941.
He Served in the Coast Artillery until the beginning of World War II, was commissioned in 1942 and
transferred to the Hawaiian Anti-Aircraft Command. He was released from active duty as a Captain in
November 1945. In 1957 he joined the California National Guard, serving in various positions in the
49th Division, including Battalion Commander, 1/184th Infantry. He retired as a Colonel in the Army
and was given an honorary promotion to Brigadier General in the California National Guard in 1974.
In his civilian career he worked for Allied Stores in Boise, Idaho, and Walla Walla Washington, where his two
sons were born. Later in Sacramento, he became a Chartered Life Underwriter and was one of the first
presidents of Sacramento Estate Planning Council.
In retirement he traveled extensively throughout the world, but still had time to serve on the Foundation Board
of Developmental Disabilities Service Organization.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to DDSO, 3463 Ramona Ave., Suite 18, Sacramento, CA 95826, or to a charity of your choice.
Tresa was born the day after Christmas in 1966. She always said she was a "Christmas baby" - she was
most certainly a gift to everyone at Short Center South. She was raised by foster parents from age one
until she was fourteen. She then resided with Barbara Debbs for many years.
During the last years of her life, she lived in the Marybel Agdigos home. Tresa attended McClatchy High School
and transferred to the Short Center upon her graduation. She joined us in 1989 and continued as a participan
t until earlier this year, when her illness made it too difficult for her to attend. Tresa had a wonderful sense of humor
and a great capacity for love. She will be missed so much by the staff and the consumers of Short Center South -
most especially by her "teddy", Kim Lawson, who was Tresa's program advisor from day one. We would like to
thank Marybel Agdigos, Forrest Campanella from Alta, and the medical staff at both Methodist Hospital and
Bruceville Manor for the incredible care they gave to Tresa.
Billy Spencer was born June 16, 1972 and died on August 2, 2008. He led a very full and eventful life
and was 36 when he passed.
He was very feisty and let you know exactly what was on his mind. Towards the end of his time at the
Alan Short Center, most of his expressions came from his art.
Wayne Hill, born June 21, 1945, was with the Alan Short Center for only a short while. However, in that
short year, he brought quite a bit of laughter and joy with his unique sense of humor.
He thought of himself as King of the Cowboys and asked everyone to call him that. If you ever met him,
he would say that was his name, not Wayne. Every day he was here, he had his always-present cowboy
hat and he would also occasionally wear a Sheriffs star on his vest.
Wayne loved to draw and would usually create cowboys or mountain scenes on paper or fabric.
He rarely chose to participate in other activities, especially if his best friend, Mike, was also in the art
room. Occasionally, though, he would find his way into the music class, where he would entertain
everyone with songs from the old west and engage in a little yodeling.
His ear-to-ear grin was always on his face, especially when looking at the ladies. He fancied himself
a ladys man and would often give all his ladies a ring. Very flirtatious and charming, our Mr. Hill.
The King of the Cowboys joined other legends from the old west on July 20, 2008. Everyone misses him,
especially Mike, who still talks about him and sometimes gets emotional thinking of him.
Sharlene Ruiz was at the Alan Short Center many years ago but left to be more independent.
She recently returned because she missed our visual arts department.
She was most interested in the ceramics and preferred working on her own. She had a lot of
patience when working on her pieces.
Sharlene was always eager to share her life experiences with any and every body around her.
She especially spoke of her youth, her adventures and her family.
Born July 4, 1954, Sharlene was 54 years old when she passed away March 30, 2008.
Joseph Ybarra, born on February 19. 1981, who preferred to be called Joey, came to ASC from our
neighboring transitions program, Project LIVE.
Early on, he expressed a great interest and talent in visual arts and really focused on his art projects.
His use of bold colors made for great pieces.
ASC received a grant to create 2 murals. In meeting with students, they decided to create their view
of Stockton and the world. Joey became very excited when he learned that he would be a part of
creating these pieces. A dominant piece in the World View mural is his tiger, which he was very proud of.
It really does look great. If you get a chance, why dont you come by and take a look at it.
