February 19, 2009

An “outstanding employee” realizes a really big dream!

LIFE resident, Mike Flynt, has worked for Dan Fellows, the owner of Jiffy Lube in Mashpee, for 8 years. Those who know Mike are aware that he loves his job and performs it well. As a reward for his stellar service to the company, Dan made an unusual request on Mike’s behalf. Each year PolyDyn, Inc., the manufacturer of an engine additive, extends a trip to the Texas Motor Speedway, to two of the best members of Dan’s sales staff. In October, Dan made an unusual request to send Mike, a courtesy technician. The response was enthusiastically affirmative and Mike was off to the famed speedway that hosts the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. “This was all about rewarding the loyalty and dedication Mike has demonstrated at Jiffy Lube for so many years”, said Dan. “He is an outstanding employee and certainly deserved this opportunity.” Mike received classroom training at the Team Texas High Performance Driving School, and with his instructor in the passenger seat, he drove 10 laps in an authentic car from the track, capable of doing 140 to 150 miles per hour. It was the “experience of a lifetime” according to Mike. “I’ve always loved cars and it was fun and very exciting”. Mike loves his job and the secret to his success is that he really believes in giving customers good service. His motto is “be good to your customers and they’ll keep coming back to you”.
Way To Go (really fast), Mike!
For information about employing a dedicated LIFE resident, contact Jan Viall, employment specialist, at: jan@lifecapecod.org
 

From Matt Cronin, Director of LIFE, Inc.

I am excited to introduce you to Connect to LIFE, our new electronic e-letter. In today’s global environment, it is easier than ever to bring all of us closer together. We at LIFE love to share our story and keep you updated on the interesting lives and adventures of our residents and staff members. Through Connect to LIFE, we hope to connect to you! The LIFE circle includes our residents, staff, family members and the greater community. It extends from Cape Cod out to California, down to Florida and Texas and across the pond to Europe and South Africa. In today’s day and age, those distances are not quite what they used to be! To give us your feedback and connect to us, just click on the "YOUR FEEDBACK" link.
I welcome your responses. Enjoy our new e newsletter and thanks again for your continued support!

Matt                              matt@lifecapecod.org
 

LIFE artists featured in abstract art exhibition!

The artwork of 7 LIFE artists has received notable recognition through inclusion in a major Cape Cod exhibition. The exhibition is titled “LIFE in the Abstract” and may be seen at the Cahoon Museum of American Art, 4676 Falmouth Rd., Cotuit, MA. through March 8, 2009. The work of LIFE artists: Elisabeth Bowman, Sandra deAlmeida, Annabel Gorman, Ei Mori, Kevin Nickerson, Jake Rothenberg and Mara Schusterman is exhibited with the work of established east coast contemporary artists: Peter Arvidson, Vivian Bower, Karen Coill, Reese Inman, Mike Landis, Sky Power, Helen Shulman and Mike Ware. The LIFE artists have all taken classes at the Cotuit Center for the Arts and their work was curated by Dr. Robert Gambone, the Cahoon Museum’s director, whose expertise is in the area of 19th and 20th century American art. Dr. Gambone stated “the innate quality of abstract vision expressed by the LIFE artists affirms that persons, although challenged by learning disabilities, can possess intuitive talent.” An exciting aspect of the exhibition is that Dr. Gambone has highlighted the similarity of each LIFE artist’s work to a major modern abstract painter. Jake Rothenberg, a Mashpee resident, has been painting for several years and has regularly attended art classes for the past two years, (see photo of Bob Gambone, at right, with Jake Rothenberg). His large dark green painting with a small area of lush color ripples near its center reminded Dr. Gambone of the work of abstract-expressionis master, Clyfford Still. “I’m so happy to be in this exhibit, said Jake. “I love to paint because it is fun and creative and it makes me happy to do hands-on things.” A lecture related to the exhibition is being given each Tuesday through March 8. To register for a lecture or for more information, visit www.cahoonmuseum.org. For more information about the artists at LIFE, who are available for commissioned work, email Barbara Oliver at barbara@lifecapecod.org. The Cahoon Museum of American Art is generously donating 25% of all exhibition proceeds to LIFE. All of us at LIFE express gratitude to the Cahoon Museum, and extend enthusiastic congratulations to Elisabeth, Sandra, Annabel, Ei, Kevin, Jake and Mara!
 

Interview with Maffitt Bellows, LIFE resident

Maffitt Bellows has owned her own condo and been a part of the LIFE community since 1995. For over a
year, she has assumed the responsibility of resident supervisor at LIFE’s in- house business, Impressions Print Studio. As supervisor, Maffitt prepares printing jobs and job coaches the other Impressions employees. Connect to LIFE chatted
with Maffitt recently and she agreed to be interviewed for our first e letter.

Why do you like working at “Impressions”?
"I enjoy working with the residents and seeing their capabilities; It’s nice seeing their progress in their work and being part of their learning of new skills".

What are the most exciting experiences you’ve had at LIFE?
"Getting in shape and losing weight. And I love owning my own home here".

What’s the most interesting place you have ever traveled to?
"I went on African safari in 1989. Exploring and seeing all the animals was so exciting. It was a different kind of life- such a different atmosphere! It was fun all around".

What kind of music do you like?
"80’s music and classic Disney soundtracks"

What makes you happy?
"Working out and keeping in shape"

What makes you sad?
"Losing a loved one"

What are your favorite pastimes and hobbies?
"Reading in the sunshine and going for walks. I also love reading the Hank Zipzer books by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver, and the Chicken Soup books".
 

Interview with Jud Phelps, LIFE staffer

Jud Phelps was hired by LIFE to fill the new position of Director of Supported Independent Living. His goal is to improve delivery of services to LIFE’s residents, develop new programs, and supervise support staff. Connect to LIFE caught up with Jud on a cold winter afternoon to ask him the following questions:

What is exciting to you about joining the team at LIFE?
“It is a wonderful opportunity for me. For my whole life I have worked with people who have had on-going challenges and I’ve always been involved with people who have learning disabilities. I’m excited to work very hard to make a significant contribution to the LIFE team and to the residents".

What is the most interesting place you have travelled to?
“Greece. I was fascinated by the history which pre-dates democracy and Christianity, and I was so amazed at the ancient architecture that still survives".

What’s your favorite type of music?
"I like 60’s and & 70’s pop of my era".

What’s your favorite song?
"My favorite song is actually a traditional tune, “Amazing Grace”. It’s a very spiritual song and I can personally relate to its lyrics- it’s a very hopeful song".

What’s your favorite movie?
"My favorite movie is “Giant”, which was made in the mid 1950’s and stars Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean. I love the ‘vastness’ of it and its bigger-than-life story".

What makes you happy?
"My relationships with my family, including my grandchildren"

What makes you sad?
"Being aware of other people’s pain"

Do you have a hobby or favorite pastime?
"I have lots of them: bike riding in the early morning, kayaking, church activities, reading, writing poetry and I’m also an avid Red Sox and New York Giants fan".