January 6, 2010

LIFE's Diversity of Faith

Tatiana Markos, a Hyannis resident, was raised in the Greek Orthodox faith. Her involvement in her religion is a very important part of her life at LIFE. She not only attends services at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Centerville, but she volunteers in their parish office one day a week. “I love being involved in my church and I love giving back through my volunteer work. It goes straight to my heart. I belong to a great church and I’m looking forward to Christmas!“, she said.
It’s the time of year when seasonal celebrations make us more aware of others' faiths and beliefs. Although residents at LIFE share condo community living, they represent diverse religious beliefs. LIFE staff members encourage residents to stay connected to their faiths as these connections can contribute to a more meaningful and fulfilling life. When Denise Sievert, a resident of LIFE at Mashpee, was feeling that she wanted to reconnect with her family’s Christian faith, Jud Phelps, LIFE’s Director of Supported Independent Living, helped Denise with her search for a Cape Cod congregation that felt like “home” and also helped to assist with transportation arrangements to and from worship services. Because of the religious diversity at LIFE, residents gain insight and learn tolerance for others’ beliefs. Each year, Mashpee resident, Tara Gertel lights her menorah and with her parents she hosts an annual Hanukkah party at LIFE. “Everyone has such a great time”, said Tara. “My parents provide traditional foods like potato latkes and they even bring Jewish music to complete the mood.” Tara enjoys giving her fellow residents “a glimpse into my family’s tradition”. Residents have come to LIFE from all parts of the country (and world) and they embrace the opportunity to appreciate each other’s individuality and differences.
So however you celebrate the season and whatever your faith may be, we at LIFE wish you the warmest holiday and the brightest new year.
 

Volunteering = Community Caring

On a recent morning, LIFE residents, Annabel Gorman, Liz Dale and David Malchman were so focused on their mission that it was difficult to get their attention. Unfurled rolls of wrapping paper, ribbons, bows and boxes cluttered the kitchen table of the LIFE at Mashpee recreation center as packages were being carefully wrapped, bowed and tagged. Inside the boxes were beautiful articles of children’s clothing which they had purchased for this year’s Salvation Army’s “Dress a Live Doll” project. “Approximately 12 residents in Mashpee and Hyannis have contributed to this year’s project and we have provided gifts of clothing for the children of seven families in need” said LIFE staffer, Lynda DiCicco, who has coordinated LIFE’s participation in this project for several years. “It really gave me a good feeling to shop for clothing for families who are not as fortunate as I am”, said Mashpee resident, David Malchman. “ I enjoyed every part of it, from the shopping to the wrapping.”
LIFE residents lead very busy lives, but they always seem to make time to help others. In our society, volunteerism peaks at the holiday season, but LIFE residents volunteer throughout the year. They participate in walks for many causes including breast cancer and diabetes research and a walk to combat Cape Cod homelessness. They also volunteer for a myriad of non profit service organizations including “Meals on Wheels” and the Barnstable Social Day Program, a daycare for senior citizens in Hyannis. They collect money from recycled bottles and cans and then decide at LIFE community meetings which organizations to donate the proceeds to. “We used our recycling money to purchase the wrapping paper for the ‘Dress a Live Doll’ project”, said David, who is an avid recycler. “We wanted our gifts to look really great.” LIFE residents are active Cape Cod citizens. They pay taxes, shop, dine and help to support the Cape Cod economy. Being a good citizen of Cape Cod is a core focus at LIFE and participating in volunteer efforts is an important part of being a good citizen. This past summer residents participated 5 days a week in the implementation of the Barnstable County children’s lunch program and LIFE folks, including staff, were involved with the “Luke’s Love” playground build in the fall. “Participating in such events as a volunteer is energizing and provides a vehicle for people to be contributing community members” noted Josie Bouvier, LIFE’s Employment Director. LIFE residents have many interests and abilities. There may be a LIFE resident who would be a good volunteer match for your organization. For more information, call Sharon Tufts, LIFE’s Volunteer Coordinator, at 508-790-3600 or email her at stufts@lifecapecod.org

