September 23, 2009

Robert Wetzler- Top "Pops" Artist

On July 25, 2009 Rob Wetzler’s smile was a bit wider than usual as he saw his original artwork on the cover of the Mashpee Night at the Pops program. LIFE employment counselor, Corinne Wickel, serves as Vice President of the Mashpee Community Concert Committee and an invitation was extended to LIFE’s Mashpee residents to submit artwork to be considered by the committee for the 2009 cover design. Rob and six other residents submitted artwork which contained images of musical instruments, American flags and fireworks. The other resident artists were: Sandra deAlmeida, Jessica Fallon, Cynthia Goldberg, Annabel Gorman, Kevin Nickerson and Mara Schusterman. Rob’s pastel rendition of a conductor with multi-colored notes swirling around him won the hearts of the committee, but they were so pleased with each design that they published all of them in the program brochure. All of the artists received free tickets to the “Pops” and enjoyed the festive evening of wonderful music and fireworks.
Congratulations to Rob and to all of the LIFE artists who participated in this community art project!

In Honor of Worksite Diversity

In late June, the residents and employment team at LIFE hosted a lively reception at the Hyannis Golf Club. The honored guests of the occasion were representatives of the many businesses and organizations who employ LIFE’s residents. This was the first employer appreciation reception organized by LIFE’s employment team under the guidance of Josie Bouvier, LIFE’s new Director of Employment Services. ”These Community partnerships enrich us all in so many ways.” said Josie.
Approximately 50 representatives of Cape Cod businesses attended and received plaques from their LIFE resident employees inscribed “In Honor of Worksite Diversity”. LIFE resident, Karen Reheiser was so pleased that her supervisor at the Centerville Library, Penelope Terkelsen, attended the event. “ I love my job at the library; I am so happy tonight”, she said. The emotion in the room was palpable and any observer could tell that many of the employer/employee relationships were surely fulfilling for both parties. There were smiles, hugs and a few teary eyes as employees and employers spoke of how meaningful their working relationships have become. Adults with disabilities possess some remarkable skills and with encouragement, those skills can blossom. LIFE Employment Counselors take time at the worksites to train residents who have learning challenges, and skills once practiced are often treasured. Wendy Smith, owner of Harvest of Barnstable Gift Shop said, “I have learned so much from these wonderful employees who are so dedicated to their jobs. You have no idea how important it is to me to continue to employ LIFE’s residents.” The LIFE community applauds the Cape Cod businesses and organizations who employ LIFE’s residents and who understand the enriching environment that a diverse workforce can provide. To employ a resident of LIFE, contact Josie Bouvier at 508-790-3600.

From Matt Cronin, Executive Director

The recent passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver got me thinking about the movement that she started in her back yard, the Special Olympics.  My involvement with the Special Olympics began when I was in college at Villanova University.  A roommate of mine was a lead volunteer for a huge Special Olympics event hosted on the Villanova campus.  Naturally, he sought out volunteers from amongst his roommates.  I raised my hand and was promptly given the plum assignment of chaperoning the dinner dance, the culmination of the long weekend.    I didn’t know exactly what to expect.  What I experienced was emotional, transformational and completely enjoyable.    In spending time at the events throughout the weekend, helping with the dance and the closing ceremonies, I experienced competitiveness, sportsmanship, passion, dedication, love, athleticism, teamwork, laughter and tears. 

I am proud that many LIFE residents now take part in the Special Olympics, as athletes, as public speakers and as volunteers.  LIFE sponsors teams in many sports, from soccer to track and field, from basketball to tennis.  We even have a resident who has competed in Special Olympics skiing tournaments.   Ian Saarmann, LIFE’s Fitness Coordinator, has done a tremendous job of establishing these teams and collaborating with Special Olympics staff and volunteers to ensure that LIFE residents can be a part of this movement.  LIFE residents have taken part in Special Olympic events throughout Massachusetts, in Worcester, at Stonehill College and at Boston University.  In 2010, the LIFE Special Olympics Basketball Team will be at the University of Nebraska for a week, playing in the National Special Olympics Tournament.  As a warm up, the same team will be playing at one of the most well known basketball arenas in the world, Boston Garden.  In March of 2010 LIFE residents will be hooping it up at halftime of the Boston Celtics game in this famous arena.  Wow!

Upon the passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, LIFE resident Jon Derr was interviewed on the Boston news channels.  The Cape Cod Times ran an article about LIFE resident Trey Marabella.  Both communicated what the Special Olympics have meant to them.  Jon and Trey both spoke for the LIFE community as we tip our caps to Eunice and thank her for starting a movement that has inspired us all.

