HORIZONS A NEWSLETTER FOR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF CROTCHED MOUNTAIN SUMMER 2009 VOLUME 9 NUMBER 2 Our Culture of Learning Benefits Everyone by Don Shumway President and CEO WHEN WE CITE our impressive service statistics — over 3,000 people served last year — it’s important to mention the people who provide those services. Crotched Mountain has over 800 employees, most of whom provide direct services to people with disabilities. Direct service professionals, licensed nursing assistants, nurses, physicians, therapists, teachers, teacher aides and care managers — all come to their professions with the highest standards and training. Crotched Mountain’s employees receive some of the most comprehensive and cutting-edge training of any in the business. Upon walking through the door, all direct care staff take part in six days of orientation classes covering a wide range of topics. When our employees complete this training, they are well prepared to provide the skilled, compassionate and respectful care that our clients, students and patients have come to expect. Last year, 258 employees completed this training. Beyond the basics, many of our employees continue to learn new skills through our continuing education offerings. Last year our Continuing Education program logged 2,059 hours of training to 532 employees, many of whom worked toward, earned or maintained certifications in their disciplines. Carol Drescher, a recently certified Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner, or ARNP, is a prime example of the vitality and initiative that define so many of our employees. Carol has been on a quest for knowledge since earning a BA in humanities in 1992, which she followed up with an MA in writing and literature. And that’s just the beginning. In 2005 she received an associates degree in nursing and continued on to earn her second master’s degree and recent ARNP certification. While working at CM she also earned certifications in Neuroscience Nursing (CNRN) Rehabilitation Nursing (CRRN), and as a Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), which together make her affectionately known as Carol Drescher, MA MS ARNP CNRN CRRN CBIS! We are proud and fortunate to have Carol, and all those who strive for excellence, here at CMRC. Thanks to them, we can be sure our patients, clients and students are in capable hands. Earth Connections A world of learning — about the world SCHOOL doesn’t have to happen within four walls. Sometimes school happens outside under a brilliant blue sky, among green growing things and the sound of birdsong. It’s a different kind of learning that asks kids to experience lessons through their senses, to learn about a topic and come to understand it on a visceral level. That’s what Earth Connections is all about. The brainchild of Farm School teacher Jean Polovchik, home economics teacher Laura Berry, Cornucopia Project director Kin Schilling and horticulture teacher Donna Collins, the class is designed to help students connect with the natural environment in a respectful, low-impact way. Activities range from tapping sugar maples to produce award-winning maple syrup, to following the process of wool production from sheep to fleece to felt, to growing high-quality organic vegetables from seed. Within these activities are lessons of respect, sustainability and a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of everything — all rolled up in core curricula subjects of math, biology, climatology, chemistry and animal husbandry. “There are core academics in almost everything we do here,” Jean, formerly the long-time science teacher, points out. “In making syrup we measure temperatures and percentages of sugar. When selling vegetables and other homegrown and homemade goods, students learn about marketing and economics. Cooking requires precise measurements and the ability to follow directions. In the school garden we learn about soil composition, the life cycle of plants and photosynthesis.” “We want to show the students ways to live more gently on the earth by helping them understand how we’re all connected,” Jean adds. “When students leave here, they will recognize a maple tree and understand a little better where their food comes from.” Eating is indeed a big part of the experience. Students have feasted on maple syrup snow cones, pesto and pasta, marinara sauce, fried green tomatoes, eggrolls and vegetable soup, “all made from ingredients the students grew, gathered and prepared,” says Laura. Students keep journals of their experiences and, depending on their learning styles and abilities, record their impressions through collage, drawing and written word. One student depicts the energy savings of eating locally by contrasting drawings of a local garden with drawings of airplanes and trucks hauling food from afar, demonstrating an understanding of the economics of food production and distribution. Astronomy was part of the mix this year, as students marked the winter solstice with a lesson in seasonal rotations followed by a garlic toss, egg balancing contests and a gingerbread Stonehenge for dessert. From these activities come a comfort and familiarity with the world which serve both the students and the planet. At the Cornucopia Project garden in nearby Hancock, where the class occasionally gathers to plant, harvest and sometimes prepare food in a