Messenger Spring 2003 (PDF, 1.0 MB) - Melmark

From Vision
To Reality

From Vision To Reality
IN THIS ISSUE
A Message from the President
Maddie Duffy, Another Success Story
Melmark New England
Melmark Residents Enjoy
Community Living
Donor Generosity
Melmark’s Spring Festival
Spring Festival Music Recital
Amazing Spring Art Exhibit
Volunteer Breakfast
DELARC’s Educator of the Year
DELARC Honors Community Homes
Board Leadership
New Meadows Brochure
Melmark’s Gala
Running For Those Who Can’t
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mr. H. Robert Marcus
Chairman of the Board
Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D.
President and CEO
Mrs. Ellen A. Phillips
Secretary of the Board
Ms. Sarah L. Barker
Mr. John A. Battista
Mr. Denis J. Carlson
Joseph B. Ferdinand, Ph.D.
Ms. Holly Peyton Good Feirstein
Mrs. Martha W. Gillin
Mrs. Mildred E. Krentel
Board Member Emeritus, Co-Founder
Hubert J.P. Schoemaker, Ph.D.
EDITORIAL STAFF
Kate McConnell
Bernadette R. McNulty, Ph.D.
Paola Gonzalez, Photographer
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MELMARK, INC.
2600 Wayland Road, Berwyn, PA 19312
610.353.1726 • www.melmark.org
Melmark Messenger is a publication of
Melmark, Inc.
a message from the co-founder
Greetings to anyone who has ever been to Melmark!
Perhaps you wonder at the heart, emotion, and love you witness throughout our halls
and homes. Duplicated on the faces you pass, the teachers and caregivers, the
Melmark family. I think I know what you are wondering about.
My daughter, Melissa, has Down syndrome. She recently celebrated her 39 th birthday.
Melissa lives at Melmark’s Martha House, almost three hundred miles from me.
Several times last year, Melissa spent a few weeks with me at Coburg Retirement
Village. Each time I missed her the moment she left. But I feel thanksgiving for
Melmark and the benefits Melissa enjoyed there these many years. I must say thanks
to Melmark’s employees, especially those who have just arrived.
Perhaps you are drowning in orientation dos and don’ts, and all the regulations.
Soon you must take your first shift. Let me say to you, “The rewards will always
outstrip the efforts.” Your effort is not in vain. Thanks can be found in the hearts of
parents, others just like me who sometimes forget to say we appreciate what you do.
Because of what she gained at Melmark, Melissa blossomed. We talk more. Sure,
some words we have great difficulty figuring out, but I know someone else listens to
her. She always expects an answer, insists on it. Last summer, I could reason with
her that a swim in the lake was only great fun when she got wet before I did. I
could explain that the cost of some pocketbook somewhere was simply too much.
My decision was final and she respected that. She did not go into her former mode
of begging for her treat.
Her vocabulary still grows by leaps and bounds! Obviously, Melissa is exposed to
stimulating circumstances, for she knows who she is. I must share with you Melissa’s
debut at Coburg. I was worried how she would be accepted. But, not to fear,
Melissa had been in situations like this many times with her bell choir experience.
She knew how to interact, and how important it was to me. She hit a home run!
The cheers belong to all of you who are patient with her and take the time, both to
correct and show approval. Thank you!
I hope you hear the spirit underlying my message: Melmark could never be what it
is today without each staff member.
And to those who are not staff, but care so much
about our mission that you send dollars to finance
some campus improvements, another heartfelt
thank you. What I saw this summer in Melissa is
multiplied at Melmark over and over.
From the mother of Melissa, Miggy Krentel.
ON THE COVER: Maddie Duffey
and classroom teacher Jennifer Sisum.
Mildred E. Krentel
Co-Founder
Melissa and Miggy at Coburg.

