HORIZONS A Newsletter for families and friends of Crotched Mountain Summer 2005 Volume 5, Number 2 FROM THE PRESIDENT This issue I am happy to relinquish my space to a letter that expresses the special bond we try to create here...between people, between ideas and action and between Crotched Mountain and the world. Don Shumway Dear Don: As a parent (and not a Board member) I wanted to drop you a short note to let you know about something truly amazing that took place with my son Jack over this vacation week that reflects, in several ways, what a wonderful place Crotched Mountain has been for him. Jessie Madden and Erin Burke, two [residential] aides who have developed a very special relationship with our son Jack, decided on their own that it would be fun for Jack (and them) to go visit “the Gates,” the artist Christo’s massive “fabric sculpture” that has been temporarily “installed” in Central Park in New York City. After discussing their plans with Val and me, the plans came together very quickly and they ended up driving down on Wednesday morning, viewing the exhibit, spending the night in Manhattan and returning the next day (after doing some sight-seeing and viewing the exhibit one more time). They reported that Jack truly loved the experience. We are anxiously awaiting their pictures. The more that Val and I think about this experience, the more we are impressed on a number of levels. First of all, unlike many of us who spend most of our time focusing on the limitations of (and problems faced by) individuals with disabilities, these young women obviously have an “anything is possible” attitude that provides an entirely different way of looking at opportunities that may be available for individuals like Jack. Secondly, they seem to understand, almost on an instinctual level, that Jack (and others like him) can truly appreciate and get value from undertakings such as this one, even if they may perceive such experiences in a very different way than the rest of us. Finally, while parents and professionals (quite rightly) spend most of our time focusing on the education, development and protection of our special children, it is nice to have people like Jessie and Erin remind us, through actions like this, that we shouldn’t forget that teenagers need to do some things just because they are fun. While much of this experience is the result of the thoughts and actions of a couple of special people, this event would never have taken place if Crotched didn’t exist as a place for Jessie and Erin to meet Jack; and if Crotched didn’t create and foster the type of environment where individuals like Jack are treated with respect and valued as the truly unique individuals that they are. Val and Dave Barnes INTERNATIONAL INTERNS A CULTURAL EXCHANGE Crotched Mountain has always welcomed international visitors. Over the last 13 years, the International Intern Program has intentionally hosted at least a dozen interns at any one time, nearly 30 at peak times, and over 350 in all. The program is led by Kevin Harte, originally from Galway, Ireland, who first came to Crotched Mountain as an intern himself in 1988 while at Keene State University. Interns spend 3-12 months acquiring academic credit, receiving practical training and building resume experience in the fields of psychology, social work, physical, occupation or speech therapy and special education. In the process they can improve their English and enter into cultural, linguistic and geographic exchanges that broaden their understanding of the world. In our residential settings, a German intern prepares Weiner Schnitzel, a Korean intern shares her grandmother’s recipes and some taste fudge and seafood for the first time! It’s not unusual to hear a Crotched Mountain student who is studying Hebrew, a staff member who speaks Spanish, and interns from Brazil or Turkey comparing words, idioms and slang in their different languages. They look up their hometowns in the Atlas, describing holidays and family traditions. These exchanges dispel misconceptions about food, history, politics and environmental concerns. Many who thought Americans are self-absorbed because most of us are not bilingual, are pleasantly surprised to learn we are very interested in cultural diversity. This year the residences held a block party with each house taking a decade from the 40s through the present. Students and interns alike became immersed in American history from FDR and Spam to swing music and vintage clothing! In the classroom, interns use a variety of computer adaptations and communication devices. They learn a little sign language. But most of all, they realize that our students are just like other kids — they will test the limits and try to push our buttons as part of the learning process. One intern who was especially effective in the classroom came back to school in the evenings to help paint the walls. Many participate in the St. Patrick’s Day dance, the talent show and Fall