Messenger Spring 2007 (PDF, 2.6 MB) - Melmark

Spring 2007

A Message from theCo-FounderIN THIS ISSUEA Message from the PresidentA Profile: H. Robert MarcusThe Meadows atThe Philadelphia Flower ShowFoxy’s Job at McDonald’sMoving Forward in WidenerWhat is a Soundbeam?Marc J. - A Man About TownOn The Move To Secure EmploymentProfile in Courage: Foday JannehThe Best Place To Be EmployedHeritage FestivalMoving Forward in Miller HouseRoller Skating TogetherTraveling Art ShowGrant From ExxonMobileHubert J.P. Schoemaker Golf ClassicBlack Tie & Top Hat GalaNew England: Meals in Motion and GolfBOARD OF DIRECTORSMr. H. Robert MarcusChairman of the BoardJoanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D.President and CEOMrs. Mildred E. KrentelCo-Founder, Board Member EmeritusJoseph Ferdinand, Ph.D.Board Member EmeritusMr. Michael J. BradleyChairman, Finance CommitteeMs. Glen ReyburnBoard SecretaryMrs. Martha W. GillinMr. Dominic S. LiberiMr. Jeffrey S. MitchellMr. James J. MurrayMr. Richard G. Phillips, Jr.Mrs. Anne Faulkner SchoemakerMrs. Joy I. SussmanMs. Sharyn VanReepinghenMr. Eric ZeePage24678991011111214151617182022Dear Parents,Perhaps you have wondered now andagain whatever happened to Melissa’smother. Well, here I am, living at theWellington, one of those independentretirement facilities in West Chester,Pennsylvania, getting ready to celebratemy 86th birthday. It sure soundsancient, debilitating and suffocating.But I am none of those. I am alive andwell and looking forward to tomorrow.Let me share a few blessings with you. I feel as though my heart finallyhas come home, for now I am only ten minutes away from Melissa. So everyFriday, around 4:00 in the afternoon, I pick her up for the weekend. Sheinterrupts my week delightfully, and it keeps me young, living her enthusiasticlife with her. We shop, go out to eat, haul our goodies upstairs to myapartment at Wellington and watch TV or videos together.But, equally as important as that interlude, is the accompanying fact thatI am only ten minutes away from Melmark, the project that God laid on ourhearts that long-ago time in 1965. I have watched Melmark grow and matureinto this lovely vibrant facility that does not know when to stop dreaming.And, when Melmark dreams, things happen.So it followed that I wanted to introduce my new friends here toMelmark. The bell choir came and played their songs and wormed their wayinto these hearts at Wellington. After falling in love with these bell ringers,nothing would do but a visit to Melmark. So, one Wednesday a group of uswent by bus to tour Melmark. My friends were breathless with excitement.How could this thing called Melmark be – from such a small Mom andPop beginning? The answer always seemed to be love. Love – from ourPresident, Joanne Gillis-Donovan, down to the staff serving in the lonelyovernight hours. You can’t manufacture that; it has to be copied - reproducedfrom the examples set right before our very eyes.It’s magic! It really is. And it accounts for the miracle that we callMelmark. For there, tomorrow is never the same as today. It’s just anotherforward step to meeting the challenges that we face for our special population.As you read this Messenger, you will see for yourself. But better yet, comeand see for yourself.It’s magic!Melissa’s motherMelmark Messengeris a publication of MelmarkMiggy Krentel

A Message from thePresidentDear family and friends,Moving onward, upward and outward is what Melmark is all about.In this Messenger we focus on life on the move in many differentdirections as we depict how our children and adults actively engagewith the world, making progress and spreading joy and enthusiasmas they go.For example, our horticulturalists-partners in the MeadowsCountry Garden Guild, once again, competed against master gardenersat the Philadelphia Flower Show. I think we all know what an honor it is to have one’s plants accepted bythis prestigious event attended by horticulture enthusiasts from around the world. Not only did we havefour entries accepted this year, two of them received Honorable Mention!Moving on to have a job in the community is a goal of many of our adults and older school-ageyoung adults. “Foxy” told her team she wanted to work at MacDonald’s. This inspired a yearlong trainingprogram to teach Foxy the necessary skills to do the job. She applied, with staff help, had her interviewand was hired on the spot. Foxy loves her job where she is valued, respected and gets a paycheck too!In December, the children at Melmark New England were on the move to a newly renovated schoolin Andover, Mass. I would encourage anyone who is in, or travels to, the area to stop in and see thiswonderful new space and see how happy and productive both staffDr. Donovan with adults from theand children are as they enjoy their new home.Meadows Program at the MallThere are many such stories in this Messenger and I will leave itto each of you to enjoy them at your own pace.We were pleased to be recognized this year as one of the 50 bestplaces to work in Pennsylvania. This was the result of a statewidesurvey that evaluated companies and invited their employees torespond to questions about their place of work. The surveyshowed that Melmark’s staff enjoy their work, like the family-likefeeling, and are appreciative of the education, training and diversebenefits they receive. As you read the stories you will see thispositive, upbeat staff attitude translate into the best of care forthose we serve.Finally, we were the beneficiaries of two wonderfully successful golf tournaments, the Hubert J.P.Schoemaker Classic here in Pennsylvania and Fore Melmark New England in Andover, MA. Also, we allenjoyed our third Annual Gala held at the exquisite Hotel Dupont in Wilmington, DE. We are so blessedto have so many people working so hard to support our work.We thank all of you who never forget the children and adultswe serve. May we always remain worthy of your support.Dr. Donovanwith RachelSimon a guestspeaker atthe PARConference.Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D.President and CEOCenter: Dr. Donovan and husbandJoe surrounded by their family2