a message from the president
Dear families and friends,
Shortly after I came to Melmark, seven years ago, my vision for the future was, “No one would
leave our door uncared for.” Aristotle once said, “The soul…never thinks without a picture.”
My picture was of a more diverse group of children and adults in need, being served in new
ways and in new places. I saw the strengths of Melmark: the talent and dedication of staff, the
striking beauty of our campus, the legacy of excellence and resources left to us by Paul and
Mildred Krentel. I thought, we can do more, and we must.
Long-term staff stayed and new staff came and together we excitedly began yearly planning for
the next generation of Melmark. Today and every day, we work to make that vision and our
plans real. It has been an exhilarating total team effort that has included our wonderful Board
of Directors, our leadership team, staff at all levels, as well as parents, families and volunteers.
This Messenger is filled with stories of visions that have become reality.
Many of our adults now live in small homes in the community. Others enjoy life at our
campus and Meadows Village homes. Our adult programs have also expanded to offer guided
work programs, job coaching and other vocational activities. Our Meadows program serves
increasingly diverse populations and offers ever-changing creative work opportunities.
Our school programs here in Pennsylvania and in New England now serve one hundred and
fifty students combined, as compared to approximately thirty students in Pennsylvania 7 years
ago. Both our schools now serve children with increasingly diverse developmental, psychological,
rehabilitative and family needs.
As just one example, in Pennsylvania we now serve many more children who come to us from
child welfare. I recall one child, a victim of abuse, who was sent to us in a long-standing coma
from a head injury with the assumption that he would live out his life asleep, needing 24-hour
care. But somehow we all knew, when we looked at this little guy and came to know him,
there was a little person still in there. We set out to find him.
And so it happened… Because of the array of educational, rehabilitive and
family services available here, and the expert and loving care he received, he
“woke up.” One staff member who was particularly close to him took him
as a foster child when he was ready to leave. Today he is a normal teenager,
back in public school and living with the same family who has since adopted
him. To us, that is vision and hope made real. It is why we all come to
work everyday.
I thank all of you who continually support us in this mission. Without you,
our continuing visions would never become realities. May God bless all of
you and keep you in His care.
Today he is
a normal
teenager, back
in public school
and living with
the same family
who has since
adopted him.
To us, that
is vision and
hope made real.
It is why we
all come
to work
everyday.
Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D.
President and CEO
Dr.Donovan and Janet.
2

MADDIEDUFFEY
another Melmark Success Story
“Many a thing you know you’d like to tell her.
Many a thing she ought to understand. But how do
you make her stay and listen to what you say?
How do you catch a cloud and pin it down?”
(Maria, Rodgers & Hammerstein, 1965)
Maddie dresses the “weather bear.”
Participating in “circle time.”
Working independently.
To those who know Maddie Duffey, these lyrics evoke a smile. When Maddie
began as a day student at Melmark School three years ago, “She was filled with
energy,” recalls Jennifer Sisum, former teacher of the non-verbal nine-year old
with Down syndrome and Autism. “She sat in the corner of the classroom, all
curled-up, withdrawn, leery of those around her. Fearlessly climbing up on the
furniture and attempting to jump off of it. She loved heights but was unaware of
the potential danger.”
Maddie, a petite yet sturdy child with strong likes and dislikes, ran away and hid
from group activities. She seemed to feel secure only when closed in, and unfamiliar
faces made her uncomfortable, even scared. When teachers tried to escort her
to therapy and special activities, she dropped to the floor, refusing to get up and
walk. Eventually staff decided to transport her around school in a wagon. Even at
home, she climbed constantly, running out of the room to hide when someone
unfamiliar visited.
But over the last two years, Maddie has made great progress. She appears more
aware of people and things around her, less fearful of new situations. Instead of
hiding, she sits and participates for most of “circle time,” where she interacts closely
with teachers and classmates for an extended period, engaging with others
through song and sometimes taking a classmate’s hand or seeking closeness.
“Everything once caused her stress. We would have to tickle her to get a
response,” recalls Maddie’s mother, Donna. “For such a long time, Maddie would
not make eye contact. Today, we not only get eye contact but a big smile. We
have a happy little girl. We are thrilled with her great progress and we hope for
the future. We know there’s more still to come.”
Maddie now responds well to both physical and social praise. At her recent ninth
birthday, she was able to sit and listen to her large family – four siblings and
dozens of cousins – sing, in a whisper, Happy Birthday. She opened her own
presents, interacting with guests.
“She is beginning to connect not only with herself and her emotions, but with the
other children in the class,” says Jennifer O’Malley, Maddie’s current teacher. “She
initiates interaction with others – motioning them to play with her or purposely
sitting next to another classmate she enjoys.”
Since Maddie struggles with verbal communication, her teachers use visual cues
and picture communication. A picture schedule makes transitions from one activity
to the next easier, alleviating Maddie’s need to run off and isolate herself. She
also learns to use pictures to make choices about preferred activities, and her
teachers pair visual signs with verbal commands to limit her climbing. “It’s going
very well,” said Jennifer, who also expressed great pride in Maddie for graduating
from a floor chair to her own desk, where she usually remains on-task while practicing
matching or communication skills.
And Maddie has reached another important milestone. Rarely needing a wagon,
she now travels school hallways on her own two feet, without falling to the
ground – accompanied by staff and classmates, but moving towards independence.
3