Festival. They assist at Wonderworks, our childcare program, and in the Assistive Technology Program. At present, four interns are participating in a “cohousing inspired” arrangement, living in The Pines apartments with five Crotched Mountain students. They do community projects like yard work and gardening, they share rides to off-campus destinations and meals a few times each month, use the common room and the kitchen together. We learn from them as well. Many interns offer slide and lecture presentations about their individual countries. The interns leave knowing real Americans, remarking on the Crotched Mountain location and experience, and saying, “I love this country.” The family of one Crotched Mountain student remembers an intern with great affection. “When Anne Marie walked into the room, Michael’s face just lit up!” recalls Gretchen Gaul. “She talked to him all the time and wrote the most wonderful notes about his day.” "Interns change the dynamic at Crotched Mountain," David Ratliff, Program Manager TO WORK, LIVE ON MY OWN, AND HAVE FRIENDS When Seth was a child, his parents were told he would never be able to write his name or to live independently as an adult. The perception was that mild retardation and cerebral palsy would limit Seth’s ability to live on his own. But that was before Crotched Mountain. During the eight years he was a residential student at Crotched Mountain School, Seth began to read, to advovate for himself and to channel the frustrations that sometimes overwhelmed him. He graduated from Crotched Mountain in 1998, cheered on by his very supportive parents. Seth could have lived at home, but he was determined to be independent. Eager to work and to have a social life, Seth tried a variety of living and employment arrangements but finding the right match in a work setting and provider family is not always easy. Over the last several months, however, Seth has settled into a productive life that combines all three ambitions. He works in an assembly/packaging job and looks forward to making his “quota” every day. It’s important to Seth to do well, according to Tracy McCormack, his case manager at Crotched Mountain Residential Services. Transportation for Seth is furnished by Crotched Mountain and his Individual Support Options (ISO) provider family. He goes home at night to his provider family in Bedford where there are two boys, six and ten, and a little girl who is two. Seth is the big brother who swaps video games with the kids, takes care of his own room and bath, and willingly helps wherever he can. Seth’s provider family is currently moving to a new home in the area. When Jeanne and John consider a new place, they take Seth and their children to see it which makes Seth feel included. “It can be a challenge to have a nonbiological family member in your home,” says Jeanne, “but we learn from Seth and he learns from us, and we all want it to succeed.” Having a sense of humor helps and Seth contributes mightily in that area. Seth’s parents are delighted with his new self confidence. His mom tells about a video game Seth purchased that didn’t work as promised. He was able to call the store, explain the problem and get a replacement. Joan and Paul Garon are thrilled with the support Seth receives from his provider family. Today, Seth belongs to a self advocacy group in Nashua, he takes literacy courses through Rivier College, goes to singles dances, and out to eat with Paul, his Crotched Mountain aide. Paul is helping Seth learn the Manchester area transportation system so that he can get around by himself. People who work in the bank and stores where Seth shops are getting to know him so that he can do business with them on his own. In the last year, Seth has changed remarkably. He is more relaxed and is happier. He is saving to buy a computer. At one time, he called his case manager every day in frustration. Now she hears from him maybe once a month and it’s usually positive. When he does struggle with anger and frustration, Seth has learned to go for a walk. He is on his way to realizing his goal to work, live independently with a family, and have friends. NEW C.O.O. ELLIE STEIN Ellie C. Stein of Dunbarton, NH, has been named vice president and chief operating officer for Crotched Mountain Foundation. She will provide overall operating direction and supervision of education, clinical, programmatic and administrative functions for Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center and the community-based services operated by Crotched Mountain in locations throughout the northeast. Prior to joining Crotched Mountain, Ellie was co-founder and executive director of Familystrength, a nonprofit agency enhancing the ability of New Hampshire families to respond to life challenges by providing home-based, family-oriented, strength-focused counseling and support. Ellie earned a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the University of New Hampshire in 1982 and received