student-made oven, Kin has carrots growing in a fish aquarium. “I did this because a student asked me if carrots grow on a vine or in the ground. I decided I’d let them see for themselves.” And that’s the whole point of EarthConnections — learning about our connections to the planet by seeing, doing, understanding and always celebrating. Team Hannah: All Around Winner JUST AS A RISING TIDE lifts all boats, sometimes a special personcan lift the spirits of everyone around her. Hannah Nowicki is such a person. Her joy is infectious. Ask anyone who lives, works or interacts with her as she goes about her busy day. “I first met Hannah nine years ago when I worked as a direct support staff person at her group home at Crotched Mountain. I felt a connection to her immediately and always hoped that, someday, my family and I would share our lives with her,” says Jinette Jenks, Hannah’s home care provider through Crotched Mountain’s residential services program. Now 25 years old, Hannah joined the Jenks family about 18 months ago after Jinette and her husband, Andy, who are both retired, built an accessible home with Hannah in mind. The spacious one floor home is large and airy with every colorful room easily accessible to Hannah’s wheelchair. Hannah cannot walk and has limited use of her arms and hands. She has developmental disabilities that limit her verbal communication. But once you get to know Hannah she communicates quite eloquently through facial expressions and hand gestures in addition to her vocabulary. When she moved in with the Jenks family in January 2008 they were by no means strangers. Hannah had celebrated holidays and special occasions with the family many times, as the Jenks worked toward their goal of becoming Hannah’s home care provider. Hannah is part of a new program at Crotched Mountain called Whole Life, an individualized day program for people whose health issues prevent them from taking part in group day programming. “Hannah has some health issues which make it difficult for her to attend a full day of activities, so we make sure she has every opportunity to get out into the community to make friends and have interesting experiences,” says Jinette. Her latest endeavor is her work as a volunteer for the Contoocook Valley Transportation Company (CVTC), a community transportation program that serves the eastern Monadnock Region. “Hannah’s aide, Vera Euvrard, researched possible volunteer situations for Hannah and discovered this opportunity.” Jinette recalls. “It was a perfect match.” Rebecca Harris, Executive Director of CVTC agrees. “Hannah is a fantastic ambassador. She loves meeting new people and happily engages with riders while Jinette, Andy, or Vera do the driving. I call them Team Hannah.” Rebecca points out that community transportation is about much more than giving people rides. “It’s about building community and helping people connect in meaningful and helpful ways.” Team Hannah’s first trip for CVTC bears this out in spades. The team was asked to transport an older gentleman named Tom from his nursing home in Greenfield to a doctor’s appointment in Manchester. “Tom and Hannah hit it off immediately. Hannah loved him, and he responded in kind. We had such a great time; we all stopped for lunch on the way home. When we dropped him off, he took off his hat, which Hannah had greatly admired, and gave it to her. It was so touching,” Jinette recalls. Team Hannah will be transporting Tom to other appointments in the future, and it’s clear a warm and lasting connection is in the making. Plans are in the works to have Tom over to the house for lunch sometime soon. Hannah naturally builds community around her, and as her world expands to include more people and places, so does the influence of her welcoming and joyful spirit. “People often comment how wonderful it is that we provide a home for Hannah,” says Jinette. “I tell them it’s the other way around. It’s our good fortune to live with Hannah. She makes our lives better." THE FACE OF PHILANTHROPY How often have you thought, “I wish I could do more...” WHEN DON KENT first supported Crotched Mountain’s science program in the 1960s by donating some weather equipment from WBZ, he had no idea that this gesture would change the world. Or when he invited some of Crotched Mountain’s students to report the weather every day and to visit his television show, that 30 years later it would lead to the formation of the Don Kent Legacy Society. How did it change the world? Well, from that time forward and even to this day, we receive gifts from people who learned about Crotched Mountain from Don’s weather reports. Many remembered us in their wills and made bequests that allowed us to create the magnificent facilities here that change lives every day. Most had never visited Crotched Mountain and had no one in their family who needed our services. But they trusted Don Kent and followed his example. Don has honored us again. He has allowed us to name our new Legacy Society after him, the Don Kent Legacy Society, which celebrates Crotched Mountain’s foremost supporters and friends. Now you can leave a legacy of support to Crotched Mountain as well, by joining the Don Kent Legacy Society and making a difference, even beyond your lifetime. Become a member today simply by letting us know that you have included Crotched Mountain in your estate planning. You do not need