Melmark New England:
From Table-Napkin Plans to Reality
Experiencing art.
Working independently.
Classroom instruction.
Enjoying academic success.
In November of 1997, Peter Troy met Dr. Joanne Gillis-Donovan for breakfast in
nearby Ardmore to propose establishing a new program: Melmark New England
(MNE). Although initially recruited to work at Melmark in Berwyn, Peter was
familiar with Massachusetts and its regulatory mechanisms. His colleagues there were
well networked with local school systems. Discussions continued for several months.
Eventually, Peter and Dr. Donovan met with Melmark’s Board of Directors to propose
the five-year development of a Boston-area residential school for 30 children.
With Board approval, Peter commenced a search for suitable space to house the
developing program. He wanted a location near I-95 and I-93, and after a quick
real estate search found space at the intersection of those highways. Formerly a
Christian school that moved to larger quarters, the building retained its name: The
Lord’s Gathering. Peter took this as a sign of divine intervention and blessings!
By June 1998, the founding team included Rita Gardner and Frank Bird, who joined
Peter in writing policy and procedure manuals in preparation for program approval
through the Massachusetts Department of Education. They also organized furniture
hauling, classroom painting, and curriculum supplies. In August, Helena (Carreiro)
Maguire joined the team, bringing expertise in staff training and development. By
September the team received provisional state program approval and began marketing
services to school districts throughout New England. With referrals in hand, the team
next added initial teachers and administrative and direct-care staff. In developing the
school, these baseball buffs borrowed from the theme of the 1989 movie, Field of Dreams.
They firmly believed that if they built a program based on strong principles and solid
clinical practice, school districts, parents, and students would come.
They found a home suitable for up to seven children in nearby Saugus, and immediately
prepared for regulatory approvals and the first residential placement. With staff
trained by mid-October, the first “day-only” student arrived, followed in weeks by
residential classmates. Staff developed and implemented individual clinical and
educational programs, and within a relatively short period of time students
experienced tremendous growth. One parent remarked, “Thank you for giving
our son back to us…For the first time in over five years we can have him home.”
Within four years, MNE grew to a staff of 130 serving 70 students. They recently bought
their fifth home and hope to purchase a permanent school site soon. The program has
developed a solid reputation for educational and treatment success, with eight early
students transitioning to public schools or adult community settings, and many others
experiencing successful life-style changes and community integration. Today, MNE
receives regular calls for consultation and guidance for services to children with autism
spectrum disorders, and waiting lists grow daily. Seasoned staff take pride in their
great spirit, intense energy, and dedication during humble beginnings.
Meanwhile, stories of individual breakthroughs multiply: a young girl eating solid food
for the first time, a young boy proudly returning from a successful family vacation, a
teen achieving academic success. They remind everyone that genuine commitment
and clinical and educational expertise truly change people’s lives. While Peter credits
the strong support and guidance of Dr. Donovan and the Melmark Board with the
development of MNE’s fine services in such a short time, he and his staff must share the
acclaim. With such hard work, their field of dreams has become reality.
4