A Special Home for Missy“The first thing that attracted us was thename of the school…the Melmark Home.”That was what they wanted for theirdaughter, “A home where love and carewould be supportive of her development.”So Missy came to Melmark on February 2,1972, at the age of thirteen. She remainshere today, a happy, compassionate,engaging woman with expressive eyesand an interest in art and music.H. Robert (Bob) Marcus and wife, AudreyFlack, were thrilled to find Melmark morethan thirty years ago, when Missy wastransitioning from a residential school forchildren under 13, in Connecticut. “We werelooking for a home for Missy... a place whereshe could stay and never leave,” remembersBoard Chairman Bob Marcus. They’d visitedother facilities, but knew they’d foundsomething special in this little Berwyncommunity. We are happy to have found aplace where love and carecan enrich andenhance Missy’sabilities,”saidBob recently.Missy’s love for music becomes moreevident as she progresses in herlearning of different instruments.3

H. RobertMarcusChairman of the BoardGroundbreaking forMarcus House.When New York CityMayor Rudolph W. Giulianipresented H. Robert Marcusand Audrey Flack withtheir Philanthropic LeadersAwards at the 1998 NationalPhilanthropy Day Award inPhiladelphia, he said of thecouple “I commend themfor their dedication andservice to people with disabilities.” Indeed, one couldhardly find a more dedicated advocate on behalf of thosewhose lives are defined by struggle.H. Robert Marcus is a commodity futures trader andthe former vice-president of the Commodity Exchange inNew York City. As an advisor to the securities industry,Mr. Marcus promotes the mission of the U.S. Securitiesand Exchange Commission, which is to protect investorsand maintain fair, orderly, and efficient markets as well asfacilitate capital formation. As a father and concernedcitizen, Mr. Marcus supports the mission of Interns ForPeace, the Autism Society of America Foundation andMelmark. Mr. Marcus is actively involved on the boards ofeach organization and generously contributes of his timeand financial resources to each group.Because Robert Marcus and Audrey Flack pledgedto give their disabled daughter all the resources needed tohelp her reach her full potential, they selected Melmarkto provide her with the therapeutic environment whereshe lives and thrives. Their generous financial contributionsto Melmark, and their commitment to help us ensurethat children and adults with disabilities will continue toreceive superb residential, educational, and therapeuticservices is inspiring.Pictured from left: Karen Butler, cousin of the Marcus family Joanne Gillis-Donovan,President & CEO presents Bob Marcus and Audrey Flack with a painting created bytheir daughter, Melissa. Thank you, Bob and Audrey, for supporting Melmark’s BlackTie and Top Hat Gala as our Liberty Sponsor!4

Commerce Bankis honored to have been thePresenting Sponsorfor Melmark’s Gala “Stepping Out”Commerce Bank supports the Melmark staff who striveeach day to provide compassionate, effective, research-basedservices for those entrusted to their care."They makemy life easier!"

The Meadows on the Moveto thePhiladelphiaFlower Show!The Philadelphia Flower Show participants featuredclockwise: Michael L., Patrick G. Ron G., Janet B.,and instructor, Sarah Hutchin.Legends of Ireland was the theme for the 2007Philadelphia Flower Show March 4th-11th at theConvention Center in Philadelphia. The MelmarkMeadows Program is so pleased by the opportunity tobe a part of such an important and prestigious eventevery year. The acceptance of the plants, the honorablementions and ribbons are a testimony to the hard workand dedication of the partners of the Country GardenGuild, the phenomenal staff and our wonderfulvolunteer, Aldys Davis.Over the years, the partners of the Country GardenGuild have had significant success with their challengeplant entries. They compete against master gardeners,garden enthusiasts and people with a love for horticulture.The entries are judged by specific criteria outlined for eachclass of plant. It is an honor to have an entry accepted andany other accolades represent an outstanding achievement.Different partners of the Country Garden Guild workeach year on their entries and travel to the show to seetheir plants on display.Aldys Davis, a long standing volunteer of theMeadows Program, has been a driving force behind theirparticipation in the Flower Show. She transports ourplants to and from the Convention Center and supportsthe men and women that work on these plants throughoutthe year. Each week you can find her helping the partnersin the greenhouse. She is a dedicated volunteer who is notafraid to get her hands dirty! The help provided by Aldysis thoroughly supported by the daily work of SarahHutchin and Barbara Stuehling in the Flower Shop. Theyhelp the men and women stay on track and focus on thecare and nurturing of their plants.In 2005, we entered the Philadelphia Flower Showfor the first year. Jeff E.’s succulent plant, a Crown ofThorns, that won a blue ribbon at the 2004 PennsylvaniaHorticulture Society’s Harvest Show, was again deemedworthy, and Anne J.’s entry, a succulent, was awarded anhonorable mention.In 2006, our second year, three of the entries to theFlower Show were accepted and placed on display. Bill R.and Meg G. grew the challenge plant, Philodendron‘Moonlight’, and Meg received an honorable mention forher efforts. Chris B., a day student, entered his Crown ofThorns, a Euphorbia milii, that was also accepted.Now, in 2007, we have four individuals whopresented their challenge plants. In the spirit of Ireland,the theme for the show, Janet B. and Ron G. grew a typeof ivy called Hedera helix ‘Leprechaun’. They both hadtheir plants entered and Ron won an honorable mention!Patrick G. and Michael L. also had plantsaccepted in the category of returningchallenge plants. They have been workingon the Philodendron ‘Moonlight’ plantsthat were entered by Bill R. and Meg G.last year. Both plants were accepted, andPatrick won an honorable mention.We are already lookingforward to future involvementin other flower shows.6