to mention the amount, and no amount is too small. Your gift can be made through a Crotched Mountain Charitable Gift Annuity, or a gift of stock, an IRA, life insurance or real estate, or as a specific amount or a percentage of your residual estate. Your name will be included on the Don Kent Legacy Society plaque, and members will be honored at an annual Don Kent Legacy Society luncheon. You will be joining more than 250 people who have already remembered Crotched Mountain in their estate plans with gifts that have ranged from $100 to more than $2 million. And we will honor your wishes for recognition or anonymity. Adding a codicil to one’s will is simple. It can be accomplished by having your attorney insert this provision: I,____________,give to Crotched Mountain Foundation, One Verney Drive, Greenfield, NH, [the sum of_______or_______percent of my estate] for its general use and purpose. Unrestricted gifts will always be used where the need is greatest. Restricted gifts are best discussed with the organization so that the donor’s intent can be satisfied. Always seek professional advice and counsel for the best estate plan for your individual situation. If you have questions about the Don Kent Legacy Society or any other giving matter, Michael Redmond, Laura Rauscher or Pat Whitney at Crotched Mountain Foundation, 603.547.3311, will be happy to speak or meet with you at your convenience. BRIEFLY NOTED BREAKFAST RAISES FUNDS In May, Crotched Mountain Community Care (CMCC), which provides homebased care management services to over 800 seniors and adults with disabilities, sponsored an Applebees pancake breakfast fundraiser in Portsmouth, raising over $1200 for CMCC clients. Sponsors welcomed 75 Crotched Mountain Community Care supporters and received donations from many more. Special thanks to Applebees and the CMCC crew who made it all possible. THE DEPOT CARES Home Depot stepped up to the plate with a generous donation of $4,798 for Day of Caring rejuvenation projects at CM’s Forest Avenue Apartments in Portland, Maine, a 16-unit residential complex designed for adults with disabilities. Home Depot has been an enthusiastic supporter of CM over the years. We appreciate and applaud their continued community spirit! CM HONORED FOR COMMUNICATIONS The New England Society for Healthcare Communications honored Crotched Mountain Specialty Hospital with three Lamplighter Awards for communications excellence. The 2009 competition fielded 250 entries from over 60 organizations throughout New England. CM was honored in the competition’s external publications category for our newsletter Horizons; in the electronic marketing category for The View From Crotched Mountain, a new podcast series (www.crotchedmountain.org and find the link under Foundation); and in the special purpose publications category for Opening the Mountain for Everyone, a fundraising brochure supporting our outdoor recreation project. HAMPSHIRE 100 RETURNS! On Sunday, August 16, over 200 mountain bikers are expected to race in the third Hampshire 100, New Hampshire’s premier ultra endurance mountain bike event that benefits CM’s programs and services. The Eastern Fat Tire Association race winds through Greenfield, Francestown, Hancock, Bennington, Deering and Weare, traversing part of Crotched Mountain. Novice, Expert and Pro/Elite categories for men and women will be represented. For more information or to register: Hampshire 100.com,active.comandefta.com. EMPLOYEES RECOGNIZED Crotched Mountain honored five residential staff members upon their graduation from the College of Direct Support, a certificate program for people who provide direct care to our students, patients and clients. Please join us in congratulating Michelle Foote, Doreen Madore, Jake Terry, Nancy Davison, and Debi Folley for a job well done! WELCOME TO DUTTON BROOK TRAIL THIS FALL the first phase of our universally-accessible trails project is scheduled to be complete and open to the public. Dutton Brook Trail, a 1.25 mile loop trail, will be ready for anyone and everyone who wants to experience the varied and interesting landscapes surrounding Dutton Brook wetland. The finished trail will feature a welcome area with fully-accessible parking lot, information kiosk and trail-side interpretive materials. For information, or to donate to the Crotched Mountain Accessible Trails Project, contact Pat Whitney in the Development Office at 603.547.3311, ext.1482, or email:patricia.whitney@crotchedmountain.org. Stay tuned for the announcement of our opening celebration! The trails project was made possible through generous contributions from individuals, businesses and foundations including The Neil Tillotson Trust, Jane’s Trust, Samuel P. Hunt Foundation, The Russell Family Foundation, The Gilbert Verney Foundation, Trex Company, New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, Fidelity Foundation, New Hampshire Department of Fish and Game, New Hampshire Trails Bureau, and The Lynch Foundation. thanks to our Photographers: Robin Boyd, Joan Crooker, Geoff Forester, Michael Havey HORIZONS Published by The Office of Advancement Editor: Robin Boyd, robin.boyd@crotchedmountain.org Crotched Mountain Foundation One Verney Drive Greenfield, NH 03047 603.547.3311, ext 1490 Please write us at the above address if you wish to have your name removed from fund-raising requests supporting Crotched Mountain.