Reviewing the activities plan for
the day.
On April 23, 2002, Melmark’s Community Waiver Program
opened its fifth waiver home. Located in beautiful suburban
Broomall, Pennsylvania, the three-bedroom, ranch-style Thomas
House serves as home to three women from Philadelphia County
who previously lived on Melmark’s main campus. And Maria,
Miri, and Denise could not be happier!
From picking their own bedrooms during their first visits to choosing a seat at the new dining
room table, the women appear to love transitioning to their new home. They now enjoy
weekly trips into the community to complete enrichment, shopping, or medical activities with
a supportive and encouraging program team around them, living life much as we do.
“With each home we open, we delight in seeing people
moving to the waiver program and loving their life in the
community,” said Executive Director of Community
Programs Christopher H. White. “What began as a vision,
in 1998, to open small long-term care waiver homes for
adults in the community, has become a growing reality.”
Since its inception in 1996, the Community Program has
grown to include two Intermediate Care Facilities in Aston
as well as Waiver Homes in West Chester, Wayne, Newtown
Square, Springfield, and Broomall.
Melmark Residents Enjoy
Move to Community Living
A comfortable place to relax.
It has been
wonderful to
see how quickly
Denise has
adjusted to
community living.
A lovely dining room
for meals.
5

Donor Generosity Renews Melmark Facilities
The Melmark campus wears the season’s changes well. Whether ablaze with
autumn’s palette or blanketed with snow, beauty awaits visitors, residents, and
staff each day of the year. And this year – through the generosity of individual,
foundation, and corporate donors – Melmark’s “inner beauty” grew within
the deepest recesses of our most heavily utilized facilities. Clients and staff
alike remain grateful for those generous gifts that repeatedly renew Melmark’s
living and learning environments.
Jim Foley
congratulates
Philip on his
first slide.
Heidi and
Shavell work
on stretching
exercises.
This year, contributions enabled
us to finish Playscape II, a muchcelebrated
new playground centrally
located to campus houses and complete
with state-of-the-art, wheelchair-accessible
rides and activities. The site quickly became
a popular gathering place, with students
and staff alike stopping by at every opportunity.
Ornate walkways now connect the playground to all four
nearby houses.
Several other quick-to-be-loved renovations took place in
Melmark program areas last year. The school building’s main
hallway, gym foyer, and Physical Therapy room all received
major, floor-to-ceiling “facelifts.” Gone are the drab, twenty-some
year old ceiling and floor tiles, replaced with bright
materials of the finest quality, embellished with accent colors
and highlighted through recessed, natural-toned lighting.
All restored areas also received Korogard and Koroseal
wall and doorframe coverings and handrails, and the old
dirt-filled planting area adorning the main hallway was
replaced by well-lit wooden showcases, already in use for
presenting clients’ artwork and craft creations. These
enhancements permanently altered the environments that
welcome our students and adults to programs, nursing visits, and therapy each
day, creating settings now optimal for therapeutic progress – and boosting the
morale of clients and staff alike.
From Widener House’s new clientcentered
kitchen to the new dental
X-ray unit in our nursing suite, the
kindness of our donors allowed us
to improve client care and expand
learning opportunities beyond what
traditional funding streams make possible.
We thank you.
Greg practices kicking a ball.
Art Teacher Laura Dragan, along with some students,
hang artwork in the newly renovated hallway.
Widener residents and staff enjoy time in
their newly renovated home.
6