Foxy Moveson to a job at McDonald’sWhat is your favorite day of the week?Most people answer Friday because it’s the end of theweek, or perhaps Sunday because it’s a family day. But forone woman at Melmark Tuesdays are best. Every Tuesdaymorning Foxy arrives at the Frome Center with a big smileon her face that shines with enthusiasm.Several years ago at her annual planning meeting Foxytold her team that she wanted to work at McDonald’s.Foxy’s day program team then put goals into motion tohelp Foxy develop the necessary skills to be a lobby personat McDonald’s. After a year of practicing wiping chairs,counters, ledges, tops of trash cans and cleaning windows,Foxy was ready to apply to McDonald’s.Foxy went into McDonald’s and asked for themanager. Foxy then asked the manager for a jobapplication. Foxy brought the application back to her dayprogram and worked with staff on filling it out. When theapplication was complete, she took it to McDonald’s andset up an appointment with the manager for an interview.Barb Gardner, Co-Director of the Adult DayProgram at Melmark, is watching Foxy as she logs inher arrival time to work.Foxy went to her interview and told the manager all aboutthe skills that she had been working on and expressed herdesire to be an employee at McDonald’s. Before themeeting was over Foxy was hired right on the spot for onemorning a week.Foxy reviews her paycheck to see how much she hasearned. She has even started asking questionsabout taxes and the deductions in her paycheck.The following week Foxy started her career atMcDonald’s. Every Tuesday Foxy comes dressed in heruniform, ready for work and eager to start her lobby job.Foxy works alongside her job coach, Barb. Barb lovescoaching Foxy because she is always eager and positiveabout the work she does at McDonald’s. Barb is alsoimpressed with the great pride that Foxy takes in her workat McDonald’s. Foxy has a very good working relationshipwith the other McDonald’s staff, and likes to know thather supervisor is on site. Foxy looks forward to seeing theMcDonald’s staff each week, and the “regular” customersare always very glad to see Foxy. If Foxy misses a week,the customers always ask how she is doing.Just like all of us Foxy looks forward to getting herpaycheck. Foxy reviews her paycheck to see how muchshe has earned. She has even started asking questionsabout taxes and the deductions in her paycheck.Barb states that it has been a joy to see Foxy’sself-esteem and confidence grow and to watch Foxyreach out and build relationships with other staff andcustomers on her own.7

Moving Forwardin Widener HouseThe Widener House peoplemay need more time to getwhere they are heading…But they are on the go…In early 2006, a team of Program Specialists at Melmarkimplemented an initiative that they had been working onfor over 6 months. The team created a revised training forDirect Care staff to learn to implement an improvedsystem of teaching our adult residents new skills andtracking their progress. In Widener House, as staff workedwith residents on increasing their skills, Program SpecialistLara Winther provided training and feedback to fine-tunethe staff’s teaching skills. After almost one year of thisTeach-the-Teacher-to-Teach system, here are the results:Matt is a 33-year old man who is friendly and socialwith limited verbal skills. At this time last year, Mattneeded total assistance to dress himself. When handed ashirt, Matt sometimes attempted to put it on andsometimes he didn’t. If he did place the shirt over his headand his arms through the sleeves, he would leave theremainder of the shirt bunched under his arms. Now,when handed his shirt, Matt places it over his head, putshis arms through the sleeves, pulls the shirt down, andstraightens the hem. Next step: Picking up the shirt andorienting it to face the correct direction.Robbie is another 33-year old man, who whengreeted, responds with a huge smile. One of his favoriteactivities is watching videos of The Price is Right. Robbiefaces a huge challenge: he is non-verbal and does notinitiate touching objects. This makes it very difficult forhim to communicate his specific wants and needs tohis staff. At this time last year, when Robbie wanted towatch his video, he would pace the hallway between hisbedroom and his staff, crying and knocking his knucklestogether. Robbie’s staff and program specialist beganteaching him to communicate his choice of activity bytouching his video. When offered assistance, Robbiewould draw his hand back.Fast forward to 2007… When presented with twoobjects (one video and one otherobject), Robbie will pick up the videoand hand it to his staff. This is Robbie’sfirst step toward communicating aspecific desire to his staff. Next step: picking up the videoand walking increasingly farther to hand it to his staff.Vision for the future: whenever Robbie wants to watch avideo, he will pick it up, find his staff no matter wherehe/she is in Widener House, and hand it to them tocommunicate exactly what he wants to do. Robbie is wellon his way! And, so are we!Robbie and Matt enjoying a quiet afternoon attheir Widener home.8

