Melmark Moments February 2013

February 2013
A Monthly Newsletter for
the Melmark Community
Melmark Congratulates Jestina Smith!
Our February Employee of the Month
Extremely friendly, polite and courteous, Jestina always puts our
individuals first. Jestina is a team player and a great asset to Miller A
and Melmark. Jestina’s coworkers say that she has a remarkable work
ethic and attitude. Her compassionate and patient demeanor always
puts residents at ease.
Her supervisor says that Jestina is an excellent employee who always
demonstrates care, respect and support to all of the individuals
with whom she works. Known for her energetic and innovative ways of promoting active
treatment to our residents, Jestina engages the residents in activities that will help them gain
and maintain their skills.
Jestina demonstrates great interpersonal skills and professionalism when she communicates
with the parents and guardians of our residents. Her supervisor says that she goes out of
her way to help others and is always encouraging everyone to do their best. Jestina is looked
upon as a role Model in Miller A because she is always willing to go the extra mile for her
coworkers and the individuals we serve.
Save the Date!
Securing Your
Child’s Future
Melmark’s Parent Organization
Hosts a Parent Social
Featuring Guest Speaker, Patrick
Bergmaier, CFP®
LUTCF Financial Services
Representative & Special Needs
Planner with MetLife
Topics to Include:
Guardianship
Social security benefits
Special needs trusts
Wednesday, March 27 th
7 – 9 pm
Melmark Multi-Purpose Center
2600 Wayland Road
Berwyn, PA 19312
Please join us in congratulating Jestina on being named our February
Employee of the Month!
Do you know someone who would make an exceptional
member of the Melmark team
Tell them about Melmark! We’re looking for motivated and caring people who want
to make a difference in the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities. An existing Melmark employee receives $250 when the new hire is here for
three months and another $250 when the new hire is here for one year. You can refer
new hires all year long!*
Coffee and dessert served
Child care available for Melmark
parents who RSVP to:
Michelle Chess, Melmark Parent
dmchess83@yahoo.com or
(717) 626-0960
Visit the news and events section at
www.melmark.org for a complete
list of upcoming events.
*Fill out the pink employee referral form, found in HR, before new hire begins at Melmark.
All applicants are encouraged to complete the online application at
www.melmark.org/careers. Just click on available positions and apply.
https://www.facebook.com/MelmarkPA

Melmark Supports Breast Cancer Awareness
In celebration of Valentine’s Day and the month of February, Melmark’s healthcare team is donning pink gloves.
Proceeds from the purchase of these gloves support breast cancer awareness.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and is the second leading cause of death for
females. Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. While
mammograms can help detect cancer before you can feel a lump, breast self-exams help you to be familiar with
how your breasts look and feel so you can alert a healthcare professional if you notice any changes.
If you find a lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor, but don’t panic – 8 out of 10 lumps are not
cancerous. Always call your doctor when you have any concerns.
Information provided by National Breast Cancer Foundation
Melmark nurses show off their pink gloves
A Message from Our President...
Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D.
As we enter March, we look forward to
warmer weather and bright splashes of
color throughout our community as flowers
and trees bloom. This season of rebirth is
welcome after a mild, yet wet winter.
Soon, we will again see the playgrounds and
paths throughout Melmark’s campus filled
with children and adults. It’s important
that we each start looking for new and
creative opportunities to get outdoors and
enjoy mother nature. Leading an active and
healthy lifestyle is important for us all, both
clients and staff.
In this newsletter, you will read ways
Melmark is making it easier for those we
serve and employees to be healthy. You will
find tips on keeping your diet balanced. We’re
also excited that Sodexo is offering nutritional
information on the foods served in The Eatery
through the popular smart phone application,
MyFitnessPal.
While these tools will help you maintain a
healthy lifestyle, it is also our responsibility to
make sure the children and adults at Melmark
lead active lives. Planning community trips
and taking advantage of Melmark’s many
accommodations are important, and it is often
up to you to make sure our clients have the
opportunity to visit parks, swim, exercise and
play.
Thank you for making sure our clients have
creative and active opportunities outdoors!

