Messenger Winter 2009 - Melmark

MELMARKGroundbreaking CeremonyOn Thursday, June 25, 2009, the Melmarkcommunity gathered for a groundbreakingceremony celebrating the planned expansionof the Adult Training Center and the MelmarkSchool. Family members, donors, and membersof the Board of Directors joined childrenand adults served by Melmark as guests gatheredon the construction site. A reception atthe Meadows followed the ceremony.Fundraising for the $2.8 million project beganin 2007 and was recently completed throughthe generous contributions of many individualdonors, corporate contributors, and privatefoundations. “We are very thankful for thededication and support of our donors whohave made these exciting projects possible,”said Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., MelmarkPresident and CEO. Contributions from theConnelly Foundation, the Hoxie HarrisonSmith Foundation, the Charles A. FrueauffFoundation, as well as a generous matchinggrant from the Spray Foundation, made thefundraising effort for this vital project a success.In addition, proceeds from the annualHubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic and corporatesponsors from the life sciences industry suchas GlaxoSmithKline, Cephalon, CytokinePharmaSciences and Pennsylvania BiotechnologyAssociation, to mention a few, havemade major contributions to this project aswell. A generous grant from the DavenportFamily Foundation, one of Melmark’s newestsupporters, helped us complete the two-yearfundraising effort. As Dr. Donovan stated atthe ceremony, “This project reflects a truepartnership with those who believe in ourmission.”This two-story capital renovation will enableMelmark to expand and modernize the AdultTraining Center and significantly increasethe educational space within the MelmarkSchool. The expansion will include: additionalclassrooms and increased space for the adultprogram focusing on pre-vocational, socialdevelopment and life skills training. Thefacility will also allow for the addition of acomputer lab and resource room, a newArt Room and an evaluation and familyconsultation suite.We are grateful to the many Melmark supportersthat have made this dream a realityand by doing so will leave a lasting, positiveimpact on the children and adults served byMelmark today and for those who will beserved for years to come.We are very thankfulfor the dedicationand support of ourdonors who havemade these excitingprojects possible.4

imaginethe fun we’re having!The Melmark Music Program introducesdigital recording on campus.So many of our students and residents enjoyparticipating in music, not only as listeners, butalso as performers. There is a lot of talent here,and countless ways to express it. Because ofthat, I am excited to announce a new recordingprogram at Melmark that enables us to captureand share these musical experiences.A few months ago, the Music Program beganusing ProTools: a hardware and software combinationfor digitally recording, editing, mixingand mastering music. We are also running iTunes:software that allows students to create andmanage their own accounts for purchasing anddownloading music on-line. Now anyone withan iPod and a love of music can plug in and accessa wide variety of songs in our digital library.You can only imagine the fun we’re having.During 1-1 music sessions, many students areworking through the song writing process tocreate their own pieces of music. Others areperforming their favorite tune in their ownunique way. In both cases, we are able torecord and listen back to each session. Whatan experience it is to watch someone as theyhear and respond to their own creation…the smiles are everywhere.It gets even better. Each song recorded in ourstudio can be burned onto a CD or turned intoan MP3 file and shared with family through email.We are now on the brink of releasing our firstMelmark School CD to share with you. Over20 songs, featuring as many students, will beappearing on a self-produced album and everystep in the process has been completed herein the music room. More information will beavailable on how to get your own copy.It’s been one of my goals that our new programreflect the best part of music: the ability to shareand experience it’s magic in a way that bringspeople together and builds a more positiveenvironment. We’re excited about what’shappening here and look forward to sharing itwith you.Justin King, Music TeacherThe Melmark SchoolWhat an experience it is to watchsomeone as they hear and respondto their own creation…the smiles are everywhere!5

Help Melmark New England pave its wayto the future – brick by brick.paving the wayto a brighter futureOur new legacy walkway is an opportunity for contributors tocreate a permanent footprint at our beautiful Andover school – andfund on-going capital improvements and special projects for our students. Locateddirectly in front of the main entrance to our Andover school, the new brick walkwayrecognizes special memories, milestones, and honors families, students and friends.For more information, or to request an order form, please contact Margot Regan inthe Advancement Office at 978-654-4342 or mregan@melmarkne.org.As our walkway will be built brickby brick, our teachers step by stepeducate our children each day towarda brighter future.6

