HORIZONS A Newsletter for Families and Friends of Crotched Mountain Summer 2006, Volume 6, Number 3 FROM THE PRESIDENT Donald L. Shumway The summer of 2006 will be remembered for having an energy level all its own! We live in a world where we must find ways to ensure a future for all of us. We were honored early in June when the Governor and Council came to Crotched Mountain for one of its rare meetings away from the Capitol. Open to the public, this was a great opportunity for our local community to observe state government at work. Governor John Lynch and Councilor Peter Spaulding joined me in welcoming everyone, and our wheelchair dance ensemble performed to a standing ovation. A special tribute to former NH First Lady Catherine “Cay” Gregg commended her lifelong dedication to historic preservation, conservation and her family’s role in establising and supporting Crotched Mountain as a preeminent center for rehabilitation and education for children and adults with disabilities. Gala and Golf events surpassed prior years with sellout attendance, increased fund raising, and perfect weather. We introduced the Healing Arts Initiative with an enthusiastically received pilot program that included a legendary drummer, a master kite educator and a kid-friendly sculptor. On National Trails Day a crew of volunteers began opening up the accessible trail corridor. Our Special Olympics team did us proud in Durham and later at the Nationals in Ames, Iowa. At Crotched Mountain School graduation exercises in mid-June, Dr. Susan Lynch, our current First Lady, toured our facility and was keynote speaker. Dr. Lynch’s message to our students and their families is highlighted in our feature on page 5. We began building the first home in our first new community of mutual support here on the mountain. I never could have imagined back in the 1980s when I first read a book on timber frame construction by Tedd Benson, that one day he would build a home for people with disabilities on the Crotched Mountain campus. In Bensonwood we found innovative architects, problem solvers and most important, people who listen to our concerns that this housing must work for people with disabilities. On June 19, we gathered to witness the assembly of the first walls, lifted onto the foundation by a giant crane. I am grateful to our Board of Directors who share a commitment to creating this community and to the Town of Greenfield for their support, for our many good neighbors who have encouraged us, and for the Monadnock Community Foundation and Jane’s Trust which have been behind this idea from the beginning. Kent Larson of MIT’s Dept. of Architecture noted the challenges that many more people will be facing in the years ahead as the baby boomers age. Tedd Benson added his deeper connection to the process by relating that his wife’s grandfather had had only one charity and that charity was Crotched Mountain, making this “very meaningful to all of us.” The construction now going on at Crotched Mountain is a new definition of “modular.” Walls are being built with complete units of mechanical systems. It’s an entirely new concept that will be studied, refined and shared by architects, builders and manufacturers. The first home was completed in under 30 days and has already hosted a Board meeting. Richard Lamb, who will move into the home in September, from our Brain Injury Unit, says he has “been looking forward to this day for a long time.” As this publication goes to press, we are breaking ground in another location on campus to build a new maintenance facility that includes both vocational classrooms and a wood chip plant that will provide heat for much of our campus. I welcome any of you who would like to tour our facility for the first time or to see the changes if you haven’t been here in awhile. Simply call my assistant, Deb DeCicco at 547-3311, ext. 400, to make arrangements DRUMS, KITES AND HEALING The arts make us feel good. Literally. At Crotched Mountain, the visual and performing arts have always been a large part of every resident’s life. From dance to watercolor, weaving to music, the arts are an ongoing focus in our school, in after-school activities and for our adult residents. When The Healing Arts: New Pathways to Health -- a consortium of the Vermont Arts Exchange, the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts (funded by Jane’s Trust and The Kenneth B. Schwartz Center) -- went looking for a primary site in New Hampshire, Crotched Mountain was their unanimous choice. Over the next two years, with a matching grant from the Healing Arts Initiative, Crotched Mountain will host a series of artists in residence, substantially