Remembering Our Co-Founder
Alumni Return for Miggy Krentel Memorial Service
On Sunday, February 10th, Melmark family and friends gathered for a
memorial service to honor our co-founder, Mildred “Miggy” Krentel.
The Multi-Purpose Center was filled with members of the Krentel
Family, parents and siblings whose loved ones are served by
Melmark, staff and clients.
Perhaps the biggest testament to the depth of Mrs. Krentel’s
great works, was the attendance of several Melmark alumni and
former staff members. Terry, the first infant to live in the Krentel’s
home, attended the service. Another former Melmark resident,
Kenny, attended with his mother and brother. The room was also
filled with many familiar faces of employees from the early days of
Melmark, which was founded by Paul and Mildred Krentel in 1966.
This strong and diverse gathering is demonstrative of the impact Mrs. Krentel had on families spanning
nearly half a century. While she will be greatly missed, her spirit lives on in all we do at Melmark.
Mildred and Paul Krentel’s daughters, Melissa and Diane
with Billy and Betty
Mildred and Paul Krentel’s grandson with his family
Terry with Melmark Director of Corporate and Community
Affairs, Cyndie Martin and her husband, Steve

Melmark Welcomes our New CFO
Joseph M. Zakrzewski, CPA
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Joseph Zakrzewski joined Melmark as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
in February, 2013. Joe is an experienced financial executive who is recognized
throughout the Greater Philadelphia Region for his financial expertise in support
of not-for-profit organizations such as Melmark.
Prior to joining Melmark as CFO, Joe served 16 years as Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer at Woods Services, a Langhorne, PA- based not-for-profit serving
children and adults with intellectual disabilities, emotional disorders and brain
injury. Joe’s career includes extensive financial management and administrative
experience in a range of human service organizations that serve “at risk” youth and
individuals with special needs.
Joe earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting at Villanova University and is a licensed CPA in the
state of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the American and Pennsylvania Institutes of Certified Public
Accountants.
The Meadows at the Philadelphia Flower Show
Participants of the Meadows Country Garden Guild are proudly displaying their plants at the International
Flower Show. This year’s participants are Christian, Elaine, Claire and Joe. These four adults nurtured
their plants from seeds in the greenhouse. Their work will be judged alongside internationally recognized
horticulturists. The Flower Show is being held at The Pennsylvania Convention Center March 2nd through 10th.

ADVOCACY
CORNER
Legislators Learn from Seeing You in Action
On February 19th, Melmark was honored to host Pennsylvania State
Representative, Joe Hackett and his Chief of Staff, Kevin Andrews. Hackett
represents the 161st Legislative District in Delaware County. He is a
member of the Human Services Committee, as well as the Judiciary, Aging
and Older Adult Services, Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness
Committees.
Representative Hackett learned about Melmark from Dr. Donovan, saw the
amazing work our staff do when touring programs, and took time to talk
one-on-one with parents from his district whose children are served by
Melmark. He received thank you cards from students in Classroom 13
and adults at the Meadows for his work as an elected official. Both
Representative Hackett and Andrews commented on how amazing our staff
were in working with the individuals. Andrews said, “It is amazing, I take
my hat off to them.”
As I mentioned at the All Staff meeting, the importance of educating our
elected and appointed officials is critical. This is one of the main reasons we
invite them for tours, to see the work happening every day. It often makes
sense to the legislators when they see real life examples of services being
provided, and allows a more detailed discussion when issues come up that
could impact those services.
Representative Joe Hackett with Joey in
the classroom
Chris stops for a photo with
Representative Hackett
I thank each and every one of you for working so diligently each day. We
do not set up tours or contrive situations, we just let legislators observe
the amazing work you do, and they are clearly impressed. So the next time
you see me touring lawmakers, stop to say hello and keep up the great
work. What you are doing is making a difference, not only in the life of the
individual you are working with, but also helping to influence policy at the
local, state, and even national level.
Ronnie and Billy show Representative
Hackett a flower basket in The
Meadows Country Garden Guild
Written by Chris Tabakin,
Director of Quality Management and Advocacy
Dr. Jessica Woods shows Representative
Hackett a student’s individualized lesson plan

March is National Nutrition Month
Beginning or maintaining a healthy lifestyle contributes to your overall health and well being. Practicing good nutrition and
engaging in a healthy lifestyle means making plans, and choices. It means choosing to integrate healthy eating habits along
with physical activity into your schedule. Here are a few tips to getting started towards achieving a healthier you.
Start with a plan for lifelong health. Focus on the big picture-achieving overall good health, not just short-term weight loss.
Set healthy and realistic goals. You are more likely to succeed in reaching realistic goals when you make changes step-by-step.
Start with one or two specific, small changes at a time. Track your progress by keeping a food and activity log.
Balance your plate with a variety of foods. According to the Academy of Nutritionists and Dieticians, half of your plate should
be filled with fruits and vegetables, about one fourth with lean meat, poultry or fish, and one fourth with grains. To round
out your meal, add fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese. The Food pyramid is a good way to learn about comprising the
majority of your diet to support optimal health, energy and weight.
Know when you’ve had enough to eat. Quit before you feel full or stuffed. It takes about 20 minutes for your brain to get the
message that your body is getting food. When your brain gets this message, you stop feeling hungry. So, for fast eaters, slow
down and give your brain a chance to get the word.
Snack smart. Include snacks as part of your daily calorie allowance and limit portions to one serving. Plan for nutritious
snacks to prevent between-meal hunger. Keep portable, healthy snacks in your desk, backpack, or car.
Find your balance between food and physical activity. Regular physical activity is important for your overall health and
fitness. It helps control body weight, promotes a feeling of well-being and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Pick activities
you like and do each for at least 10 minutes at a time. Aim for a total of 2 hours and 30 minutes or more each week of
moderate activity such as brisk walking. If you are currently inactive, check with your doctor concerning increased physical
activity.
Is it right for you Everyone’s lifestyle plan is different. When incorporating foods from all five food groups into your plan,
make sure they also fit into your budget and lifestyle, and more importantly that you will enjoy eating them.
What are the Bar Codes on
the Menu in the Eatery
They reveal the nutritional
information on the foods served for lunch.
The bar codes are linked with a free app
for Android and iPhones, that you can use
to track your daily food intake.
The myfitnesspal app helps you track the
nutritional information of your daily diet.
Check it out at myfitnesspal.com

Pain in your Back
An estimated 75 – 85% of Americans will experience some type of back pain during their lifetime.
Symptoms of lower back pain can vary based on origin and cause. Pain may be dull or sharp, in one
area or radiating. Muscle spasms and leg pain including numbness and tingling may also occur. Lower
back pain can result from overuse, strain, injury, aging, herniated disk, compression fracture, illness, and
congenital defects.
Chronic back pain is often associated with reduced muscle
and nerve function in the lower abdominals. Improper body
mechanics and non-traumatic causes are often preventable!
Using correct posture, lifting mechanics and strengthening the
lower abdominal muscles will aid in preventing and treating
lower back pain.
Take a look at the core musculature:
When exercising, it is important to concentrate on the
Transversus Abdominis, a deep muscle of the abdominal
region that acts like a corset for the trunk. A strong transverse
abdominal muscle will help to stabilize the spine protecting it from injury.
Exercises for the TrA (Transversus Abdominis):
Muscles of the Core
1. Planks 1. Place your elbows on the floor underneath your shoulders. Toes on the floor with legs hip width
apart.
2. With a straight back, lift your body off the floor and pull your belly button into your spine.
3. Hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds.
4. Rest for 30 seconds and repeat 3-4 times.
1. Bridges 1. Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor, approximately hip distance
apart.
2. Press your feet into the mat and squeeze your butt as you lift your hips up off the mat.
3. Hold the Bridge position for 5-10 seconds.
4. Maintain Neutral Spine as you come back down to the mat.
5. Repeat 10 times.
1. Stability Ball
knee tuck
**Advanced**
1. Begin in an all-fours position with your torso on the ball and hands and feet on the floor.
2. Walk your hands forward until your feet come off the floor, and the fronts of your thighs or knees are
on the top of the ball in a straight arm plank position.
3. Pull your belly button to your spine; make sure that your stomach does not sag.
4. Slowly bend your knees towards your chest. The ball will roll forward as your knees tuck under your
torso and your hips lift toward the ceiling.
5. Straighten your legs and body, rolling the ball back till you are in a straight arm plank position.
6. Repeat 10-15 repetitions for 2-3 sets.
General Prevention of lower back pain and injury:
Written by Desiree Gaunt,
Coordinator of Physical Health
• Maintain proper posture when sitting, standing, lifting and lying.
• Lift weighted objects using your lower body to power through extension and
support the weight.
• Strengthen your core muscles by concentrating not on your ‘show me
muscles’, but the TrA
• As always, exercise regularly including cardio, resistance
and flexibility components!