Joey had two other passions. One was his love for his girlfriend, Christine, whom he loved writing
love notes and songs for. He enjoyed spending all their free time together. His other passion was music.
He seemed to know every Motown song and sang from the heart.
He had big, beautiful eyes that could melt any heart. His laugh
was infectious and he was one of our most caring clients. His
great smile was extinguished on February 22, 2008. He is missed
very much, especially when one of his favorite songs play on the
radio.
Helen was born in the state of Illinois, the fifth of ten children. Joining in a spirit of adventure, Helen and her
sister, Gertrude, joined brother, Jerry, his wife Carol and their two daughters in moving to Stockton, California in 1978.
Helen and Gertrude were two of the first few students who enrolled in the Alan Short Center.
Helen credited her instructors for supporting her creativity, fostering her independence
and for giving her training in the skills to pursue her love of visual arts and sewing.
Another of her passions was advocating for herself and for those who were not able to do so on their own.
With lots of encouragement, she became the first Student Body President and made sure
that every voice was heard. She never hesitated to state how she felt or what she thought.
Helen always used to say that the only way she would leave the Alan Short Center was if she died.
Sadly, she passed on January 19, 2008.
Rex was one of the most popular consumers ever to attend Short Center South. Rex was a member of the band, a valued
member of the maintenance crew, a fine visual artist, and an outstanding performing artist. Even more importantly,
he was one of the kindest human beings one could meet and he had a wicked sense of humor. His observational
one-liners could flatten someone in mere seconds. His heart was as big as all outdoors and Rex was greatly liked
by every person at SC South. He is greatly missed by all of us, but especially by his girlfriend, Nicole Waddams
and his best friend, Ernie Kopp. SC South would like to thank Rex's family and the Doug Monday care home for
their contributions and support.
Jared was born in the year of the Dragon. Dragons are spirited, captivating, tenacious,
enthusiastic, and admirable, but they can also be stubborn and demanding - all of which describe Jared.
Jared enjoyed the simple things in life such as riding around town with Mom and Dad running errands,
watching the King of Queens and Seinfield on TV. He enjoyed people-watching in the mall or just looking out
the living room window.
Jared was industrious and thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at the American Cancer Society, and working in
the Pilot Project at the Adult Development Center (ADC) packaging model airplane propellers.
We learned a lot from Jared. He taught us acceptance, compassion, patience, perseverance, unconditional
love, and appreciation of the simple things in life. An in this way, he'll always be with us in our hearts.
Alan Short was elected to the State Senate in 1954. (Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties).
He was born in San Francisco, and is a third-generation Californian. He attended local schools
in Stockton, and College of the Pacific and was a graduate of Hastings College of Law.
Alan served in the Navy in World War II, and was a former Deputy District Attorney of San Joaquin County.
He is recognized nationally for his Community Mental Health Service Act (Short-Doyle Act) and is well
known for his legislation in the field of mental health and developmental disabilities. Alan retired
from the State Senate in 1974.
Mary Virgina Short, friend and champion of persons with developmental disabilities, was born in Princeton Missouri
on August 20, 1928, and passed on at UC Medical Center November 22, 2001. Preceded in death by mother Hildred Hill-Elliott,
her cherished pets Helen, Norman and Madam Chang. She was survived by husband, retired State Senator Alan Short, Sacramento
and brother Sherman Hill of Kansas City, Missouri.
Though she had no children of her own, her "babies" were Bonnie Ritchie of Sonora and Laura Hayward of Sacramento.
Her "family" of friends who loved her and will deeply miss her include Michael Ritchie, (Santa Rosa), Sarah Ritchie, (Sonora),
Perry & Eli McCauley, (Flagstone Arizona), Lorraine Short and Yvonne Soto, (Stockton), Amy Nishimura and Margaret Clemens, (Sacramento).
She was a special lady to all who knew or met her.
Mary enjoyed photographing the "winners" at Special Olympics,
founded the "Very Special Art Show", a statewide art exhibit of work by persons with developmental disabilities, and founded the Short Centers
in Sacramento and Stockton, which offer persons with developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience creativity through the arts.
Mary had many different aspects to her personality. She was gentle, kind, had a sharp wit, boundless energy, and a "photographer's eye"
through which she saw beauty where others could not.
Special thanks to Dr. Reginald Low for his support during Mary's illness.
When it was time to do the ladies' hair and make-up, Mary was usually the first one to sign up to get it done. She always looked so lovely.
She and Deanna talked about it for months.
This was also Deanna's fondest memory of Mary.
Tresa was born the day after Christmas in 1966. She always said she was a "Christmas baby" - she was
most certainly a gift to everyone at Short Center South. She was raised by foster parents from age one
until she was fourteen. She then resided with Barbara Debbs for many years.
During the last years of her life, she lived in the Marybel Agdigos home. Tresa attended McClatchy High School
and transferred to the Short Center upon her graduation. She joined us in 1989 and continued as a participan
t until earlier this year, when her illness made it too difficult for her to attend. Tresa had a wonderful sense of humor
and a great capacity for love. She will be missed so much by the staff and the consumers of Short Center South -
most especially by her "teddy", Kim Lawson, who was Tresa's program advisor from day one. We would like to
thank Marybel Agdigos, Forrest Campanella from Alta, and the medical staff at both Methodist Hospital and
Bruceville Manor for the incredible care they gave to Tresa.
Billy Spencer was born June 16, 1972 and died on August 2, 2008. He led a very full and eventful life
and was 36 when he passed.
He was very feisty and let you know exactly what was on his mind. Towards the end of his time at the
Alan Short Center, most of his expressions came from his art.
Wayne Hill, born June 21, 1945, was with the Alan Short Center for only a short while. However, in that
short year, he brought quite a bit of laughter and joy with his unique sense of humor.
Sharlene Ruiz was at the Alan Short Center many years ago but left to be more independent.
She recently returned because she missed our visual arts department.
Joseph Ybarra, born on February 19. 1981, who preferred to be called Joey, came to ASC from our
neighboring transitions program, Project LIVE.
Helen was born in the state of Illinois, the fifth of ten children. Joining in a spirit of adventure, Helen and her
sister, Gertrude, joined brother, Jerry, his wife Carol and their two daughters in moving to Stockton, California in 1978.
With lots of encouragement, she became the first Student Body President and made sure
that every voice was heard. She never hesitated to state how she felt or what she thought.
Rex was one of the most popular consumers ever to attend Short Center South. Rex was a member of the band, a valued
member of the maintenance crew, a fine visual artist, and an outstanding performing artist. Even more importantly,
he was one of the kindest human beings one could meet and he had a wicked sense of humor. His observational
one-liners could flatten someone in mere seconds. His heart was as big as all outdoors and Rex was greatly liked
by every person at SC South. He is greatly missed by all of us, but especially by his girlfriend, Nicole Waddams
and his best friend, Ernie Kopp. SC South would like to thank Rex's family and the Doug Monday care home for
their contributions and support.
Jared was born in the year of the Dragon. Dragons are spirited, captivating, tenacious,
enthusiastic, and admirable, but they can also be stubborn and demanding - all of which describe Jared.
Alan Short was elected to the State Senate in 1954. (Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties).
He was born in San Francisco, and is a third-generation Californian. He attended local schools
in Stockton, and College of the Pacific and was a graduate of Hastings College of Law.
Though she had no children of her own, her "babies" were Bonnie Ritchie of Sonora and Laura Hayward of Sacramento.
Her "family" of friends who loved her and will deeply miss her include Michael Ritchie, (Santa Rosa), Sarah Ritchie, (Sonora),
Perry & Eli McCauley, (Flagstone Arizona), Lorraine Short and Yvonne Soto, (Stockton), Amy Nishimura and Margaret Clemens, (Sacramento).
She was a special lady to all who knew or met her.
Mary enjoyed photographing the "winners" at Special Olympics,
founded the "Very Special Art Show", a statewide art exhibit of work by persons with developmental disabilities, and founded the Short Centers
in Sacramento and Stockton, which offer persons with developmental disabilities the opportunity to experience creativity through the arts.
Mary had many different aspects to her personality. She was gentle, kind, had a sharp wit, boundless energy, and a "photographer's eye"
through which she saw beauty where others could not.