Melmark’s Spring Festival
A Taste of the Tropics...
Janet waits for
her scene.
Jason and his parents
enjoy the day.
Maryann and her dad share
a smile.
Tee and his family celebrate
his performance after the
Music Recital.
In town for our annual Spring Festival celebrating Melmark’s 36th birthday June
15, Melmark founder Miggy Krentel applauded the Melmark Players’ production
of “The Wizard of Oz.” Under the direction of Kris Benach, the play featured
Grace Solomon as Dorothy, Bill Richards as the Scarecrow,
Bill O’Shea as the Cowardly Lion, Ronnie Grass as the Tin
Man, and Doug Sussman as the Wizard. The play received
rave reviews and a standing ovation from a packed house!
Following the play, many gathered for the dedication of
Melmark’s newly renovated 24-hour total care facility
(formerly The Pines). Honored at the ceremony were Hubert
and Anne Schoemaker for their generous gifts that provided a
state-of-the-art building for children and adults with total care
needs. Dr. and Mrs. Schoemaker offered moving comments,
and staff member Lysurgus Edwards sang “Bless this House”
and “May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You.” A beautiful
bronze plaque adorning the house facade reminds us all that
Pines is now “The Maureen Schoemaker House” in honor of
Maureen, who lives with her many friends in this beautiful
new home. Our celebration continued with the grand opening
of Playscape II, our new wheelchair-accessible playground located amid our
children’s houses. Melmark’s youngest residents could hardly wait to take their
first trip down the slide.
Over 600 guests enjoyed steel drum band Rasa, who provided energetic island
music that moved the crowd out of their seats and onto the dance floor. Party
favorites included Pirate Pete’s Moon Bounce, caricature drawings, spin art and
face painting, Diamond Head Game booths, and Trader Jack’s Shack prizes.
The trackless train and pineapple plantation hayrides provided tours of
“Tropical Island Melmark.”
The Antique Automobile Club
of America, Keystone Region,
and the Historical Car Club of
Pennsylvania provided the
antique cars. The Newtown
Square Rotary Club supported
Melmark’s festival with a
sponsorship and volunteers to
work the booths and staff the
rides. The Melmark Service
League volunteers worked
the booths and provided
information concerning
volunteer opportunities.
The Melmark Players enjoy the applause!
7

“A Taste of the Tropics”
Saturday, June 15, 2002
SPONSORS
Commerce Bank
Innovation Printing & Lithography
McDonald’s Newtown Square/Broomall
The Melmark Family Organization
Melmark Service League
Newtown Square Rotary Club
Pilot Air Freight
Sovereign Bank
The Bryn Mawr Trust Company
FESTIVAL DONATIONS
Mr. Vincent Calvarese
Newtown Square Fire Department
Ann Davis, The Total Table
Antique Automobile Club of America,
(Keystone Region)
Historical Car Club of Pennsylvania
FOOD DONATIONS
A & N Produce
Balford Farms
Feesers
Stroehman/Maiers
Singer Equipment
Pepsi Cola Company
MUSIC RECITAL & ART EXHIBIT
SPONSOR
The 5-County Arts Fund,
a Pennsylvania Partner in the Arts Program
and the grand opening of Playscape II
THE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD was presented
to Gary Hall of the adult programs and Gregory Burbage of
the Melmark School. The Melmark Makos accepted applause
for their successful trip to Penn State for the annual spring
Special Olympics. Gold, silver and bronze medals were
proudly displayed with their Olympic shirts and hats. A fitting
ending for a very happy Melmark community celebration!
Mom congratulates Greg,
the Melmark School
Athlete of the Year.
Richie Phillips shares the
spotlight with Gary, the
Adult Athlete of the Year.
Miggy, Melissa, and Cyndie
getting around in style.
8

Elijah enjoys the applause!
Guests gathered eagerly awaiting Melmark’s Music Recital. The
house was packed with proud parents, family members, and staff who
lovingly care for the students each and every day. Audience members
were wowed by the music played. Students played selections on the
trumpet, drums and the piano, each song a celebration of success and
accomplishment. The audience watched as Louie’s
Melmark’s Spring Festival
MUSIC RECITAL
concentration enabled him to persevere and applauded as Elijah
clutched his face with exuberance at the completion of his performance. As
Ricky and Brian played their original piece on the bongos, a palpable wave of
excitement filled the room, followed by loud applause. Hard to believe that these
young artists have been playing for as little as two months and at most one year!
Accolades go to Heather Holt and her students for all their hard work.
Heather, Rick, and Brian jam.
9
Louie performs
under the
watchful eye of
Music Teacher
Heather Holt.
There is music inside everyone's heart, and the
children at Melmark proved that at the Spring
Recital. I was overwhelmed by the support and
acceptance of all present. It took courage for the
children to share a piece of themselves that day.
Heather Holt, Music Teacher

