HORIZONS A NEWSLETTER FOR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF CROTCHED MOUNTAIN SPRING 2007, VOLUME 7, NUMBER 2 FROM THE PRESIDENT Donald L. Sumway CELEBRATING A JOB WELL DONE Spring is a time for new beginnings. And even though new beginnings are a daily occurrence here at Crotched Mountain, the opening of our new Vocational Skills Center and Maintenance Facility is particularly noteworthy. The progression from concept to reality for the 20,000 square foot facility has been relatively quick. After much blasting and removal of ledge, ground-breaking began last fall, with an on-schedule and on-budget completion date of May when maintenance staff will take up permanent residence. Classes are slated for the summer semester. The unique facility that combines campus maintenance with vocational instruction reflects the value we place on efficiency and sustainability. As we envisioned the maintenance facility, it occurred to us that the kind of work that takes place there could be instructive to our students as they explore career paths and familiarize themselves with the concepts and realities of the work world. The idea caught fire and with help of teaching and facilities management staff, a plan was formulated to include classrooms and modifications to work areas to accommodate students and facilitate learning. The hands-on instructional model works particularly well for our students, many of whom have behavioral and communication challenges. By learning alongside our maintenance staff, they will observe appropriate work behavior and learn skills in a real work environment. The concept of education based in work environments can be used by municipal governments everywhere, providing young people with marketable skills and ultimately reducing dropout rates. Our design is flexible and supports a variety of work exploration and training tracks including materials shipping and handling, recycling, mail service, sign-making, janitorial services, landscaping and auto mechanics. But the plan doesn’t end there. We are exploring partnerships with area schools to offer instruction in auto mechanics, horticulture and other vocational areas. So much has happened this year. The wood chip plant is up and running and supplying 60% of the campus heat and hot water. The Vocational Skills Center and Maintenance Facility is opening, and several hydro-related infrastructure projects are underway to address the seasonal non-point source runoff that has taxed our waste water system. For all of this, much credit goes to the staff of Crotched Mountain. Without their vision, flexibility, energy and enthusiasm, we could not have accomplished these goals. They say that nothing tests relationships like a construction project. If that’s true (and this was a whopper), I would say that our staff and contractors passed with flying colors! Thanks to all for bringing Crotched Mountain ever closer to our goal of achieving a sustainable, healthful environment that is respectful of all its inhabitants. LIGHTS, CAMERA, LEARNING! English class with Diane Cloutier is not all reading, writing and grammar. Over the past several years, technology has crept into the mix with some interesting results. The Crotched Mountain School Video Magazine, written and produced by Diane’s students, made its debut in 2005 and is still going strong. Some of the players have changed but the creativity, hard work and enthusiasm have not. According to Diane, the video magazine was an offshoot of a public speaking and broadcast unit the class completed. The students wrote editorial, news and sports features, filmed them and then critiqued the finished product. Diane says it was a big hit with the students and got them thinking about current events, writing, critical thinking and technology. With grant funds to purchase equipment, and with support from the Crotched Mountain Information Services (IS) department, the class began to produce regular editions of the Crotched Mountain Video Magazine, available to the Greenfield campus through the Intranet. All together, the well-rounded broadcast takes about four classes to put together. One class is spent critiquing the most recent edition and choosing upcoming topics. The students then write and edit their spots. Filming comes next and, finally, the class reviews rough cuts and approves final edits. Tony Parisi of the IS department assists throughout, filming the spots and incorporating graphic and sound elements provided by the students. Diane says the process is magic. “It’s a student-centered project that brings English and writing with a purpose to their lives.” Watching the students together, it’s apparent there are other skills being developed here as well. Working in concert, the class moves the project forward like a well-oiled machine. Problem-solving, negotiating, listening and sharing are all in ample evidence. Joan, an avid reader and student of Japanese pop culture says she loves the camera. “I was a little nervous at first, but that passed pretty fast,” said Joan, who filled in for Chelsea as magazine host on a recent edition. She took easily to the role, comfortably improvising