Holiday Egg Safety Tips
If you are planning to decorate Easter eggs this year or if you are
preparing hard-boiled eggs for your Passover seder, please see the
tips below to keep you and your family healthy.
1. Use one set of eggs for decorating and hunting and another set for
eating. To be really safe, use plastic eggs for your Easter egg hunt
instead of real ones.
2. Keep everything clean. Wash utensils, countertops and other surfaces that come in contact
with the eggs. This includes washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
3. Coloring Easter eggs can be fun, but if you’re planning to eat the eggs you dye, please make
sure to use only food-grade dyes.
4. Keep hard-boiled eggs intended for eating in the refrigerator until the last possible minute.
Eggs should be stored at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder.
5. Under no circumstances let anyone eat eggs that have been unrefrigerated (whether at room
temperature or outside) for more than two hours. This includes hard-boiled eggs used as part
of the Passover seder.
6. When preparing hard-boiled eggs for an egg hunt, be on the lookout for cracks in the shells.
Even tiny cracks can allow bacteria to contaminate the egg. Eggs that have any cracks should
be discarded.
7. Keep track of time to ensure that the hiding
and hunting don’t exceed a cumulative two
hours. And remember, the eggs that are found
must be refrigerated right away or discarded
if the two hour limit is exceeded.
Information provided by:
Danilo Alfaro from CulinaryArts.About.com
Congratulations,
Desiree Gaunt!
She’s the winner of
January’s Safety Zone
giveaway.
Desiree from
Education participated
and scored 100% on
January’s safety
zone quiz.
Congratulations,
Krystin Montoro!
She’s the winner of
February’s Safety Zone
giveaway.
Krystin from
Education participated
and scored 100% on
February’s safety
zone quiz.

National Eye Health Month: Eye Safety Tip
Protect your eyesight with these tips for eye-healthy nutrition, lifestyle,
and preventive care.
1. Get the Best Nutrients for Good Vision
Protecting your eyes starts with the food on your plate. Regularly eating these foods can help lead to good eye health:
• Green, leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collards
• Salmon, tuna, and other oily fish
• Eggs, nuts, beans and other non-meat protein sources
• Oranges and other citrus fruits or juices
2. Kick the Habit for Better Eyesight
If you smoke, here’s another good reason to quit tobacco. Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts,
optic nerve damage, and macular degeneration. If you’ve tried to quit smoking before and relapsed, give it another shot.
3. Wear Sunglasses for Good Vision
Too much UV exposure increases your risk for cataracts and macular degeneration. When choosing sunglasses, be safe
as well as stylish. Choose sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Polarized lenses work well to
help reduce glare when driving.
4. Use Safety Eyewear at Home, at Work, and While Playing Sports
If you work with hazardous or airborne materials at work or home, wearing safety glasses or protective goggles can
protect your eyes from injury, vision loss, and blindness. Certain sports such as ice hockey, racquetball, and lacrosse
also carry the risk for eye injury. Wearing eye protection such as helmets with protective face masks or sports goggles
with polycarbonate lenses can shield your eyes from a flying puck or swinging lacrosse stick.
5. Look Away From the Computer for Good Eye Health
Staring at a computer can strain your vision. Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is a condition that occurs from
frequent computer use. Studies suggest that nearly 90% of people that use a computer at least three hours a day suffer
from some type of visual problem or complaint. It can cause:
• Eyestrain
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty focusing at a distance
• Dry eyes
• Headaches
• Neck, back, and shoulder pain
6. Protect your eye health by taking the following steps:
• Make sure your glasses or contact lens prescription is up to date and adequate for computer use.
• Position your computer so that your eyes are level with the top of the monitor. This allows you to look slightly down
at the screen.
• Try to avoid glare on your computer from windows and lights. Use an anti-glare screen if needed.
• Choose a comfortable, supportive chair. Position it so that your feet are flat on the floor.
• Remember to blink often, which can help prevent dry eyes.
7. Visit Your Eye Doctor Regularly
Everyone, even young children, should have their eyes examined regularly. This is particularly important for good eye
health as well as overall health. Regular, comprehensive eye exams can help you protect your sight and make sure that
you are seeing your best.
Information provided by WebMD
If you chose to enroll in Vision Benefits of America (VBA) during Open Enrollment at Melmark, please visit VBA’s website to
find a participating eye doctor in your area. www.visionbenefits.com

Philadelphia Wings Lacrosse Players Visit Melmark
On Tuesday, February 5th, Philadelphia Wings Players, Brett Manney and Kevin Crowley, taught Melmark
students and adults the fundamentals of lacrosse. Manney and Crowley are lifelong lacrosse players and enjoy
giving back to the community. During their visit to Melmark, the two threw the ball back and forth with
audience members. If you’d like to see these players in action, be sure to attend a Wings Lacrosse game during
the 2013 season.
Melmark student, Riley, tries on the
Wings’ lacrosse gear
Philadelphia Wings Lacrosse Player, Brett Manney, helps Billy and Marcus
hold the lacrosse stick
Badges Required
for Entry!
Melmark’s electronic entry system provides increased
security for both clients and staff. Recently, many
employees have forgotten their ID badges and have
asked Lois to ‘buzz them in’. Please remember to
wear your ID badge at all times while at Melmark.
Everyone who forgets their badge or asks to be buzzed in must sign in on the admittance form.

A Sweet Delivery from
Melmark Parents
Members of the Melmark Parent Organization distributed
Valentine’s Day treats to staff in The Melmark School as a
thank you for the work they do throughout the year.
Thanks to Volunteers from
Pilot Freight Services
Volunteers from Pilot Freight Services helped serve a
delicious dinner to the attendees of the Valentine’s Dance
and Dinner.
Melmark Valentine’s Dance & Dinner
Adults enjoyed a formal dinner and dance to celebrate Valentine’s Day. The annual event was held in the Multi-Purpose Center
and featured a live DJ, appetizers, dinner and dancing. Even Mrs. Valentine made a guest appearance, handing out lollipops
to partygoers. We’d like to thank volunteers from Radnor High School’s “Team Melmark”, Pilot Freight Services, the Melmark
Service League, as well as Melmark staff who attended the event with clients.

Congratulations...
NEW HIRES
Employee Name Position Location Hire Date
Joseph Zakrzewski Chief Financial Officer Finance 2/04/2013
Wanda Whaley Adult Residential Aide Spruce B 2/09/2013
Idowu Ambali Children’s Residential Aide Schoemaker 2/11/2013
Cedric Bryant Residential ABA Counselor Martha 2/11/2013
Jamilla Jones Adult Residential Aide Radnor Crossing 2/11/2013
Moses Lloyd ABA Counselor, Vocational Program 6 2/11/2013
Esther Owotomo Adult Residential Aide Dixon 2/11/2013
Sue Smith ABA Counselor, Vocational Program 5 2/11/2013
Zachary Washington Adult Residential Aide Widener 2/11/2013
Olushola Adewuyi Adult Residential Aide Melissa B 2/25/2013
Karly Childress Workshop Instructor Workshop 8 2/25/2013
Taniesha Fowlkes Adult Residential Aide Radnor Crossing 2/25/2013
Denise Holden Adult Residential Aide Engle ICF 2/25/2013
Moses Kiamue Adult Residential Aide Aston B 2/25/2013
Sean Murray ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 6 2/25/2013
Lisa Newman Residential ABA Counselor Schoemaker 2/25/2013
Uche Onuoha Children’s Residential Aide Sacca 2/25/2013
Edward Payne Adult Residential Aide Aston A 2/25/2013
Vanessa Rodgers ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 13 2/25/2013
Staff reaching 90 days of service
Employee Name Position Location Hire Date
Christy Baldwin ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 13 11/5/2012
Marilyn DeMers ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 2 11/5/2012
Kyle Dempsey ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 4 11/5/2012
Allan Forster ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 15 11/5/2012
Michelle Hilferty ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 1 11/5/2012
Christian Jones ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 7 11/5/2012
Moira McCormick ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 3 11/5/2012
Aaron Nutter ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 3 11/19/2012
Mahreen Qureshi ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 7 11/19/2012
Kelly Reppert ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 14 11/19/2012
Frances Schulz ABA Counselor, Residential Schoemaker 11/19/2012
Caitlin Sullivan ABA Counselor, Education Classroom 8 11/19/2012
Natalie Tweh Adult Residential Aide Engle ICF 2/25/2013
Gabrielle Woodward Adult Residential Aide Aston B 2/25/2013