her bachelor’s degree from Lawrence University, Appleton, WI, in 1972. Among the many honors she has received for her professional achievements is the “Systems Change Award 2000” from the NH Alliance for the Mentally Ill and the “Granite State Award for Outstanding Public Service” from the Trustees of the University of New Hampshire system in 1993. “Crotched Mountain is doing such important work and I look forward to helping us grow and develop in Greenfield and especially in our Community-based sites.” Ellie Stein NEW MEMBERS, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Raymond Ambrogi retired as division director of product development in the Consumer Product Division at Corning, Inc., after 33 years in glass manufacture and development. He was development leader and plant manager of the Corelle dinnerware product line and was awarded six US patents. Ambrogi has a B.S. and M.S. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Mechanical Engineering and is a graduate of Harvard’s Program for Management Development. He is a member of Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Xi. A resident of New Hampshire since 1994, Ambrogi and his wife, Anna, live in New Castle where he has served on the New Castle Budget Committee for six years, three years as chairman, and is presently a full voting member of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. He is a past treasurer of the Friends of the Seacoast Science Center, Rye, NH, president and treasurer, Ducks Head Condominium association and a previous Wentworth by the Sea Master Association vice president. He is also a licensed NH lobsterman. “I hope my skills as a technical person and developer would lead to some activity or device that would make someone’s day to day life at Crotched Mountain a bit easier and more meaningful." Richard E. Mandeville is a consultant for the Institute of the Career College Association and Sylvan International Universities, Baltimore, and is chairman of the board of Thomson Education Direct, Scranton, PA. He is a former director of the Commission on Technical and Career Institutions responsible for the accreditation of 161 schools and colleges in the New England states and Europe. He was president of New Hampshire Community Technical College, Manchester, from 1976-1992. He and his wife, Katherine, live in Bedford. Mandeville holds a B.A. in Philosophy and English Literature from Our Lady of Providence College; a Bachelor of Sacred theology and Licentiate in Sacred Theology (doctoral equivalent) from St. Mary’s University of Baltimore; an M.A. in Counseling from Catholic University of America, and a Doctor of Laws from Briarwood College. A charter and current member of the National Council for Occupational Education, Mandeville has served on the NH Postsecondary Education Commission, Business and Industry Association of NH and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. “I would like to give something to Crotched for the wonderful care and education that our son James received while a student there.” THE ROLE OF PHILANTHROPY CROTCHED MOUNTAIN'S THIRD ANNUAL BRAIN INJURY AWARENESS DAY SEPTEMBER 18 Certified 5K Run, Fun Walk, Barbecue and Brain Injury Awareness Events Staff, alumni, families, friends and clients of Crotched Mountain’s Brain Injury Center will once again join together to raise funds for and awareness of brain injury, its treatment and its prevention. Last year’s event raised close to $20,000 that supported therapeutic horseback riding scholarships, an extensive array of craft supplies and materials, updated stereo equipment and music for our brain injury common room, patio furniture and tickets for brain injury clients to enjoy off-mountain events and performances. As a result, some of Crotched Mountain’s brain injury clients, including one who rode horseback before her injury, have been able to participate in therapeutic horseback riding. Several clients have produced craft items for sale in the Brain Injury Store. Clients can now sit comfortably outside on the new patio furniture, use new heavy-duty personal floatation devices and umbrellas at our waterfront, and enjoy outings to see Bill Cosby or NASCAR races. “Staff and families and their friends make this happen,” said Michele Stelling, chair of the event, now in its 3rd year. For families this is a way to become involved, to contribute to the well-being of their loved one, and to meet the families of other clients. Runners in the 5K Race and walkers in the Fun Walk are sponsored. One family participated in a golf tournament. Many families involve their friends and colleagues. Prizes are awarded to the top fund raisers and medals are presented to the top runners in six categories. A raffle, a fun walk that includes people in wheelchairs, services and resources information booths, safety demonstrations, and a barbecue at noon will round out the event that begins at 8:00 AM, Sunday, September 18 at Crotched Mountain. To register