and adding personal touches to the commentary. On the day of filming, the students are decked out in red in celebration of spirit week. Jenny goes first with a report on the upcoming student talent show. Joan follows with a review of a book accounting the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Chelsea is next with a poem about the Special Olympics, followed by Patrick with film and music reviews delivered with his signature smart, edgy style. And as good as this edition is, the students have no time to rest on their laurels. As soon as this magazine is uploaded, they will begin work on the next edition. HE AIN’T HEAVY... HE’S MY BROTHER, MY SON, MY FRIEND Healing takes many forms, and happens in surprising and unexpected ways. For Patrick Killelea and his family, healing is a long, challenging journey filled with love, sacrifice, hard work and openness to the small gifts life has to offer. Patrick was 22 when he fell 30 feet from an escalator at Denver Airport in March 2006. He sustained a traumatic brain injury, further complicated by a series of health crises necessitating eight admissions to Mass General Hospital. Last November, when Pat’s Mom, Marianne, learned that Pat had to transfer from the acute care facility where he had been receiving treatment, the family had to make a choice about Patrick’s next move. They looked at several options before arriving at Crotched Mountain. “Walking into Crotched Mountain was like coming home. The facility was quiet and light-filled. There was a healing aura – people were smiling and not rushed. And that first impression hasn’t changed.” While Marianne negotiated with the insurance company, Pat’s close-knit tri-town community of Middleton, Boxford and Topsfield, Massachusetts set to work raising funds for Patrick’s rehabilitation. He arrived at Crotched Mountain in late November and has been hard at work ever since. Marianne says the greatest healing for her has been the generosity of others. It turns out that good deeds have a ripple effect. Kevin, Patrick’s 21 year old brother, volunteered to take a semester off from Providence College to be with Patrick after his mother returned to full time work. He now arrives at the Children’s Specialty Hospital every morning and proceeds with Patrick through his day, encouraging, soothing and helping. “We’ve always been close,” says Kevin. “He’s been a big part of my life forever, and I will be here for him when he needs my help.” Kevin says it hasn’t been an easy journey. “I pass through phases of frustration, depression and then excitement and joy,” Kevin says. The most joyous moments come with the small but consistent steps Pat makes toward recovery – sometimes seen through others’ eyes. “I’m here everyday so I don’t see it the same as those who don’t see him as often,” says Kevin, referring to comments from well-wishers responding to updates posted on Pat’s web site, (www.friendsofpat.com), as well as from a recent profile on WBZ news (http://wbztv.com/video/?id=29560@wbz.dayport.com). The inevitable moments of frustration and despair are counteracted quickly by Kevin’s positive attitude. “I tell myself that I am here to make things happen. I always expect improvement. And he’s better everyday.” Physical therapist Judy Ilacqua concurs. “He has progressed from walking ten feet with four people assisting to walking 500 feet with a walker and two people. He comprehends directions, and is vocalizing more. Pat’s family has been a vital component of his progress,” reports Judy. And, just a few weeks ago, Pat was out on the slopes skiing with Crotched Mountain’s Adaptive Ski Program. Kevin will to return to school in September. His twin sister, Megan, plans to take a semester off from Suffolk University in the fall to carry on with Pat’s rehabilitation. “We all knew this wasn’t going to be a two week thing,” says Kevin. “Taking a semester off was the best decision I could have made. I will never regret it.” ENVISIONING THE FUTURE PLANNING FOR LIFE No doubt about it – change can be scary. But with the right support, information and attitude, change can be instructive, exciting and downright liberating. Just ask the parents of Crotched Mountain student Charlie Bates who, together with Charlie, are exploring what life might be like for him as he returns to his home community. Nineteen year-old Charlie is diagnosed with autism and epilepsy. He has an engaging smile and varied interests. He also has difficulty communicating and requires assistance with many of his daily activities. Charlie has attended Crotched Mountain School for the past four years. His transition from school into the community must occur by age 22. Charlie’s parents, Gretchen and Stephen, are already deep in the process of imagining, dreaming, assessing and choosing as they anticipate the next big milestone in Charlie’s life. “Coming into this transitional planning was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done,” says Gretchen. “For so many years, Crotched Mountain provided a safe, wonderful environment for Charlie. Our first choice would have been for Charlie to stay right here if possible. But after working with Jan