expanding our arts offerings and hands-on experiences for residents of all ages. This summer’s pilot program brought drumming with percussionist Michael Wingfield of Portland, ME, exploring the songs and rhythms of the New African World. Kite building, decorating and flying workshops were led by Archie Stewart, master kite educator of the Boston area. Later this month, Emile Birch of Canaan, NH, will lead us in another hands-on adventure with the creation of a large kinetic sculpture based on the theme of flight. Residents who often feel isolated in large groups were drawn into the design and decoration of their kites. Kids who have difficulty focusing, were able to follow the directions for dancing, singing or drumming. Two boys who have very short attention spans were able to sit and enjoy the entire fire circle. “They couldn’t stop talking about it,” according to their program manager. We will all be making and flying kites when Archie Stewart returns on September 9 for a Kite Festival open to the public that will include kite design and building, kite flying demonstrations, the principles of flight and the relationship of kites to the environment. In the coming year, we look forward to hosting new and returning artists who will lead us in our further understanding of dance, music, fiber, poetry, and sculpture. We will explore some media that are brand new to us. Caregivers, staff and residents will discover talents, encourage new abilities and realize unanticipated accomplishments. Convening opportunities will be held for artists, arts organizations and healthcare teams. For all, The Healing Arts: New Pathways to Health will bring new forms and forums for artistic expression. Twenty-One Students Honored at Graduation Dr. Susan Lynch Addresses Crotched Mountain School Students Introducing New Hampshire’s First Lady, Dr. Susan Lynch, as a pediatrician, a mother, and keynote speaker at Crotched Mountain School’s Commencement 2006, Dr. Carl Cooley, Crotched Mountain’s medical director, observed, “The world might be a better place, if it were run by pediatricians… or mothers!” “It’s hard to leave the nurturing environment of Crotched Mountain, to live even more independently,” noted Dr. Lynch, “but the tools and skills you will need, you already have from Crotched Mountain.” Dr. Lynch spoke of hopes, dreams and resilience and called Crotched Mountain “an anchor of support.” She shared that two years ago, before her husband was elected, she never would have dreamed she would be traveling and giving speeches as she is today. In conclusion, Dr. Lynch quoted from poet Besse Stanley, “Laugh often and much, appreciate beauty, find the best in others and leave the world a better place.” Principal Archie Campbell presented Robert Clark and valedictorian Jennifer McIntosh with the Principal’s Awards citing both students’ willingness to embrace life to the fullest. Campbell then shared personal vignettes of each graduate from “Ian who has been on every team, in every candy store and hopes to visit Fiji one day… to Kate the Great who is an accomplished artist and who walks by herself now… to Diana who loves to dance, dress up and be photographed!” Following the presentation of certificates and diplomas, Crotched Mountain Chairman of the Board Roger Ball congratulated the Class of 2006, encouraging the students to never give up and complimenting the staff for their commitment and dedication to the students. Crotched Mountain students presented a color guard, led the Pledge of Allegiance and offered original music and choral selections under the direction of music teacher Bonnie Arpin. Today is One of the Most Important Days of My Life By Valedictorian Jennifer McIntosh I have grown so much since I have been here at Crotched Mountain. I have so many memories here like going up in a hot air balloon. Being the sugar plum fairy was a dream come true. My teacher, Diane, is patient especially in Algebra. Over the years the staff helped me to become more independent. I was scared about using my power wheelchair, but Lisa Henry and the whole Assistive Technology team gave me courage. When I performed in my power wheelchair for the first time, it was amazing. People here care about students. They never will give up on you, I learned this year. They are making sure that my future is great. I could name all of the people who have helped me. I don’t want to forget anyone. But I would like to mention a person who is not a staff. This person is my Mom. Without her I would not be speaking to you today. It is a long story. I am truly thankful for my Mom. I love you Mom. My advice to the other students is to follow your