...and Our Amazing
Spring Art Exhibit
WERE YOU THERE? DID YOU SEE IT? The Frome
Recreation Center was transformed into an art gallery for
our first annual Melmark Art Opening. Who knew we had
so much artistic talent in our Melmark family? We were all
awed by the beautiful artwork. Student artists explored visual
mediums using oils, watercolors and acrylics. They experimented
with texture using colored sand and glue on paper
and canvas, as well as probing the expressive possibilities of
black and white and color photography and tile mosaics.
They have gained a command of sophisticated visual forms
that enable them to express complex emotions for which
they would otherwise have no outlet. Exhibiting spirited
line, bold contrasting colors, and complex compositional elements,
their work reveals their highly developed imaginative
powers. Congratulations to Sara and all our gifted artists.
Bianca and Art Teacher Sara Miscannon
enjoying the exhibit.
Sean proudly displays his black and white
photography to his family.
Brothers Philip and Brad with staff and a family friend pose in front
of Philip’s artwork.
Those purchasing artwork left with a reminder of
the hidden abilities of students who are usually known
for their disabilities.
Louie, his parents, and a friend pose with his
painting.
10

The true spirit of volunteerism
VOLUNTEER BREAKFAST
Long-time volunteer
Louise Elkins,
Dr.Joanne Gillis-Donovan,
and Cyndie Martin.
Adult Day Co-Director
Barb Gardner, resident
volunteer Rhonda, and
Dr.Joanne Gillis-Donovan.
Melmark parent volunteers
Richie and Ellen Phillips with
Dr.Joanne Gillis-Donovan.
Last April, Melmark honored more than 100 local
volunteers for their contributions of time and talent to
our mission and to those we serve. A highlight of the
breakfast ceremony, held at Waynesborough Country
Club, was the presentation of special service awards to
two incredible women considered quiet heroes by many.
For over 32 years, Ruth Earnhardt – mother to a son with
disabilities – has volunteered every Monday afternoon, spending
countless hours mending clothes for Melmark residents. Ruth’s
husband comes home early on Mondays so she can come to
Melmark and share her time with residents.
For over 29 years, Louise Elkins has volunteered weekly service
to children and adults served by Melmark. As the former
Director of the Volunteer Center for the United Way
(Southeastern PA), she was instrumental in spearheading
Melmark’s current involvement in United Way volunteer
programs.
Others whose contributions
represent the true spirit of
volunteerism joined Ruth and
Louise in receiving awards.
Commerce Bank VP Joseph A.Tammaro Jr.,
Dr. Joanne Gillis-Donovan and Commerce
Branch Manager Jennifer Lotter.
Long-time volunteer
Ruth Earnhardt and
Dr.Joanne Gillis-Donovan.
Thanks to
Commerce Bank,
our 2002/2003
Mission Sponsor.
Corrections to the 2001 Annual Donor Report
Addition to Lifetime Benefactors: Mr. and Mrs. William Blackie.
11