What do a sunbeamand a soundbeamhave in common?Jane Porter said that “happiness is a sunbeam which maypass through a thousand bosoms without losing a particle ofits original ray.” A soundbeam brings happiness to those ittouches. Both can change your life and here is how:Melmark’s Music Teacher, Heather Heisler, discoveredthe Soundbeam while studying for her master’s degree atcollege. The Soundbeam is a complex electronic tool thatmeasures distance between itself and the moving object atwhich it is pointed. The Soundbeam sensors send out pulsesof ultrasounds and measure the distance by the echo theyreceive. Distance is measured by intensity of the sound. Theamazing Soundbeam is designed to interpret that intensityinto a musical note, varying in pitch with the distance.When she came to work at Melmark, Heather knewimmediately that this clever electronic device could becomea valuable musical instrument for some of the Melmarkstudents who are severely disabled. Melmark purchased theSoundbeam because its therapeutic applications weremultifaceted. Simple and subtle movements from thedisabled student can be measured and transcribed into anote. Therefore, a quadriplegic student can play music bymoving his/her head or even by blinking. With thehelp of the Soundbeam, Heather’s students have shownimprovement with motor skills, voice intonation, verbaland language skills. Because a student’s breathing rhythmis sometimes the only movement measured by the sensor,Heather helps students practice breathing exercises thatenhance their ability to create music with the assistance ofthe Soundbeam. The beautiful smile on Chelsea’s face tells itall. The Soundbeam brought a ray of sunshine to her life!Since 1996, Marc haslived in one of Melmark’scommunity ICF/MRprograms in Aston,Pennsylvania. Over the last ten years, Marc has become partof his community and developed a true sense of adventure.Aside from the day to day activities of banking and diningout, Marc loves to go on trips to the mall, Ridley CreekState Park, Brandywine Zoo, Disney on Ice and ThePhiladelphia Zoo. He also supports some of the localsporting teams by attending games. Marc is a sportsman inhis own right, participating in Special Olympics atSwarthmore College.Marc has developed a great relationship with GeorgeArmah, the Shift Supervisor in Marc’s home. At Marc’srequest, George has accompanied him on many exciting9Marc J. is aMan About Towntrips. Marc loves amusement parks and the thrill of theroller coasters – Dorney Park is his favorite. George doesnot share Marc’s love of roller coasters. In fact, he is a bitscared of them. Knowing this, Marc delights in encouragingGeorge to ride – even if George keeps his eyes closed.Marc’s sense of adventure does not end with roller coasters,he has also gone on hot air balloon rides and takenhelicopter rides at the West Chester Helicopter Museum.Marc is a great guy who loves thrills and excitement.Whatever his next adventure, there is always someoneready to join him.What’s next? Who knows! But whatever it is you canbet it will be exciting. Just think, the next time you see ahelicopter or hot air balloon fly above your head, Marc maybe up there looking back.

On the Move to Secure Employment -Vocational TrainingMelmark Vocational Program for school-agestudents started in May 2006 and is going strong.Alan Arici was appointed Vocational Coordinator.He is supported by the curriculum coordinators aswell as classroom teachers, and teacher assistants.At the Breakfast Cart, you will be greeted byfriendly cashiers, (Peter V., Tom M. and WilfredoS.) hard-working servers (Louis M., Marie S.,Sean M.), and the prompt delivery staff (Bianca T.,Nathan L., Adam R., and Caroline N.)Package delivery is another service our students provide.Jonathan W., Dwayne P., and Zeke R. deliver items tostaff. They assure fast and efficient delivery even in therain, sleet or snow.A Paper Shredding Crew, consisting of Brett A.,Sarah E., George D., Samantha J., Andrew M., Raquel W.,Eric L., Shavell F., Kiaya F., Gianni S., Jack R., and JacobR., is their most recent endeavor. Students regularlypick up paper from various areas in the school and deliverthem to specific classrooms that are responsible forshredding and disposal.Aside from the successful on-campus training programs,students are participating in several community trainingopportunities, including competitive employment.“Tee” T. recently began aninternship with Riley Sales inPlymouth Meeting, where heoperates a cardboard compactorand provides clerical andcleaning services.Louis M. and Eric S.kindly offer volunteersupport at the HavertownCenter by packaging mealsfor a homebound fooddelivery service.Meanwhile, Alex S. andTim L. volunteer at theSpring Garden Academy inPhiladelphia, where theydiligently provide clericaland cleaning services.Dwayne P. participates in horticultural training atOaks Garden in Oaks, PA that includes various outdoorgardening tasks.But our greatest success story thus far is Molly M’soutstanding work at her paid job at McDonald’s inNewtown Square. Molly has risen to the challenge oflearning various cleaning skills required for her position, aswell as gradually increasing her workdays. Recently, Mollydisplayed such success with her job duties and enthusiasmfor work that she no longer requires staff support at allduring all work hours. Molly’s supervisors and co-workersat McDonald’s have embraced her as a valuable memberof their team.Aside from the kindness and support given by theteam at McDonald’s, all of the employers that the studentswork with have displayed a great deal of compassion bywelcoming the students into their businesses andorganizations with steadfast appreciation of the hardwork and dedication that all of the studentsprovide.Melmark is committed to maintaininglong-lasting relationships with thesebusinesses as well as continuously developingnew relationships with members of the localcommunity. Together, we will all continueto help our students achieve their potentialand realize their dreams.Vocational Training from on campus jobs (top photos)to community job at McDonald’s.10

