June 29, 2009

"Skyping" at LIFE

One might think that persons with learning disabilities may be behind the curve when it comes to using the latest computer technology. This is not the case at LIFE, where residents are able to take advantage of computer assistance services offered by Trisha Gillen, “The Computer Advocate”. Most LIFE residents own and use computers to send emails, do research or to keep track of tasks and expenses. In a most exciting development, several LIFE residents have learned to “Skype”. Skype is a software application which allows users to video conference. “All you need is the inexpensive service and webcam and you’re positioned to call friends and relatives globally via the internet. If both the caller and the call receiver have webcams, then they can talk “face to face” on their computer monitors. This service is especially important to LIFE resident Ei Mori, whose mother lives in New York and is finding it increasing difficult to visit Ei on Cape Cod. “Being able to Skype with my mom, has been very good for me” said Ei Mori. “It has made me feel a lot closer to her. It’s great”. Other residents who use Skype are Jean Wise, Kim Jones, Margaret Muller, Joe Zide, Sara Lynn, Brandon Cardillo and Jill Connell. For questions about “Skyping” contact Trisha Gillen at thecomputeradvocate@comcast.net or by phone at 508-280-8327.

From Matt Cronin, LIFE's Executive Director

Growing up or living in New England provides one with a membership in a club that is equal parts frustrating and exhilarating. That club is known as “Red Sox Nation”. For years and years the “Old Towne Team” would make a run at the pennant, but inevitably break our hearts. Then came 2004 and The Red Sox were losing to their arch nemesis, the New York Yankees, three games to zero in a best of seven series. Fate intervened and the Red Sox overcame the Evil Empire, winning the series in seven games. They would go on to win the World Series and then another a few years later.
Watching the Red Sox win the World Series was an emotional and surreal experience for me. My thoughts were with my Dad and Grandfather, both who had passed away, and with whom I shared many a hot dog and soda at Fenway Park, the beloved home of the Red Sox. To me, Fenway is a shrine, a beautiful remnant of days when life was simpler.
When JoAnn Simons, one of LIFE’s Trustees, called me to offer LIFE residents and staff the opportunity to take part in the Green Team recycling effort at Fenway, I was ecstatic. I took part in the first of four recycling efforts with LIFE residents. On a beautiful April day, I was able to share a tremendous experience with the LIFE team. We filled many bags with recycled material and watched some good baseball while we were at it. I felt lucky to share a hot dog and soda with the LIFE residents that attended the game. For me, it doesn’t get much better than that.
 

The "Green Team" Hits the Big Leagues

Being at a Red Sox game is thrilling, but enjoying the game while contributing toward a green sustainable environment has been an unusually sweet experience for LIFE residents.
In April, LIFE residents were invited by the Cardinal Cushing Centers in Hanover, MA to participate in an unusual recycling project during Red Sox games at Fenway Park. Here’s how it works: Between innings, residents from LIFE walk through the aisles of their assigned section collecting plastic cups and bottles which are then recycled. Participants are stationed on the Green Monster, the State Street Pavilion, infield and outfield grand stands and the bleachers. “When you realize how many refreshments are consumed during one game, recycling at ballparks makes a great environmental impact” said staff member, Corinne Wickel. Residents who have participated in the project at Fenway Park, which is sponsored by Poland Springs are: Jill Connell, Brooke Dempsey, Jon Derr, Tara Gertel, Susan Howard, Sarah Lynn, Kevin Nickerson, Karen Reheiser, Jake Rothenberg, Mike Shapiro, Rob Wetzler and Joe Zide. They have been accompanied by LIFE staffers: Matt Cronin, Ian Saarmann, Jan Viall, Lin White and Corinne Wickel. Proudly wearing their “Green Team” tee shirts, the team will be in action again in July and August, cheering for the Sox and scoring a big win for a greener planet.
 

Brooke..."dedication and good cheer"

It is always a sweet experience when one of LIFE’s residents receives recognition for a job well done. In May, Brooke Dempsey, who volunteers at A Baby Center in Hyannis , MA received the following letter:
“Dear Brooke, As we approach Mother’s Day we would like to take time to send you a heartfelt thank you for all that you do for a Baby Center. Your time, energy, dedication and good cheer are all so appreciated. During the past year, ABC has had more than 5,000 baby visits. Imagine 150,000 diapers, 40,000 articles of clothing and many pieces of equipment have been distributed into our community. Over 600 babies are using the services of A Baby Center because their parents are unable to afford to provide them with an adequate amount of bare necessities. Thank you for being such a presence to so many families, and to all of us who are involved with this great organization.
Warm hugs and baby kisses, Mary Pat and Tish”
We think that Brooke deserves a big “thumbs up” for the dedicated service that she generously performs. Way to go, Brooke!
 

Interview with Resident, Kevin Nickerson

When Connect to LIFE sat down to talk with LIFE resident, Kevin Nickerson, we had recently heard the great news that after working diligently as a grocery bagger at the Mashpee, MA Stop & Shop, he had been promoted to the position of cashier. So, we asked Kevin about the experience.

What was your reaction when you hear about your promotion?
“I was surprised and elated. I really like the change and the new challenge. And I really like meeting new customers.”

We have heard that you have traveled a lot with your family. What is the most exciting place you have visited?
“I loved Maui. I went there 19 years ago and I’ve never forgotten it. My sister gave me the trip as a Christmas present. I loved parasailing there and I remember taking a great helicopter ride .I still watch the video of my trip.”

What kind of music do you like?
“I like both classical and rock music. My favorite classical composers are Mozart and Bach and my favorite rock groups are ‘Men at Work’ and ‘The Eagles’.”

What are you most proud of?
“I’ve lost 114 pounds over the past two years. I exercised, ate a lot of fruit and veggies and drank a lot of water.”

What are your favorite pastimes or hobbies?
“I love sports, walking, creating art and watching videos. I have over 500 videos!”

What makes you happy?
“Exercising and staying fit”

What makes you sad?
“I don’t get sad very often. Sometimes things get me down, but I get over them pretty quick.”

Interview with Staff Member, Linda Wolfe

Linda Wolfe, Case and Money Manager at LIFE, has assisted residents in independent living for the past eight years. Since Linda has been with LIFE for a significant time, Connect to LIFE assumes that she really enjoys her job. So, of course we began our chat with her with the following question:

What do you like most about your job at LIFE?
"I like being part of a team that works well together, making positive changes in resident’s lives.

What kind of books do you read?
"I read all kinds of books, just not as often as I’d like, because when I’m into a great book, I don’t want to do anything else!  Maeve Binchy, Anita Shreve, Rosamunde Pilcher and Michael Connelly are some of my favorite authors."

What do you like about their work?
"Rosamund Pilcher transports you right to Cornwall. I enjoy books that grab your attention immediately and sustain it to the end."

What kind of music do you like?
"I enjoy Enya, Norah Jones, Duffy, Adele, Leona Lewis, Michael Buble and the 'milder' forms of country and jazz."

What is the most memorable place you have traveled to?
"Alaska. I lived there for a while in the eighties and it was like stepping back in time."

What destination would you like to travel to now?
"I would just love to revisit Alaska and see more of it than I was able to when I lived there."

What makes you happy?
"Very simple things like a walk on the beach, a great song, or a good meal."

What makes you sad?
"When the people I care about aren’t doing well physically or emotionally."

www.lifecapecod.org

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