Melmark says farewell to Ben Champion,
DELARC’S 2002 Educator of the Year
After 43 years of serving children with special needs, Dr. Benjamin Champion
began a new phase in his life as he retired from The Melmark School on
June 19, 2002.
Ben’s association with Melmark spanned four decades. He provided encouragement
and support to Paul and Miggy Krentel as they worked to create Melmark
in the mid-sixties. Later he served on Melmark’s Board of Directors for 21 years, and for the past four
years served as executive director of education for The Melmark School.
Ben created a legacy as a mentor, advocate, trusted colleague, valued friend, father figure, and as a
gentleman and scholar. As evidenced by his 2002 Educator of the Year Award from DELARC, his
impact will be felt for decades to come, both at Melmark and within the regional special education
community. We are truly grateful for all his efforts to support our mission, staff, programs, and – most
importantly – the children, adults, and parents we have served together over the years.
DELARC HONORS
ASTON ICF/MR COMMUNITY HOMES
Executive Director of Community
Programs Christopher H. White, with
some of the proud residents and staff of the
Aston ICF/MR.
While known for
its 30 years of
quality care for
people with disabilities
in a campus
setting, back in
1996 Melmark had
a vision to diversify
its scope and
become a leader in
the provision of
services for adults
in community
settings. In 1996,
Melmark opened
the Aston Intermediate Care Facility for Persons with
Mental Retardation (ICF/MR), a 16 bed facility located
in Aston, PA, its first venture into the community.
The vision to be recognized as a leader in the provision of
quality care and services in community settings became a
reality this past year when the Aston ICF/MR facilities
were recognized by Delaware County ARC (DELARC)
as Outstanding Community Homes for 2002.
While firmly committed to active treatment programming,
the program’s staff also take extraordinary measures
to attend to all residents’ basic needs, while ensuring they
are appropriately engaged in an array of different activities,
including music events, shopping trips, and vacations
to the shore. The gentle and loving manner in which
staff and supervisors work with residents is evident in the
smiles and laughter that fill the home on any given day.
“The program has come a long way since we opened in
1996. This award is a confirmation of an entire team’s
heart and dedication to the growth and care of the
people we serve, not just this year, but every year,”
said Executive Director of Community Programs
Christopher H. White.
DELARC Representative Jackie Franco noted, “We’ve
never presented this award to a program that serves so
many residents. But the consistently strong reports from
our monitoring teams over two years convinced us that
Aston’s exemplary work needed to be honored.”
We at Melmark congratulate the Aston ICF/MR
team for their achievements and commend them for
exemplifying Melmark’s true mission and spirit.
12

BOARD LEADERSHIP: Today & Tomorrow
by Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D.
Hubert Schoemaker,
husband, father, scientist,
innovator, philanthropist,
and mentor, is a truly
extraordinary human being.
We feel blessed
to have him in our
Melmark family.
As a longtime member of
Dr. Joanne Gillis-Donovan,
our Board, Hubert is
Hubert, Anne, and Maureen
Schoemaker at the house dedication. always there as a resource,
providing financial
support, intellectual guidance, and genuine concern for the
well-being of Melmark and all those who live and work
here. He loves Melmark and never ends a meeting without
saying, “If there is anything I can do to help, please let
me know.” Every time we meet and talk, my day is brightened,
my spirit rejuvenated and my mind stimulated by our
lively discussions. His marvelous, cutting-edge genetic
research has helped so many people live longer and better
lives by creating drugs to prevent the progression of heart
attacks, and treat Crohn’s, Parkinson’s, and other diseases –
yet he remains a gentle, modest
soul who is so generous with his time.
He and his wonderful wife, Anne, have been substantial
donors to Melmark. By making an extraordinarily generous
gift of well over a million dollars, the Schoemakers turned
Melmark’s 24-hour total-care facility for medically fragile
children and adults into a beautiful home for their daughter
Maureen and her friends. The home is complete with
high-tech rooms for therapeutic activities, hygiene, and
multi-sensory stimulation – as well as comfortable spaces
for sunshine, relaxation and recreation. Hubert and Anne
knew how important it was to make the house fully functional
and easy to use for residents with multiple needs.
They also understood the importance of making the home
aesthetically appealing and warm, because many of the
children and adults who live there have to rely so
heavily on their immediate environment to experience life.
We want beauty around them.
Our newly christened Maureen Schoemaker House sets
a new standard of care for people with severe disabilities.
I would invite all of you to visit this beautiful home at
anytime. And, once again, our most heartfelt thanks and
appreciation go to you, Hubert and Anne.
Living and Learning Together
New Meadows Brochure
Showcases A Premier Program
The MEADOWS at MELMARK
A Life Community for Adults with Disabilities
Over the past 28
years, The Meadows at Melmark
evolved from a single classroom with a small shelf
of flowers to four creative workshops in a building
dedicated to serving 41 adults known as the Country
Garden Guild. This business partnership is an
internationally recognized model of living and learning
for adults with disabilities.
As you may know, advances in medicine and treatment
have helped adults with disabilities live longer. This
longevity poses new challenges to parents and families.
Many adults with disabilities live at home with parents
who face the dual challenge of satisfying increasingly
involved caregiving responsibilities while adjusting to
the manifestations of their own advancing age.
Research indicates that adults with disabilities who
transition into a program like The Meadows at Melmark
grow in genuine independence, expand their experiences
beyond their own immediate family, and get
involved in activities that develop new interests and
enhance their quality of life. By staying active they
increase their health and wellness.
This brochure was designed to provide families with
information about a lifestyle option – one they may not
know exists – where each day their adult children will
find meaningful work; social, recreational, and athletic
activities; and a secure, family-style home.
Perhaps you know – or may soon meet – a family whose
adult child would benefit from this program. To receive
a copy of the new brochure or to inquire further about
the program, contact Peter McGuinness, Director of
Admissions at 1-888-Melmark, ext. 4969.
13