heart. When your goals are not impossible you never give up. Trust me I know about this. Thank you to Crotched Mountain for caring about me and giving me independence. Another Side of the Mountain By David Mullholand, CMCC Care Manager, Portsmouth Crotched Mountain has quietly become an active presence in New Hampshire communities with the same individualized care, innovative treatment and positive approach to rehabilitation that are hallmarks of its Greenfield campus. Since 1986, Crotched Mountain Community Care (CMCC) has been assisting elders and adults with disabilities who are eligible for long-term nursing home placement by providing care management and advocacy for them to continue living in their own homes. “Home is where they choose to be,” according to Ann Schwartzwalder, Program Director of CMCC. Colleen Carson, a CMCC care manager in the Whitefield area also champions “aging in place” or the importance of remaining in familiar surroundings, from family photos to furnishings and community. “This is the venue where people with aging and disabling issues do best,” says Carson. Beginning in Portsmouth, 20 years ago, with two care managers, CMCC now has additional offices in Rochester, Manchester, Whitefield, Keene, and Claremont, and 21 care managers serving over 700 clients annually. From housing issues to medical equipment, financial needs to personal care and homemaking services, CMCC care managers know the resources available in their areas and coordinate them for their clients. “When you’re home bound, you have very little contact with people except the workers who come to your home,” explains Helene Gilman of Salem, NH, who is grateful for the in-home assistance she receives. “It’s wonderful to call Crotched Mountain and hear a cheerful human voice that will connect you with someone who will try to settle your problem,” she continues. Ralph Southwick of Raymond, NH, is another example of the power of CMCC services. Two years ago, when he was 36, Southwick sustained a stroke following complications from spinal meningitis. While coordinating Southwick’s personal care and homemaking services, CMCC care manager Maureen Babin realized that his home was in serious disrepair. With funding from the Roger R. and Theresa Thompson Endowment for the Seacoast Area, CMCC’s Home Maintenance Assistance Program renovated floors, walls, sink and countertops, and completed interior painting in Southwick’s home. The work was contracted by Community House Calls to make to make his home safer and more accessible. They installed a smoke detector which later saved Ralph’s life when there was a fire in his home. “Having my place fixed up made me feel like a human being again,” said Southwick. When Southwick was first in rehab, his mother was told he would probably never walk or talk again. But he has completed his physical therapy and that has enabled him to pass his driving test. With a car from the Kremples Foundation, he is making plans to get back to work. Babin considers Southwick a rarity for CMCC in that he has improved to the point where he will very soon no longer need their services. Babin jokes with him about “graduating” from CMCC. Southwick replies, “You have no idea how good it will feel to graduate!” CMCC coordinates services for elders and adults with disabilities who receive Medicaid assistance from New Hampshire’s Home and Community Based Care program (HCBC). Rather than opt for long-term nursing home placement, these clients choose to have CMCC monitor and coordinate their home care services, empowering them to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible. Estate Planning is for everyone Factoring your charitable goals into your estate plan can be good for you and good for Crotched Mountain. Why not learn more about the benefits of a Charitable Gift Annuity with Crotched Mountain. This is just one option available to you that can reduce taxes now and increase your income in retirement while establishing a legacy to support children and adults with disabilities or brain injuries and the other vulnerable people of all ages whom we serve. For more information, please call Anthony M. Tremblay at Crotched Mountain Foundation 603-547-3311, extension 479. Gala and Golf - the Most Successful Ever Gala 2006 raised $45,000 in support of Crotched Mountain’s Accessible Recreation Project and Monadnock Community Hospital’s Healthy Teeth Program. A bountiful buffet, prepared and served by Crotched Mountain’s own staff, an exciting raffle and auction, and dancing in two venues to the music of Chase and The Sharon Jones Trio, were enjoyed by 250 Gala goers. Gala 2006 was the annual occasion for guests