Holland (behavior health and education specialist at Crotched Mountain), I felt safe exploring other options.” According to Jan, empowering individuals and their families to make choices based on their unique vision is central to the concept of family-directed options. “This process guides successful transitions,” says Jan. “We want to make all possibilities known to families, help them identify their aspirations and find ways to realize them in the world.” For Charlie’s family the process has been a long-term effort. By planning for Charlie’s future early on, they’ve had the freedom to consider a wide range of options, and to allow their vision to evolve as they learn more. For everyone, it’s about focusing on choice, control and aspirations – with the understanding that a full life includes caring relationships and meaningful days, and that transitions will include triumphs as well as challenges and disappointments. The important thing, says Jan, is to remain open, flexible and curious on the journey! The process starts with the basics. Stephen and Gretchen live on Cape Cod. Close proximity to Charlie is important. They want to be able to visit him often and easily, so a location within a reasonable driving distance is important. They envision Charlie living near an urban center where opportunities for new and stimulating activities are many. Charlie likes to be on the move, so the family considers locations with easy access to ski facilities and athletic clubs. They also think about ways Charlie can join his community on an equal footing. “He loves to walk outdoors.” Gretchen says. “So perhaps it makes sense for him to join an outing or hiking club. Maybe he could walk people’s dogs, and eventually develop this into a job.” The Bates are leaning toward a shared housing option where Charlie would share living space with a roommate who would provide him with some supports. Whatever they finally choose, they know they are free to change their minds and plans in accordance with Charlie’s evolving interests and aspirations. “I don’t think it’s going to be easy, but with Jan’s support, I know we can do it,” says Gretchen. THE FACE OF PHILANTHROPY CMF WELCOMES NEW DEVELOPMENT VP, SHARI LANDRY On the wall of the Greenfield campus, there is a quote by founder, Harry Gregg, that says “I am so thrilled about this great gift that is coming for the benefit of our people. I just can’t sleep nights; my head is so filled with all the things we are now going to be in a position to accomplish.” That quote resonates with me as I begin my work at Crotched Mountain. I will confess to many sleepless nights borne out of excitement for all that Crotched Mountain offers and the awesome opportunity to be a part of that. And, better yet, my role is to help others join in that mission. I am so lucky! I look forward to being part of the programs and services that improve the health, hope and happiness of the many people we serve throughout New England. My work experience includes six years with Child and Family Services as Senior Vice President/COO, independent consulting with a wide range of health and human service providers, and over a decade at the Easter Seal Society of New Hampshire. I am currently enrolled in Leadership New Hampshire and am a Commissioner of the Concord Housing Authority and a member of the Citizen’s Review Panel for the Division of Children, Youth and Families. I live in Concord with my husband, our four children, two dogs and two cats. My family was very involved in my decision to join Crotched Mountain and I am fortunate to have their full support in this exciting endeavor. I recently read that research shows that donors like to give and that giving stimulates the reward centers of the brain. Additionally, donors are 43 percent more likely to say they’re “very happy” than non-donors. I love to make people happy! What a great job I have. I look forward to meeting with you and telling you about the “things we are going to accomplish” – together! AUDREY WHITE JOINS CMF BOARD OF TRUSTEES Audrey M. White of Peterborough, NH was recently elected to the Crotched Mountain Foundation board of trustees. She will serve as a member of the Programs and Services Committee. She is the project coordinator for the Philanthropy & Community Relations department at Monadnock Community Hospital and serves on the Leadership Development Committee of the American Hospital Association. Previously, she was employed by Crotched Mountain Foundation where she served as assistant to the president from 1997-2006. She is active on a number of area non-profit boards including the Peterborough Players, Goyette Memorial Fund Advisory Board, and RiverMead Continuing Care Retirement Community where she serves as vice chair. She is a past board chair of Monadnock Community Hospital, New England Marionette Opera, and the Peterborough Players. She is the recipient of the Edith Bond Stearns Award from the Peterborough Players (2005), Hospital Trustee of the Year from the New Hampshire Hospital Association (2003), Citizen of the Year from the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce (1999), and the Alumna Community