Saturday Evening, October 18, 2003
Let FreedomRing
Melmark’s Gala
AT THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER
We, the people, must mark our calendars: on Saturday
evening, October 18, 2003, Melmark’s second Gala will usher
in an era of historic celebration at Philadelphia’s new National
Constitution Center (NCC) on Independence Mall. Melmark
and Gala Presenting Sponsor Commerce Bank invite readers
to join the festivities as we Let FreedomRing for our
community members with developmental disabilities.
Celebrate liberty by attending the event, advertising in the
Program/Ad Book, or becoming a Sponsor. Advertising
Architects’ rendering of the National
Constitution Center
opportunities start at only $100, while sponsorship opportunities begin at $2,500!
Melmark will be among the first to hold a public event at the NCC, which officially
opens July 4, 2003, to celebrate the US Constitution’s history and legacy. As guests
interact with various multi-media exhibits, they can cast a vote for their all-time favorite
president, watch themselves take the Presidential Oath of Office, or convene court on a
replicated Supreme Court bench.
Constitutional displays will not be the sole entertainment. The Gala will feature the
culinary expertise of renowned Philadelphia caterer Max & Me Catering and the dance
music of Philadelphia’s own Rhythm & Bluefish. And between dancing and dining,
guests will learn how their support enhances the lives of those served by Melmark, where
determination is encouraged, self-confidence developed, limits challenged, expectations
achieved, and lives changed.
We invite you, Melmark’s closest friends and strongest supporters,
to attend the Gala or reserve advertising space in the combination
Gala Program/Ad Book. But contact us soon! Judging from the
overwhelming support for our 2001 Gala at Ardrossan, we expect
this book to sell out quickly.
For more information, please contact Cyndie Martin at cgm@melmark.org or 610-325-4976.
14

Running For
Those Who Can’t
URGED BY HIS COLLEAGUES in Advancement,
Peter McGuinness, Melmark’s director of admissions,
entered Citizens Bank’s “Not Your Typical Runner” contest
for a chance to win $100 for each mile of the bank’s
Philadelphia Marathon he ran in the name of his
favorite charity – Melmark. Much to his surprise, Peter
became one of three contestants to earn $2620 for
Melmark.
Peter began running in the fall of 2001, and completed
his first marathon, (Philadelphia), 18 weeks later. In an
interview prior to the race, Peter shared what motivates
him when he runs: “I run for those who can’t. Melmark’s
clients inspire me…so many face daily discomforts,
pain, and challenges to health and happiness, yet retain
their dignity, humor, and compassion.”
We salute Peter for his unwavering commitment to
those he serves, whether it is running to raise awareness
and money for Melmark or providing families and
clients with the best therapeutic programs to meet their
individual needs.
Contest co-winner Mary Jo Hsing with Stephen Steinour,
chairman and CEO of Citizens Bank and Peter
McGuinness at
the opening press
conference for the
2002 Citizen’s
Bank Philadelphia
Marathon
Melmark, Inc.
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Berwyn, PA 19312-2307
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