Profile In Courage:Foday JannehIn search of a safe and stable environment for his family,Foday Janneh left Sierra Leone seven years ago to seekasylum in the US. In the throws of civil war, his belovedcountry had already lost approximately one-third of itspopulation, and the future for his two daughters, Sayoand Fatmata, was precarious. In addition to thedeteriorating political and economic conditions inneighboring Guinea, Liberia presented a security threat;thus Foday and his family decided to flee Africa “topursue the American Dream,” says Janneh, explainingthat several friends and family members had alreadysettled in Pennsylvania, and all were very positive aboutlife in the US.Because his education and training were in thehealth field, Foday quickly obtained employment atMelmark as weekend staff. He loved his work. Fodaysaved all he could to support his family in the hope thatthey would soon be granted an exit visa and join him inPennsylvania. Finally, inthe spring of 2006, histwo beautiful daughterswere able to join him,and the family settled in Glenolden.Foday’s life is extremely busy. He balances work,raising his daughters and studying at Neumann Collegeto further his education. In eight months he willcomplete his LPN and plans to complete a bachelor’sdegree in education soon thereafter.“Sayo and Fatmata are adjusting to their new life,but they can’t wait to see their mother join us. They alsolook forward to attending Catholic school. We trust thatit will all happen, and then we will have realized our wishto live the American Dream. I could not have succeededhere without the kindness and support I received frommy supervisor and my co-workers at Melmark,” he saysproudly and with the widest smile.Melmark Recognized asOne of the Best Places to be EmployedThis year, Melmark was recognized and honored at anaward ceremony at the Hershey Lodge and ConventionCenter for being one of 50 best places to work. Thisrecognition comes as theoutcome of a statewide surveydesigned to honor the bestplaces of employment inPennsylvania. This programis a public/private partnershipof Team PennsylvaniaFoundation, the PennsylvaniaDepartment of Community and Economic Development,the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, andthe Central Penn Business Journal.In a two-part process, each company’s policies,practices and philosophy were rated. A good standing withCommonwealth agencies under the Governor’s jurisdictionwas also a requirement. The Human Resources part invitedthe employees to submit their evaluation of the company.Nearly 20,000 Pennsylvania employees filled the survey thatevaluated medium and large-sized companies in the profitand nonprofit sectors.The survey showed that Melmark’s staff, who travelfrom the tri-state area, enjoy their work, love the family-likefeeling, and appreciate the education, training and diversebenefits they receive. “I am proud to receive this award onbehalf of our mission-driven staff,” said Melmark Presidentand CEO, Dr. Joanne Gillis-Donovan.11

HeritageFestivalMelmark Staff From Around the Globe!In recognition of its dedicated and internationally diverse staff,Melmark sponsored its first Heritage Festival on September 15 and 16on its Berwyn campus. The two-day event, planned and directed byMelmark's spirited staff engage in friendly soccercompetition in the Center Circle.Melmark’s staff, highlighted the unique talents, contributions and cultural assets of Melmark’s 600 employees, whocollectively represent over 40 countries throughout the world.“We are very proud of the Heritage Festival because it offered activities for our staff and for the clients we serve.The great and colorful display of 40 large international flags encircling our entrance ushered in an internationalfashion show and an informal language seminar where participants learned how to say “Hello” in 40 differentlanguages,” says Andrew Ward, Executive Director of Human Resources. Soccer games, an international food buffet,music and dancing followed.Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., President and CEO ofMelmark, opened the festivities recognizing that Melmark’ssuccess has always rested on the talents and dedication of itsstaff. She added, “The Heritage Festival helps us learn alittle bit more about each other’s cultural backgrounds. It isa unique cultural opportunity for everyone on campus.”“It is aunique culturalopportunityfor everyoneon campus.”Staff and residents alike enjoying the outdoors on a sunny day aswe celebrated our diversity12