for the 5K Race or for more information, please go to our website, www.crotchedmountain.org/BIADayPages/BIAday.htm or call Dennis Green at 547-3311, ext. 528. A Gala Evening Each June, we dress in our evening best and gather at our Greenfield campus to dine, dance and socialize at the annual Gala. This year was a sellout with 250 people attending, a new band, Chase of Boston, and another legendary buffet prepared by Crotched Mountain’s food service. Hosted by Crotched Mountain Foundation and Monadnock Community Hospital, the Gala proceeds of $40,000 will fund initiatives at both organizations including Crotched Mountain’s Community Dental Clinic and Monadnock Community Hospital’s Healthy Teeth Program. BRIEFLY NOTED GRADUATION 2005 Ten students were honored at commencement ceremonies June 15. Crotched Mountain School Principal Archie Campbell stressed that “it takes a community to educate a child.” Kathleen Berns, in her parent message emphasized that “Crotched Mountain thinks outside the box.” And Jason Richards in his student message observed that “In order to receive, something of equal or greater value must be given.” KITTY LUNN of Infinity Dance Theater, New York City, returned to Crotched Mountain July 14th to present a public performance of four of her works with Mark Roxey of the Roxey Ballet Company. Lunn also led dance workshops for students at Crotched Mountain and Cedarcrest in Keene. Lunn’s performance and workshops were underwritten by funding from the NH State Council on the Arts and The Lynch Foundation. REACH FOR THE SKY our tree house brochure won a first place Lamplighter Award presented by the New England Society for Healthcare Communications (NESHCo). Produced by Michael Havey of Yasvin Designers, Hancock, NH, the brochure led to the success of raising $100,000 to build the tree house and helped garner attention in local and national media. FORMER STUDENT MO GAYNOR testified before the US House of Representatives Bipartisan Disability Caucus. Gaynor, who has cerebral palsy, was a student at Crotched Mountain School for 11 years and helped test a wide range of assistive devices. She spoke of the importance of assistive technology, her search for employment and what disability funding cuts will mean for people with disabilities and for the general public. “If I didn’t have assistive technology, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” said Mo. LICENSED NURSING ASSISTANT DIANA BOYD has been chosen as Crotched Mountain’s representative to the state competition for LNA of the Year 2005. In her nomination letter it was noted that “Diana’s first consideration is for the clients’ well-being; her second is for the others on the team; third is for the organization as a whole; and fourth is for herself.” Her nomination came from the clients of our Brain Injury Center. CLINTON HILLIARD LECTURE SERIES CONTINUES The Clinton Hilliard Lecture Series has been called “inspiring, informative and valuable” as people with disabilities and family members share their stories and reflect on their lives. Made possible by anonymous gifts in memory of Clinton Hilliard, former head of the Speech Department at Crotched Mountain, the lectures are open to the public, free of charge. September 19, 3:15 PM Travis Roy, author of Eleven Seconds Eleven seconds into his college hockey career at Boston University, Travis Roy shattered his fourth cervical vertebra and became a quadriplegic. A strong and articulate spokesman for spinal cord injury survivors, he went on to graduate from BU with a degree in public relations. He is active with the Travis Roy Foundation, is a college hockey analyst with WMTW-TV8 in Portland, ME, and was color analyst during ESPNU’s national coverage of the 2005 NCAA D-1 college hockey playoffs. October 24, 3:15 PM Tony DeBlois, pianist Tony DeBlois is a pianist who is blind and has autism. A graduate of Perkins School for the Blind and Berklee College of Music, his music spans classical to jazz. He has appeared in two Catholic Global Showcase Specials, the Learning Channel’s “UN Genius,” Strange Science “Unusual People” and “Understanding the Mysteries of Memory.” November 14, 3:15 PM Kara Swanson, author of I’ll Carry the Fork A van speeding through a red light forever changed life as Kara Swanson had known it in January 1996. Kara writes, “This is the book I wish I could have read when I was first diagnosed with a brain injury.” The information that took her months and years to learn is now a short, easy-to-read book that helps survivors and their loved ones better understand the process of recovery. HORIZONS is published by the Office of Advancement, Crotched Mountain Foundation. For more information contact: Pat Whitney, Director of Development Crotched Mountain Foundation One Verney Drive Greenfield, NH 03047 603-547-3311, ext. 471 patricia.whitney@crotchedmountain.org 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 fundraising requests supporting Crotched Mountain.