A Very Special Celebration

At LIFE, residents form life-long and rewarding friendships. People often ask about what LIFE’s residents social lives are like: Do residents have close friendships with each other? Do they date? Do they socialize independently?
LIFE provides support for residents to achieve as much independence as possible in their social lives. LIFE facilitates “resident-driven” social events, such as trips to cultural and entertainment events, and many LIFE residents host their own gatherings and celebrations in their condominiums. LIFE staffers are always available to provide wise counsel (a staff member is on call 24/7), and, of course there are community rules to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.  Most residents have very fulfilling social lives and develop life-long friendships. Recently, the LIFE community had a big reason to celebrate a special relationship. On August 16, after five years of dating, LIFE at Mashpee residents, Susan Howard and Alan Northcutt were joined by family and friends on beautiful Old Silver Beach in nearby Falmouth, as they each said “I do”. The wedding was meticulously planned by Susan who is grateful to LIFE staff and her family for support in executing all the details. Susan even designed the wedding favors: Cape Cod themed magnets, featuring a friend’s artwork. “I finally feel like I’ve settled down”, said Susan, “and that feels great!” When asked about the experience of moving two households into one, Alan said, “Our housekeeping styles are a little different, so we have been compromising, but I am so happy”. Susan said “We dated for a lot of years, then became each other’s best friend and then our relationship became romantic.” Susan and Alan lead busy lives, individually and as a couple. Both work full time. Susan job coaches other LIFE residents and Alan has a multi-faceted job at Roche Brothers Supermarket in Mashpee. As a couple, they travel and really enjoy hosting dinner parties for friends and family. The LIFE family can’t be more enthusiastic in wishing Alan and Susan congratulations and the best of wishes for their future together!

Interview with Barry Souder, LIFE Employment Counselor

Barry Souder’s resume includes positions as a special needs teacher, a coach, and an athletic director. Over the past 2 ½ years, he has become an integral part of the LIFE Team in his position as an employment counselor at LIFE’s Hyannis community. At LIFE, Barry seeks employment opportunities for residents related to their individual skills and goals. Connect to LIFE recently sat down with Barry in a quest to learn more about him and asked him the following:
 

What do you like most about working at LIFE?
“I find it so satisfying to facilitate the ‘right match’ of a LIFE resident to an employer.  At LIFE’s annual employer appreciation event, our residents gather with their employers to celebrate employment successes.  At these events, seeing the relationships between residents and their employers is something wonderful!  The bonds that develop go way beyond a typical supervisor and worker scenario- true friendship and consideration are created.”
What do you do in your free time?
"I really love sports and I am passionate about volunteering for community organizations. I am the vice chair of the Cape Cod Chamber Sports Advisory Committee, a member of the Cape Baseball League Hall of Fame Committee and an active member of other organizations as well."
What kinds of books do you enjoy reading?
“My favorite author is John Irving who wrote “The World According to Garp” and “The Cider House Rules”  I also really enjoy reading historical fiction, especially when it is set in ancient Rome and Greece. I find those cultures fascinating.”
What type of travel do you enjoy?
“I love traveling anywhere to major sporting events. I have been to the Olympics in Montreal and California, and to the U.S. Open in Pebble Beach. I also loved attending the World Series in our home town, Boston.”
What kind of music do you listen to?
“I love “oldies” and soft rock from the 60’s and 70’s. My favorite performer is Joe Cocker; for me, he really embodies the spirit of the 60’s and 70’s.”
What makes you happy?
“Beautiful, sunny, crisp autumn days-like today- on Cape Cod. It just doesn’t get any better than that!”
 

Interview with Caroline McSwiggan, LIFE resident

Caroline McSwiggan is a resident of the LIFE House in the Mashpee community. She is one of the busiest people at LIFE and very hard to keep up with. We somehow managed to catch up with her and ask her the following:
 

Where are you employed?
“I work at Guertin Brothers Jewelers in Hyannis and I love it. Right now, I’m a cleaner there but I would someday like to work with the stock and do customer service. I love customer service: I recently helped the staff remove a ring that was stuck on a customer’s finger. I loved helping.”
What do you like to do in your spare time?
"I love dancing, listening to music and sports, especially skiing. I won a Special Olympics silver medal for downhill skiing and my skiing idol is Picabo Street, the U. S. Olympic skier. I also love dancing. I do ballet, tap and jazz. I just love musicals. 'Cats' is my favorite- I love the song about 'Macavity' the cat.  I know most of the words to the soundtrack.  I also love horseback riding, being a member of the 4H club and I am very active in LIFE’s fitness program.
What kind of music do you like?
"Music from Broadway musicals and popular music too. My favorite performers are John Mellencamp, Garth Brooks and the Black Eyed Peas."
Do you have a secret wish?
“Yes, I would love to have a career on Broadway. Maybe someday I will”
And we agree. With a “can do” attitude like Caroline’s, almost anything is possible.