of Crotched Moutain Foundation and Monadnock Community Hospital to socialize, dine and dance, bene?ting both organizations. In July, 144 golfers enjoyed a glorious summer day at Stonebridge Country Club in Goffstown raising more than $30,000 for Crotched Mountain School. Hosted by the parents of current and former students, participants enjoyed a barbecue buffet, raffle and auction. Parent Barry Metayer shared his family’s experiences at the recent Special Olympics in Ames, Iowa, and his delight with his son’s accomplishments at Crotched Mountain School. “All of the people on my son’s team are his friends,” Metayer said of Crotched Mountain staff. BRIEFLY NOTED CATHERINE “CAY” GREGG, former New Hampshire First Lady, was honored by Governor John Lynch and Councilor Ruth Griffin on June 7 when the Governor and Executive Council met at Crotched Mountain. Mrs. Gregg was commended for her work to preserve and restore the Wentworth-Coolidge Mansion in Portsmouth and the Robert Frost Farm in Derry and for her and her family’s long-time support of Crotched Mountain. JENNY VENTRE and MADELINE ARPIN performed as part of our Active Ingredients Dance Ensemble when the Governor and Executive Council held their meeitng at Crotched Mountain Foundation. THE CORNUCOPIA PROJECT is transforming a patch of earth outside the Children’s Specialty Hospital into a parade of raised beds, brimming with carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and squash. Master gardener Kin Schilling is helping the kids at Crotched Mountain to grow organic vegetables, to learn healthy eating, to understand local and sustainable agriculture and to connect with the earth. Contact kinschilling@verizon.net. GROUND BREAKING for Crotched Mountain’s Maintenance Facility/Skills Center included Chairman of the Board Roger Ball along with students Jeff and Justin, vocational trainer Denise Lefebvre and former student Sarah. Construction has begun at the site of the new facility that will also house vocational classrooms and a wood-chip furnace deigned to heat many of the Greenfield campus buildings. NEW BIKE SHOP In July a group of Crotched Mountain students led by residential counselor David Fields held a grand opening of the Crotched Mountain Bicycle Shop located next to Sycamore Place. A professional bicycle tune-up is $20. There is a limited selection of used bikes for sale; donations of used bikes and bike parts are welcome. Contact The Bike Shop at David.Fields@crotchedmountain.org. CLINTON HILLIARD SERIES CONTINUES Insights by people with disabilities and family members who share their stories, made possible by gifts contributed in memory of Clinton Hilliard, former head of the Speech Department at Crotched Mountain. Free and open to the public. September 18, 3:15 pm Grieving the Loss of Health Laura Basili, Ph. D., is a clinical psychologist whose therapeutic work focuses on how children, families, and helping professionals make meaning of illness, suffering, loss, and adversity. She trains and consults nationally with hospitals, mental health centers, community service agencies, schools and hospices on child and adolescent development, illness, bereavement, spirituality, and self-care for caregivers. October 9, 3:00 pm HANDLE: A Systems Approach to Autism and Sensory Processing Challenges Judith Bluestone, Neurodevelopmental/Educational Therapist; Originator of the HANDLE Approach, and Clinical and Educational director of the HANDLE Institute, combines her personal experience of autism with nearly 40 years of research, clinical experience and teaching. Her second book, The Fabric of Autism: Weaving the Threads into a Cogent Theory is winning acclaim not only in the autism community but also among those who are grappling with many disorders challenging human functioning. November 8, 3:15 pm Gifts from the Bell Jar PJ Long, Psychotherapist, author, survivor of both traumatic brain injury and breast cancer, is well acquainted with the many seasons of healing. She is an eloquent speaker whose personal stories comfort and inspire survivors, families and professionals. With grace and humor, PJ offers lessons she’s learned throughout the seasons, and relates how nature’s timeless wisdom can guide survivors in recovery. HORIZONS Published by the Office of Advancement Edited by Pat Whitney, Director of Annual Giving Crotched Mountain Foundation One Verney Drive, Greenfield, NH 03047 603-547-3311, ext. 471 patricia.whitney@crotchedmountain.org Photos by Deb DeCicco, Bonnie Konopka, Joan Crooker, Geoff Garfinkle, Pat Whitney, Tracy Messer, Geoff Forester, David Mulholand, Michael Redmond 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.