A Night To Remember...Lots of chocolates for me to eat!Lots of coal makin’ lots of heat.Warm face, warm hands, warm feet,Oh, wouldn’t it be lovely?7

“Oh, wouldn’t that be lovely?”Yes, Eliza Doolittle it was lovely!For the first time since its formationas a theater troupe, the MelmarkPlayers took their show on theroad performing “My Fair Lady” atthe award-winning Arden TheatreCompany in Old City Philadelphiaon June 8th… and what a special way for Melmark tothank its donors.Co-Founder, Mildred Krentel, started the Theatre Programat Melmark many years ago with memorable performancesof the “Nutcracker”. She saw the creative potential of ourindividuals and believed in their ability to perform on stage.Joy Pott, and now Kris Benach, have expertly and creativelycarried on that tradition.With much gratitude for the training and coachingreceived from the Arden Theatre volunteers, the MelmarkPlayers continued to dazzle its audience, this time from aprofessional stage. The night of June 8th was a special eventnot only for the Players, but also to recognize Melmark’soutstanding donors. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nuttergreeted the crowd of Melmark donors and supporters andcongratulated the Players on their special debut. JoanneGillis-Donovan, Ph.D., Melmark’s President and CEO,expressed Melmark’s deep appreciation for the generosityof our donors and the Arden Theatre Company for makingdreams come true.Liza Jones, Director of The Meadows Program, noted “Themagic that is Melmark never ceases to amaze me. The men,women and children that are part of the Melmark familyhave such unique talents and abilities. I have been touchedby so many throughout the years. The Melmark Playerspremiere performance of My Fair Lady at the Arden Theatrewas one of the highlights of my career.” While CyndieMartin, Director of Corporate and Community Affairs,remarked: “It takes many hands to put such an eventtogether. Thank you Melmark Players for giving it your all,the Arden Theatre for lending your expertise, and to ourguests for encouraging us with their presence.”The Players had rave reviews from donors, parents, andfriends in attendance: “Spectacular!” “Remarkable!”“Exquisite!” “Wonderful” “Brought tears to my eyes!”“A privilege to be there!” “If we could bottle what wasfloating around in the air, we could save the world!”The sister of the lead actress could not contain her joyfollowing the superb performance of the Melmark Players.She had been hesitant about traveling many hours in hercar, but was so thrilled that she was there to see Megcarrying on the family theatrical tradition with such “parexcellence.” Their mother was an opera singer and theirfather a make-up artist in the theater. In fact, Meg usedthe kit her father used for that evening’s make-up!As one of the Players proclaimed after their performance,“Broadway here we come.” What a thrill for all involved,a night to remember indeed!8

MELMARK NEW ENGLAND’SMeal Preparation GroupTeachers and Therapists guide the students throughthe menu, the shopping, the cooking, and ultimatelythe tasting.9