Service Award from the Katherine Gibbs School (1986). Last year she published her first book, a children’s story entitled Buzzy Jellison: The Funeral Home Cat. “We are delighted to welcome Audrey as a new trustee,” said Crotched Mountain president, Donald L. Shumway. “Her leadership, compassion, and insights into the needs of people with disabilities and their families will be a continued resource to our organization.” BRIEFLY Noted CENTURY RACE TO BENEFIT CMF The Eastern Fat Tire Association will hold the Hampshire 100 Mountain Bike Race to benefit Crotched Mountain Foundation. The race, to be held August 19th at Oak Park in Greenfield, will follow 100 mile course through the beautiful and varied terrain of Southern New Hampshire and include a pass through the Crotched Mountain campus. For information call 603-344-4233 or go to www.efta.com. STUDENT LEARNS BY GIVING Crotched Mountain School student, Kevin Brown, and environmental projects director, Jim Orr, recently built an access ramp for Crotched Mountain employee Mike Cole at his home in Bennington. The project took just a few weeks and created an opportunity for hands-on learning for Kevin who documented the project in a PowerPoint presentation for class credit. Meanwhile, Mike Cole and family are thoroughly enjoying their new ramp. “My community really pulled together to make this happen,” Mike said. HEALING ARTS TAKE CENTER STAGE The Healing Arts Program at Crotched Mountain staged its first event for students, patients, families and staff on a cold winter day in late January. The well-attended program at Carter Hall featured the creative work of students, patients, family members and staff crafted under the leadership of visiting artists, weaver Sarah Haskell and writer Peggy Rambach. Mandalas and works of fiction and poetry were showcased as part of the Mandala Community Weaving Project and Writing Workshop. CM GOES TO WASHINGTON On March 13, The Rayburn Office Building on Capital Hill, Washington, DC was filled with members of, and advocates for the brain injury community for Legislative Brain Injury Awareness Day. CM employee John Richards representing both the Crotched Mountain Brain Injury Center and the Brain Injury Association of NH was there and met with Congressman Paul Hodes. PSNH LAUDS ENERGY CONSERVATION Crotched Mountain employees John Parisi and Rich Bedore accept an award from PSNH account executive James Callier for CMRC’s energy conservation efforts. A SURE CURE FOR CABIN FEVER No, your eyes don’t deceive you, that is an airborne kite–indoors! Kite Educator Archie Stewart and other members of Kites Over New England held an indoor Kite Flying day at Crotched Mountain on February 11. Participants built their own flying machines and flew them under their own steam by walking or by towing them behind fast-moving wheelchairs, all the while learning about the physics of flight. WRITING FREES THE CREATIVE SPIRIT IN PATIENTS AND FAMILIES Two By Lindsey Huntoon I shoot my arms out like a small child reaching for a balloon And crack them at the elbow All the while placing the oar in the drink I know Kendra is doing the exact same thing Right in back of me, so it’s up to me to set the example, Trusting that she is mimicking me to a T There is a special agreement in a double scull: If you mess up it’s going to get ugly And there’s no one else to blame it on but you (It’s all you and her.) My legs explode and my butt rolls back And my arms get thick and invigorated I reach out, pull in, then slowly rise up Like a small child peering over a candy counter Like I know I can almost get there If I just pull harder. I feel a breeze on the back of my ears I hear the oarlocks “chunking” in unison And my legs are on fire, my breath is short, staccato I glance at the lonely skull behind us We’re gaining on it Thank God! Now we won’t have to face the wrath of The Kling She comes into focus She looks very serious. I know that it is time to be serious too “Congratulations!” she says, “It was darn close. But you did it!” So Kendra and I give each other a look. We know we did. Lindsey Huntoon, a client receiving rehabilitative services in the Brain Injury Center following a brain injury, took part in Peggy Rambach’s memoir writing class and penned this memoir of a scull race she won as a student at Groton School in Massachusetts. The Healing Arts–New Pathways to Health is an initiative of the Vermont Arts Exchange, the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts with the generous support of Jane’s Trust and the Kenneth B. Schwartz Center and funding from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, the Cogswell Benevolent Trust, the Badger Family Fund and other supporters of the arts. HORIZONS Published by the Office of Advancement Edited by Robin Boyd Crotched Mountain Foundation One Verney Drive, Greenfield, NH 03047 603-547-3311, ext. 401 robin.boyd@crotchedmountain.org Photos by Archie Stewart, Mike Terrian, Robyn Boyd, Kim Cole, Pat Whitney As a service to our readers, please write us at the above address if you wish to have your name removed from our mailing list for fund-raising requests supporting Crotched Mountain.