Maureen Schoemaker with Matthew,Katherine, and Annie.Thank youMr. and Mrs. Theodore McKenziePlatinum SponsorsMelmark’s Black Tie & Top Hat Galaat the Hotel du Pont.Thank you to everyone whocontributes to her betterment and well being at Melmark. What awonderful place, with special people.Sincerely, Mary KentA Parent’s noteof appreciationWe could not be more pleased with the progress we have seen in Caroline,with the help of Room Eight teachers and assistants plus supporting staff.Caroline has experienced such great strides in her speech, behavior, physicalprowess, and cognitive and life skills. It is very comforting to know she iscared for with such careful attention, patience, skilland true affection.Speaking of appreciation-thank you Maryand Larry Kent for your Platinum sponsorshipof Melmark’s Black Tie and Top Hat Gala.13

Roller Skating Together -An Objective Measure for Success.An Exercise in Playful, HypotheticalApplied Behavior AnalysisJacob “Jack” R. with Melmark StaffThe following was written by Matthew Hook, a Melmarkresidential behavior analyst. It offers a “light” treatment ofclassic behavioral observations and a great evening of fun!Hypothesis:In my two and a half years at Melmark, I have had thepleasure of participating in a great many different events.Based on a representative sample of ABC data collectedfrom my peers that have also attended these trips, mosttrips have provided our residents with opportunities forsocialization and community integration; nearly all haveprovided them with a great time. That said, in the monthsince the inception of our weekly trips to the CN SkatePalace in Aston, I have found inscrutable evidence thatthese trips have been The Greatest Success in The Historyof Melmark. Understandably, this could be construed asa biased statement, but with a little good old-fashionedABA(Antecedent Behavior Consequence), I figure Imight be able to prove anything.Data Collection/ Inter-Observer Agreement:In order to support my bold hypothesis that these tripshave been The Greatest Success in The History ofMelmark, I first set out to answer the following question:How does every single attending staff member (objectiveobserver) measure the success of a community outingwith 100% inter-observer agreement across all observers?My answer was easier than I had expected – surely ifeverybody agrees on everything about everything theneverybody will be 100% right about everything and allthe kids will have had the best time of their lives, noquestions asked. So the first thing I did, when planningthe operational definition and measurement systemfor “success across all individuals,” was made mydefinition remarkably vague and only offer one possibleresponse for everyone over the given time period foreach individual trip.“Success Across all Individuals” was operationalized.It means happiness.From the period of 4-6pm did the following behavioroccur? Yes.Results:Anywhere from 20 to 30 residents have participated inevery trip, residents from Sacca, Miller, Engle, Martha,Matthew, and Marcus have all been regulars. Accordingto the data yielded from all staff reports, each and everyresident enjoyed the success of happiness. Video games,roller skating, and pizza have made all the world a betterplace. I’ve seen every resident smile; I’ve seen everyresident happy; we have the pictures to prove it. I won’tinclude all my graphs and physical evidence because I’msure everyone is already convinced.On a less tongue-in-cheek note, these trips havebeen a great success, even if I only have my biasedopinion to prove it. It’s encouraging to see everyonehappy and roller-skating, practicing and generalizing allthe skills we teach, and participating as a community.As corny as it sounds, it reminds us, as special educators,of how worthwhile our jobs are. More importantly, itprovides all the children with a chance to get out, playsome video games, listen to some music, roller skate,and possibly have a little more fun than usual.Wilfredo S. at the Skating Rink Arcade.15

TravelingART SHOWMelmark launched its new Traveling Art Show onFriday, December 1 at the Newtown Public Libraryin Newtown Square. Over 70 members of thecommunity, parents, students and educators attendedthe cocktail party hosted by the Friends of the Library.The goal of the Traveling Art Show is to heightenpublic awareness by providing the Melmark artists withinteresting venues to display their creative talents. Arttherapy is an integral part of the Melmark environment;Left to right: Friends of the Library - Lois Perkins, JohnImmel, Nicole Chabat (Melmark Director of PublicRelations), Dorothy Elicker, and Joanne Gillis-Donovan,Ph.D. (Melmark President and CEO)“Because people with developmental disabilities areoften overlooked, we strive to give those entrusted inour care the tools they need to be seen and heard in ourcommunity. Art is a powerful means of expression and Icannot think of a better venue for our grand opening,”said Cyndie Martin, Melmark’s Director of Corporateand Community Affairs.Although the program is free, and the art is notfor sale during the exhibit, selected pieces may bepurchased directly from Melmark when the exhibitcloses. The exhibits schedule can be viewed on theMelmark website at www.melmark.org. To book theTraveling Art Show or to inquire about the program,please call 610-325-2965.adults and children are encouraged to participate inmany art forms such as Music, Theatre, Textiles, PrintShop, Painting, Horticulture and Flower Arranging.What better way is there to celebrate Melmark’s 40thAnniversary than by showcasing the emerging talentsnurtured by Jim Sekula, Melmark’s outstanding artteacher?“ We are very excited about launching our firsttraveling art show,” Jim says. Under his tutelage,children and young adults create magnificent collagesand some intriguing paintings.Melmark is continuously forging new allianceswith community centers, local businesses, clubs, andorganizations that volunteer to host the captivating artcollection throughout the year.Phillip S. standing by his artwork, at the NewtownPublic Library, with staff Karmoh Fofana.16