Jessica WoodsDr. Jessica Woods grew up in rural West Virginia. Jessicarecalls, “One of the best things about growing upthere was the close-knit extended family.” An avidcheerleader, Jessica was voted “Most Likely to Succeed”in her high school graduating class.Jessica received her bachelor’s degree in psychology in1994 and master’s degree in child clinical psychology in1997 both from West Virginia University. In 2001 sheearned another master’s degree in Clinical Psychologyand then in 2004 she earned her doctoral degree inclinical psychology both from the University of NorthCarolina at Greensboro. Jessica is a Board CertifiedBehavior Analyst.Dr. Woods began her employment at Melmark as theDirector of Professional Development and Training. Mostrecently, Jessica was promoted to the Executive Directorfor Children’s Services. Jessica said recently, “I amhonored to work with so many dedicated professionalsat Melmark. Their commitment and dedication to thechildren goes above and beyond expectations, both intheir clinical expertise and passion for the children.”“We have made great strides this past year to recruithigh quality staff, to implement highly technical clinicalprograms, and to bring out the best in each child,”said Jessica. In the coming year, Jessica hopes toenhance constructive community settings and improverecruitment and retention within the departmentthrough additional training of supervisors and enhancedtraining for new hires.When not at Melmark, Jessica and her husband, Rich,are enjoying their first home where they live with theirtwo family pets: Hank, their lovable black lab, and asJessica describes, Lenny, the not-so-loveable kitten.Brian haneyBrian Haney grew up in the town of Glenside, PAand spent many summers at his parent’s house in thePocono Mountains. His father is a retired pilot and hismother is a nurse. Brian has said; “Looking back, I nowrealize that I probably chose this life of serving others,through years of watching my mother work tirelessly forthose in need.”Brian earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology fromWest Chester University and a master’s degree inHealthcare Administration from Chestnut Hill College.He recently completed graduate coursework in AppliedBehavior Analysis through Temple University and theUniversity of Massachusetts.For ten years prior to coming to Melmark, Brian workedat a healthcare provider in New Jersey. He provideddirect care services to children with developmentaldisabilities and severe challenging behaviors. Hewent on to become a Clinical Case Coordinator, aClinical Supervisor and finally working in the QualityManagement Department.Brian first heard of Melmark at an ABA Conference inToronto. He initially joined Melmark as the OperationsCoordinator where he supported leadership innumerous strategic initiatives and collaborated onthe development of manuals for various departments.He currently serves as the Director of Children’sResidential Services. Brian looks forward to seeingincreased opportunities for activities and socializationfor the individuals, more in-depth training for thesupervisors within the department, and to continueto improve recruitment and retention of staff.Brian and his wife Patty have been married for sevenyears. They have two children, Colin and Nora.11

Children’sResidential ActivitiesGIRL SCOUTSMIRACLE LEAGUERUNNING/WALKING CLUBMELMARK BISTROGIRL SCOUTS: Jennifer Copeland, withthe assistance of a member from the GirlScouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, starteda Melmark troop in January 2009 withfive students. The troop met a few timesover the summer. They took nature walks,made friendship bracelets, and had amovie and pizza night. One of the highlightswas the “camp out,” which includedpitching a tent in the gym. The rain did notdampen the troop’s spirits! Fun was hadby all! This fall the scouts will be workingtowards earning badges, selling Girl Scoutcookies, and adding members. Over thenext year, the Melmark Girl Scouts alsohope to pair up with another local troopand go on trips or earn badges together.MIRACLE LEAGUE: We had nearly 15children participate in the Lehigh ValleyMiracle League this past spring and summer.The Melmark Dodgers held practiceevery Tuesday afternoon to help buildtheir baseball skills. Everyone was invitedto come out and participate in practices.It was great to see the progress many ofthe youngsters made either being able tohit the ball or running the bases. Aftera winter break, we will look forward tospring training.RUNNING/WALKING CLUB: The Running/Walking Club was formed in August and isopen to all children who reside at Melmark.The club meets once a week at thewalking trails of local parks. Some walk,some jog, some pause to take in the beautifulsurroundings. Everyone moves at theirown pace, but everyone is moving! Afterenjoying a park’s trails for a few weeks,the club then moves onto another localpark to enjoy some new scenery. The clubparticipants benefit from physical exerciseand socialization in the great outdoors.MELMARK BISTRO: We offer a fine diningexperience where selected residentialstudents get to choose who they wouldlike go out to dinner with for the evening.We have held both casual and “formal”bistro events. During these events we encourageproper restaurant etiquette: orderingmeals, waiting for them to be served,conversation with peers while at the table,silverware usage, and paying (plus tip) forthe meal. The Frome Center is transformedinto a restaurant atmosphere completewith decor and music. Staff serves the MelmarkBistro guests and Sodexo staff does agreat job of preparing wonderful gourmetmeals. The group refining their restaurantskills will move onto a restaurant in thecommunity and a new group will begin atthe Melmark Bistro.FAMILY BBQ: The Children’s ResidentialDepartment held a family barbecue on abeautiful summer day in July. There was agreat turn out of family members. Familieswere treated to typical barbecue foodsserved by both education and residentialstaff members. In addition to goodfood, many enjoyed the Family Kick-Ballgame while others participated in soccer,basketball, and art activities. To concludethe event, a piñata was brought out forthe children and their siblings to take acrack at. Everyone had such a good time,we held another family barbecue in earlyOctober!Fun withfriends andfamily!FAMILY BBQ12