From Matt Cronin, LIFE's Executive Director

This Thanksgiving was a little different for me. Yes, my family and I took part in an annual road race aimed at raising money for local food shelters. Yes, we had delicious food and watched lots of football. I was able to read books to my kids, give them a kiss and tuck them in to bed. Then I sat down at my computer and cried.
You see, I was reading about a friend of mine, Staff Sergeant Matt Pucino, who was killed by a roadside bomb on his fourth tour of duty in the Middle East, this time in Afghanistan. Matt was a Green Beret who had earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for bravery. Matt and I graduated from high school together. He was the quarterback on the football team. He was a smart, athletic guy who chose to serve because of his rock solid beliefs. I remember Matt as a jokester, someone who loved to fool around and play a prank. Little did I know that he was also a hero.
I am thankful for Matt Pucino and those like him who serve in the military. I ask everyone to consider what you are thankful for. Then find a way to communicate that. Write a letter, make a phone call, make a donation, volunteer your time to a cause you believe in. We owe it to people like Matt Pucino to live our lives out loud and appreciate all that we have. 

"The Magic of LIFE"

 Amanda McKelvey is beaming as she shares a special evening with her brother, Matt and her sister-in-law, Traci. This is just one “snapshot” from a memorable September evening when LIFE residents gathered with  family members, staff and community guests for LIFE’s annual gala celebration. A function room at the Falmouth Navigator was creatively decorated with stars and sparkling lights and the evening, themed “The Magic of LIFE”, was magical indeed. In fact, attendees were treated to a theatrical magic show and at least one rabbit emerged from a hat (we trick you not). Of course, dancing under the stars to the music of favorite DJ, Lisa Z., is always a highlight of these occasions. LIFE would like to thank the event committee for their thoughtful efforts in making this evening so enjoyable.
 

Interview with LIFE Resident, Josh Edelson

Josh Edelson is one of the original LIFE residents. He moved into a condominium at LIFE’s Hyannis community in 1992 after graduation from Riverview School in Sandwich, MA and is really happy that he did. Here is our interview with Josh:
 

What do you like best about being at LIFE?
“I love having my independence. I get support from my great case manager, Jean, but I handle my own money and make all my own decisions about what activities I’m involved in and how I spend my time.”
Do you work?
“I work at the front end and in the bakery at Shaw’s Market. I really like it. I love baking cookies.”
What are your favorite activities?
“I like sports, social activities and I perform in a local theater group. I do a couple of dance routines. In one of them, I wear Native American costume.”
Are you in the fitness program at LIFE?
“I am and I’ve lost over 20 pounds. I also take Kung Fu classes. It’s really great.”
What kind of music do you like?
 I mostly listen to soft rock and my favorite performer is Michael Jackson. I take drum lessons and sometimes I perform at the LIFE Coffee House. I love that.”
Do you read a lot?
“I do. My favorite book is Moby Dick. It’s a really interesting story.”
What is your favorite movie?
“I like all the Star Wars movies but the third one is my favorite because it has so much action in it.”
We’ve heard that you’ve traveled a lot. Is there a favorite place that you’ve visited?
“I loved Vail Colorado because I love to ski. I’ve never been to Utah and I’d love to ski there sometime.
That will happen someday.”
 

Interview with LIFE Staffer, Tara Yando Turley

Tara Yando Turley is a Case Manager at LIFE at Mashpee. She is such a very energetic person and is involved in so many of the activities that LIFE residents enjoy. It’s hard to find her sitting in one place for very long , but we succeeded in finding a quiet moment in her busy day to chat with her.
 

Why do you like working at LIFE?
“I love being part of an organization that empowers people with disabilities. I find it very rewarding and I enjoy my job.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
“I’m usually ‘on the go’ and I love music and all kinds of sports. I also love reading. I actually belong to three book clubs: one for adults and one with each of my two daughters. That’s a lot of reading which I so much enjoy. And it’s really great for family bonding and communication”
So, what is your favorite book?
“I am a pretty positive person, but , for some reason, I’m drawn to tragic stories. I would have to say that my favorite book is Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables."
What is a little known fact about you?
“I teach a percussion class for preschoolers. I love working with these children. I really love music- of all genres, including world music.”
What is your favorite movie?
“ I’m really a type A person and it’s hard for me to actually sit down and watch a movie, but I would have to say that my favorite movie is Beaches with Bette Midler and Barbara Hersey.".
Where would you like to travel?
“I have never been to Europe and I would love to tour many European countries. I really look forward to that.”
What makes you happy?
"Spending time with my family; watching my girls grow and mature and reach new milestones."