On the Move For MelmarkEXXON MobilSteve Clarke, owner/operator of the Newtown Square Exxon Station presenting thegrant check to Cyndie Martin, Melmark Director of Corporate and Community AffairsThis winter, Melmarkreceived a $500 grantfrom the ExxonMobilEducational Allianceto support its computer technology programs.The grant will be applied towards the purchase ofnew computer technology needed for day and residentialstudents who receive special educational, therapeutic andvocational services at Melmark. “We are very grateful toExxonMobil for providing funds to help us expand ourstudents’ computer technology education,” said MelmarkPresident and CEO Dr. Joanne Gillis-Donovan. “Thegrant typifies the partnerships created between Melmarkand the business community and it will further ourstudents’ growth towards independence.”Thank you Clay & Garrett KirkGala Diamond Sponsor“It has been sucha joy for me to,at last, find ‘home’for my sister AnneKenan, who istruly flowering inDixon House andAdult Day Care.Clay & Garrett Kirk17

Hubert J.P. Schoemaker ClassicPresented by GlaxoSmithKlineRaises $325K for MelmarkThe Delaware Valley’s leading biotech and pharmaceuticalcompanies recently pledged their support to Melmark, byhosting the first Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic, anevent presented by GlaxoSmithKline.The Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic was organizedto honor the late Dr. Hubert J.P. Schoemaker, thefounder of several biopharmaceutical companiesincluding Centocor and Neuronyx. Dr. Schoemakerwas also an inspiration and a mentor to many of theDelaware Valley’s most prominent business executives.Dr. Schoemaker served on Melmark’s Board of Directors,where he was a strong proponent of developing andadvancing Melmark’s mission and programs.Event Co-Chairmen Lee Ahrensdorf, Presidentof Ahrensdorf & Associates and Bernie Schaffer, Partner,Chartwell Investments were joined by the event honorarychairman, Jean-Pierre Garnier, Ph.D., Chief ExecutiveOfficer, GlaxoSmithKline to present a $325,000check to Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., President andCEO of Melmark.“In addition to my close personal friendship withHubert, we shared a similar vision about creating anddeveloping the Philadelphiaregion as a world-class center ofexcellence for the biotech andpharmaceutical industries.Hubert epitomized thedefinition of a true leader andpioneer. Raising funds for a cause so dear to Hubert wasa great source of inspiration and a most fitting tribute,”said Dr. Garnier.“The funds have been earmarked for the renovationand expansion of our Adult Day Work and ProgramCenter. This will bring all of our adult teaching andtraining programs into one place. The New Center willbe equipped to enhance skill acquisition towards greaterindependence.” said Dr. Donovan.She added, “ We are most grateful for theexceptional philanthropic drive of the Advisory Boardand sponsors, and we look forward to the second annualHubert J P Schoemaker Classicscheduled for October 22, 2007.”Center: Mrs. Anne Faulkner Schoemakerwith Betty Kahn Schoemaker, Hubert’ssister to the left and her daughter SophieKahn to the right.18

Katie TrainorWe arrived at Melmark on September 9, 1980. Katie was nine monthsold, tiny and delicate, with unimaginably long eyelashes. As we handed herto Cyndie and Miggy, our hearts were broken. There was no way for us toknow at that moment what we would soon come to know– that Melmarkwould become one of life’s true blessings for our family and those who knewand loved Katie.During her first few years at Melmark, Katie lived in ‘Sunshine Cottage’. It was there that Katie’slife metaphorically moved from darkness to sunshine. The clouds parted and the rays of light touchedKatie and our entire family. Katie thrived at Melmark. She learned to sit up, to feed herself, to walk –and then to run. She ran everywhere! She loved music, and she loved people. Katie far surpassed all ofthe dire predictions made by the ‘experts’ when she entered this world.For the next 20 years we shared with her and the Melmark family the joys and sorrows of Katie’slife. Many of those same Melmark friends who were charmed by Katie on her first day at Melmarkwere with her during her final days. Katie was surrounded by the people who loved her and cared sodeeply about her. She continues to be remembereddaily by those dispensing their care, wisdom, andlove to the Melmark community from the KatieTrainor Healthcare Center; and the Trainor familycontinues to remember with gratitude all thatMelmark did for Katie and our family.Co-chairs and Platinum Sponsors Bob and Kathy Trainor(center) with Kristen Trainor Scarlett, Beecher Scarlett, on theright and Laura Trainor and Dave Sullivan on the left.RADNOR BENEFITSGROUPMelmark wishes to recognize and thankRadnor Benefits, “Black Tie and Top Hat”Gala Gold Sponsors, for their generosityand their on-going support of our mission.19

BLACK TIE andTOP HATGALACommunity partner Commerce Bank and Melmark parents tookthe lead in presenting Black Tie and Top Hat Gala at the historic HotelduPont. Master of Ceremonies, 6ABC’s Dave Roberts, inspired over400 guests to support Melmark through the Silent and Live Auction,and the Wishbook catalog of dreams for a brighter tomorrow for peoplewith disabilities.On stage at the Dupont Theatre the Melmark Joybells thrilled theaudience with their performance of “You Raise Me Up” and “SomewhereOver the Rainbow.” The feature presentation for the evening was“Stepping Out”, the inspiring stories of children and adults at Melmarkreaching new levels of accomplishment and success.Following the program in the duPont Theatre, guests returned tothe duBarry Room for a grand dessert buffet and dancing to the musicof Rhythm & Bluefish in the Gold Ballroom.The event raised over$425,000 for Melmark!Chris J. & Tee T.,featured inMelmark’s video“Stepping Out”,enjoying thecelebration!Gala attendees dancing inthe Gold Ballroom at theHotel du Pont to the musicof Rhythm & BluefishMaster of CeremoniesDave Roberts withMiggy Krentel,Melmark co-founder.From left to right-Steve & Cyndie Martin, Joe Donovan & Joanne Gillis-Donovan,Jim & Sally Foley, Alice & Mike Doyle, Kathy & Bob Trainor.20

Melmark New England MoveSupported ByMeals in MotionMNE Parent Group supporting the move tothe new schoolYou could sensethe excitement asMelmark New England’s staff and students preparedfor the move from the old school space in a WoburnMA office park to the permanent home in Andover.This was a dream come true with the financial supportof Melmark Inc., and after much work and fundraising efforts on the part of Melmark New England(MNE). A significant fundraising event was our firstannual “Fore Melmark New England” golf benefitwhich was held at the Andover Country Club onAugust 14, 2006 (please see pictures on the followingpage). This golf tournament was started by parents Jimand Angela Alex whose son Charlie receives home andschool services through Melmark New England’sconsultation outreach services.The families of our students were incrediblysupportive of all staff who worked during thetransition from Woburn to Andover. After the moverswere finished over the first weekend of December, thestaff started setting up all the classrooms on Sundayafternoon and continued over the next couple of daysuntil the school was reopened onDecember 6, 2006. Our Parents’ AdvisoryGroup did a fundraiser among the familiesand negotiated with some local restaurants(e.g., the Chateau Restaurant right downthe street on River Road, etc.) fordiscounts to provide breakfast, lunch anddinner for all staff during the transition.Melmark New England board memberand parent, Larry Cancro, was also able toobtain free dinners from great localrestaurants like the Kowloon (Chinesefood), Fenway Park’s Game On andJimmy’s Famous Pizza in North Andover.Larry even made arrangements for achowder van from Legal Seafoods tovisit the building one afternoon. When the chowdervan rolled in, everyone lined up for a cup of good oldNew England clam chowder. The staff enjoyed all thefood and, needless to say, there were no leftovers!The vans and kids In Motion on the first day of school,December 6, 200621

New England’sGolf OutingPeter Troy, Jim Alex, Boston Mayor Menino, Rita Gardner,Angela Alex (co-host of the golf event with her husband Jim),Massachusetts Senate President Travaglini and Larry Cancro(Melmark New England Board Member).A highlight of the eventwas the opportunity tohave a photograph takenwith the Red Sox WorldSeries Trophy! Jim Alex,the organizer of the golfevent, with his sonCharlie. Charlie receiveshome and school services from Melmark New Englandthrough our consultation outreach services.Another highlight of the event was the personalappearance by Jim Rice. (Jim Alex, Jim Rice,Rita Gardner, Larry Cancro and Peter Troy)The volunteers cheerfor the golfers as theyenter the course. Itwas a beautiful dayfor golfing!Thank You Pilot Air FreightPilot Air Freight-Co-chairsRichie and Ellen Phillipswith Stephanie, Connie Ann,Betsey Bell and Richard. Ourthanks to the Phillips andPilot Air Freight our GalaGold Sponsors. Thank you forgiving wings to our dreams!22

Melmark’sAnnual Spring FestivalSaturday, June 16, 2007 10:30 a.m.Festival Activities Include:• Lunch at Mexican Grilland Cantina• Mariachi Band• Roaring River Water Slide• Sports Combo-Bounce Obstacles• A Stair Climb and Slide• Ba-Skee-Ball• RC Rally-RemoteControl Cars• Full Court Press• Horse Drawn Trolley Rides• Meadows CraftsJoin us for a time ofcelebration honoringDr. Joanne Gillis-Donovan’s10th Anniversaryas President and CEOGrand Opening of the NewGymnasium/Multi Purpose CenterThe Melmark Players ProudlyPresent “The Wizard of OZ”Rain or Shine2600 Wayland RoadBerwyn, PA 19312For more informationand directions, contactCyndie Martin at 610-325-4976We would like to thank all our article contributors:Peter J. Troy, Executive Vice President, Melmark New England,Rita M. Gardner, Executive Director Melmark New England • Nicole Chabat, Director of Public RelationsLiza Jones, Director of the Meadows Program • Barbara Gardner, Co-Director of the Adult Day ProgramAlison McVickar, Director of 6400 Adult Residential Program • Alan Arici, TeacherCyndie Martin, Director of Corporate and Community Affairsexpanding life’s options for children andadults with special needs2600 Wayland RoadBerwyn, Pennsylvania 19312Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. PostagePAIDPermit No. 16Paoli, PA 19301610-353-1726www.melmark.org