fore melmark new englandOn July 27, 160 golfers took to the links at the AndoverCountry Club as part of the 4th Annual fore MelmarkNew England golf tournament. Over the past fouryears, Melmark New England’s largest annual fundraiserhas raised nearly $1 million helping us make improvementsto our new school building in Andover as well asfor helping to purchase program materials and provideprofessional development opportunities for our staff.This year’s tournament was the largest and featuredlocal radio personality Matt Siegel of KISS 107.9 FMwho golfed with each of the foursomes and servedas auctioneer. The live and silent auction featuredgolf trips to Ireland, Red Sox tickets, tickets to seePaul McCartney, U2 and Rascal Flatts and autographedsports memorabilia.Below Andover Country Club Golf Pro Mike Menery giveslast-minute instructions to the players.Jim Alex, Event Co-Chairman and Presenting Sponsor, withhis wife Angela and his son Charlie. Below Charlie hits thetournament’s opening drive.15

Melmark New England friend Robert Constantino (left) and his golf team.The Alex Family with Matt Siegel of KISS 107.9 FMOne of the golf teams takes a break to snap a photowith their caddie. Each foursome has their owncaddie.Residents near the Andover CountryClub have a perfect view of the action.16

4th annualHubert J.P. Schoemaker classicAgainst a beautiful Fall backdrop, more than 300golfers and guests gathered in support of the fourthannual Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic.The Schoemaker Classic, with GlaxoSmithKlineserving as Title Sponsor and Cephalon and Accenturethe Co-Presenting Sponsors, took place on October 19at three premier area golf courses: The ACE Club, St.David’s Golf Club and Waynesborough Country Club.The event included a golf tournament, dinner, and silentand live auctions.Proceeds from the Schoemaker Classic will be usedtoward a number of capital projects that are designedto move Melmark’s educational, residential andrecreational programs to ever increasing levels ofservice excellence.Waynesborough Country ClubMelmark extends its sincere thanks to the SchoemakerClassic leadership, sponsors, guests and volunteers formaking this a great event.Team Accenture at Waynesborough Country ClubSilent Auction bidding for golfpackages17

Dr. Donovan with this year’s Co-Chairs ShawnO’Brien, Denny Willson, and Laura LiottaAnne Faulkner Schoemaker withDennis “Mickey” Flynn, pastCo-chair of the Schoemaker ClassicAnne Faulkner Schoemaker with Joybellsmusicians Bill R. and Ron G.Team Cephalon enjoying the dayTeam GlaxoSmithKline gets readyto tee offTeam PhRMA at Waynesborough Country ClubEllen Donohoediscusses theevening’sevents withTracy De VliegerBrian Block, Chris Franklin, Chris Luning andRich Decker check out their winning scoreDr. Donovan greets Bev Ahrensdorf andArjun Bedi, Global Managing Partner,AccenturePilot Freight Services’ team stepsoff the greenLee Ahrensdorf (3rd from right), Founderof the Schoemaker Classic, and guestsLesley Russell, MB, Ch.B.,MRCP expressesCephalon’s support forMelmark’s missionMelmark’s Joybells receive a standing ovation18

2600 Wayland RoadBerwyn, Pennsylvania 19312Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. PostagePAIDPermit No. 16Paoli, PA 193011-888-MELMARKwww.melmark.orgSave the DateJuNE 12, 2010Spring Festivalat Melmark*May 1, 2010Melmark Gala at Park Hyatt at the BellevueJuNE 17, 2010Autism Conference withDennis Reidand V. Mark Durandat the Desmond HotelJuly 26, 2010fore Melmark New England*SEPTEMbER 20, 2010The Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic