Newsletter - Hospital for Special Care

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Life Skills Mento
2015 Recap
2015 has been a very busy year for the Life
Skills Mentorship Program. We hope that you
enjoy reading about all the wonderful activities
that took place! We also welcome and invite
you to join us in 2016.
Inside this issue:
Introduction
1
Mentor Highlights
1
Mentor Highlights
Continued
2
Movie Night
3
Meet Mentee
Rachel Grusse
4
Trouble Tournament
5
Wheelchair Transfer
6
Word Search Fun
7
Rock Cats Night
8
Amazing Journey for
Independence
9
Summer Picnic
10
Marriage is for the
Birds
11
Pirate Dance
12
Ruopp Family
13
Camp Harkness
14
Holiday Party
15
Past & Upcoming
Mentorship Activities
16
Mentor Highlights:
Carlos Quiles
Mentorship Program
Staff:

Research

Every January, Connecticut Magazine releases a
list of the top 40 people
under the age of 40 in the
state that are being recognized as outstanding
young professionals excelling in their industries
through their leadership
roles. These individuals
serve as role models for
their peers.
This year
Carlos was named to the
40 Under 40 Class of 2015.
That recognition led him
to be invited to be the keynote speaker at the Fall
Connecticut Occupational
Therapy
Association
(ConnOTA) Conference
and to be a guest at
Senator Chris Murphy’s
Farm to Table Event in
Litchfield, Connecticut.
This event brings together a
small group of Connecticut's
leaders in politics, art,
media, and business, in
order to create new connections and cross-pollinate
ideas.
Congratulations
Carlos! We are proud to
have you as the Life Skills
Mentorship
Program
Coordinator.
Roger S. Thrall, PhD, Director of
Stephanie Beck, Program Coordinator,
Special Care Family Academy

Carlos Quiles, Mentorship Program
Coordinator
Photo: (Tri Nguyen)
Page 2
Life Skills Mentorship Program Update
Mentor Highlights Continued: Kelly Lavoie, Life Skills Mentor
Kelly Lavoie has been working as a computer programmer for 20 years and
currently works for Aon-Hewitt, a benefits consulting company that administers 401(k) plans, pension plans, and health plans for Fortune 500 companies.
Kelly has been playing sled hockey for 9 years on the CT Wolf Pack Sled
Hockey Team. In 2011, she was named to the very first USA Women’s Sled
Hockey Team and played in the world championships which were held
November 2014 in Brampton, Ontario. The team played 5 games in a span
of 48 hours and beat Canada 5-1 which resulted in them being named the
first gold medal winners of the Women's World Championships.
In addition to playing sled hockey, Kelly is an integral part of the CT
Spokebenders Wheelchair Basketball Team. She has served as a counselor
at the Ryan Martin Wheelchair Basketball Camp for several years and she
continues to be a role model as a life skills mentor in the Hospital for Special Care Life Skills Mentorship Program.
Congratulations to Kelly as she
celebrated her 6 year wedding
anniversary this year to Jeff
Lavoie, whom she met through
the CT Spokebenders Wheelchair
Basketball Team.
Ryan Martin, Life Skills Mentor
Life Skills Mentor Ryan Martin keeps himself busy playing
professional wheelchair basketball overseas for the Clichy
Handibasket team in Paris, along with hosting multiple wheelchair basketball camps during the off season throughout the tristate area.
This summer Channel 3 put together a 15 minute segment on
the “Ryan Martin Story”.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsUqhdBvKgc
Ryan’s goal has always been to start a junior wheelchair basketball program in Connecticut. That goal became a reality in the
fall when the Ryan Martin Foundation (RMF) and Hospital for
Special Care (HSC) joined forces to establish the first organized
wheelchair basketball program in Connecticut for individuals,
ages 10 through 18, living with physical disabilities. Way to go
Ryan!
Page 3
Life Skills Mentorship Program Update
Movie Night — February 20, 2015
What could be better to do on a cold winter evening in February
than getting together with fellow mentorship program friends to
watch a movie, have some pizza, popcorn and cake? Absolutely
nothing could be better! The Hospital for Special Care Research &
Education Center conference room was the setting for Movie Night
2015 and Despicable Me 2 was the featured film! Everyone had a
great time lounging on the floor mats (some in pajamas), snacking
and laughing along to the movie with their friends. One of the
moms made a very creative “minion” cake for all to enjoy! Everyone is looking forward to warmer weather and to a summer movie
night outdoors.
This little minion
slept through the
movie
Page 4
Meet Mentee Rachel Grusse
Life Skills Mentorship Program Update
Recently Life Skills Mentorship Program Coordinator Carlos Quiles had the opportunity to sit down with Rachel Grusse to conduct
an interview. Rachel has been a part of the mentorship program for many years and has been such a pleasure to have as a participant. Let’s hear what Rachel had to say.
Carlos: Let’s start with a simple question. How old are you?
Carlos: Wow, that’s a lot. How long
have you been playing hockey?
Rachel: I am currently 23. I’ll be turning
24 soon. That means I’m close to being
a quarter century old; I’m not ready for
that.
Rachel: I’ve been playing for 4 years
on the CT Wolfpack Sled Hockey
Team and this is my first year playing on the USA Women’s Team.
Carlos: Do you have any siblings?
Rachel: Yes, two sisters. Both of them
are younger than me and taller than
me. I’m obviously the favorite!
Rachel: Wow, that’s like asking me
which of my sisters I like better, but I
mostly like to spend hours watching
Supernatural.
Rachel: My teammates on the basketball team call me “McBuckets”.
Carlos: I gave you the option on where
we could go grab something to eat
while I interviewed you. You chose Noodles and Company, why so?
Carlos: Why “McBuckets”?
Rachel: My teammates started to call
me that a while back because I made a
lot shots or buckets during games.
Rachel: I’ve been playing on the
Spokebenders for 6 years, before that I
briefly played for the Edinboro University Women’s team. I also have been part
of every Ryan Martin Wheelchair Basketball Summer Camp.
Carlos: That’s a lot of basketball. What
other sports are you into?
Rachel: Well from 1st grade to 8th grade I
played soccer, then I ended up breaking
the tip of my tibia and that was the end
of my soccer career. I also did swimming
for about 10 years through high school
and the HSC Wave Swim Team.
I’ve tried other activities like gymnastics, trapezing, skiing stand up and sit
ski, wheelchair tennis, handcycling,
wheelchair racing which I didn’t really
like, wheelchair lacrosse, and of course
sled hockey.
Rachel: I go to school at Central Connecticut State University in which I’m
majoring in Graphic Design and I work
at the book store. In my spare time I
watch hours of Netflix, read books, and
do a little bit of writing.
Carlos: What’s your favorite thing to
binge watch on Netflix?
Carlos: Lol...Do you have any nicknames?
Carlos: So you play on the Connecticut
Spokebenders Wheelchair Basketball
Team. How long have you been playing
basketball?
Carlos: I’ll make sure to stay off the ice
then. What do you do when you aren’t
participating in sports?
Carlos: Making the USA team is a
great accomplishment. How did it
feel when you found out you
made the team?
Rachel: I was super excited! It
feels awesome to be playing at a
higher level than before and continue to challenge myself.
Carlos: When and where were the
trials held? How many players
tried out?
Rachel: The trials were held last
August in Maine. About 30 girls
tried out and only 17 made the
cut.
Carlos: Congrats on making the
team! The big question is which do
you prefer, hockey or basketball?
Rachel: Hockey is more fun because I can legally hit people without being penalized (giggle).
Rachel: I chose Noodles and Company
because they have the best mac &
cheese! It was here or Subway and I
figured we could go somewhere different for a change.
Carlos: Well I’ll end the interview since I
know you have to make it to your next
interview. Who is that interview for
again?
Rachel: I’m being interviewed by The
Hartford Courant in regards to me playing sled hockey.
Carlos: Well, I’m looking forward to seeing that in paper. Thanks for having
lunch with me and letting me interview
you.
Rachel. Thank you. This was fun. You
have a great weekend and I’ll see you
on Tuesday at basketball practice.
Page 5
Life Skills Mentorship Program Update
Trouble Tournament
March 27, 2015
T
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B
L
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Everyone in the HSC Life Skills Mentorship Program loves trouble…the game of
Trouble that is! At almost any mentorship function, the game of Trouble eventually makes its way out and quickly
becomes the highlight of the evening,
drawing a crowd. As a result, the mentorship program staff thought it was time to
devote a special night to host a tournament. The first annual Trouble Tournament was held on March, 27th with almost
50 people in attendance. The night started out with ten groups of four playing.
The winners continued to the next round
until the final four sat at the table to play
for the title of Trouble Champion, while
those eliminated from the running participated in other board and Wii games! The
reigning Trouble Tournament Champion
was Kamil Wojnowski! Congratulations
Kamil!
Page 6
Life Skills Mentorship Program Update
Wheelchair Transfer Skills Workshop — April 16, 2015
Many Life Skills Mentorship Program participants and their families came to a
“Wheelchair Transfer Skills Workshop” to
learn proper transfer techniques that they
could use in the community and home setting.
Physical Therapy students from
Quinnipiac University volunteered their
time and were on hand to demonstrate,
teach and help the kids and their families
set new goals to help with independence.
The educational session was hosted on
April 16, 2015 at the gym of the Research &
Education Center. This was a great learning experience for the parents and kids, as
well as the PT students who were able to
apply their skills in a supervised setting.
Great team effort!
Page 7
Word Search Fun
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BOUNDLESS
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LIMITLESS
SELF-RELIANT
UNRESTRICTED
Page 8
Life Skills Mentorship Program Update
Rock Cats Night — June 9, 2015
Mentors and their families spent a
night out at the ballgame enjoying
the HSC sky box. The Rock Cats
won over the Harrisburg Senators
with a score of 5 to 4. Rocky the
mascot stopped by to visit the group
during the game and hung out to
take pictures. Nothing like a ballgame on a warm summer night.
Sadly we say farewell to the Rock
Cats! We will miss our good times
at the New Britain Stadium.
Page 9
Life Skills Mentorship Program Update
Amazing Journey for Independence
June 13, 2015
The Life Skills Mentorship Program third annual Amazing
Journey for Independence held on Saturday, June 13 th was
a huge success. The purpose of the event was to increase
awareness of the State of Connecticut Public Transportation
Initiative and to foster independence for the elderly and individuals with special health care needs. There are places
all around the state that anyone can get to with the use of
public transportation!
Eight teams were formed; each team having one member
who used a wheelchair and, in addition, either an elderly
individual and/or a person with a different type of health
care need. Various destinations were chosen, i.e. the New
Haven Green, Bushnell Park in Hartford, West Farms Mall,
etc.
The groups set off on their individual journeys, traveling by either cab or bus and then connecting to another bus,
cab or train. Each team was required to use two different modes of transportation. Many individuals participating were unaware of how accessible cabs, trains, and buses are to individuals with health care needs, especially
those who participated in this event for the first time this year. Most of the seasoned travelers were excited to
trial a different route. This year proved to be interesting as many of the teams tested the new CT fastrak bus system. Some challenges were experienced. For example, the buses have limited space for riders in wheelchairs
which required some teams having to wait for the next bus. Other challenges included a few cab delays. Several
teams decided to test out Uber services and were quite pleased with the response time. All of these situations
proved to be a great learning experience.
Upon arrival at their destinations, the teams
checked in with the “Command Center” and
sent in their journey pictures. Some teams
crossed paths unexpectedly with each other
at various points in the journey while others
specifically planned on meeting up for lunch.
After their trips, everyone headed back to the
Research & Education Center where they
shared their stories, looked at the photo
board, compared experiences and had lots of
laughs. Awards were presented for Best
Team Picture, Most Frugal Team, etc. An
Amazing Journey it was indeed, but more
importantly an Amazing Awareness Campaign.
Plans for next year’s Amazing Journey are
already in the works!
Life Skills Mentorship Program Update
Page 10
Summer Picnic at Sherwood Island — July 11, 2015
This year’s mentorship summer picnic
was held at beautiful Sherwood Island
State Park in Westport, CT. A beautiful
shady spot under a canopy of trees kept
everyone cool. Accessible beach chairs
were available which enabled many of
the mentors and mentees the opportunity
to get to the beach for a swim. Others
wandered over to the nature center to
check out the sea life. Could not have
asked for a more perfect summer day!
Ryan
Jack
Page 11
Life Skills Mentorship Program Update
“Marriage is for the Birds” - Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Bird
Best wishes and congratulations to Life
Skills Mentors Mary-Christine Beck and
Jordan Bird on their marriage, Saturday,
July 25, 2015 in Old Saybrook, CT. We
wish Mr. & Mrs. Bird a future of much
health and happiness.
The Birds
Page 12
Life Skills Mentorship Program Update
Pirate Party - August 6, 2015
Ahoy Mates!
The annual summer mentorship
party during the week of Ivan Lendl
Camp
featured a pirate theme.
While the kids enjoyed festivities,
parents participated in a presentation/discussion of Special Needs
Trusts. Following the presentation,
many of the daring parents participated in professional dance lessons.
Some salsa, ballroom and swing
dance moves were practiced. Just
enough instruction to make it fun
and perhaps spark an interest for
future dance lessons.
David & Delmace
Pirate Roger &
Francesca
Natalia & Maggie
Life Skills Mentorship Program Update
Page 13
Congratulations to the Ruopp Family
Congratulations to Life Skills Mentor Darrell
Ruopp and his wife, Katie, on the arrival of
their twin boys, Jeremy Ross and Eli Nolan.
The twins were born on August 18th. Jeremy
weighed in at 5 lbs., 4 oz. and Eli 5 lbs., 7 oz.
They join their ten year old brother, Jack
(also a participant of the mentorship group),
who has been a wonderful helper. What a
beautiful family!
Ruopp family with Santa
Life Skills Mentorship Program Update
Page 14
Camp Harkness Weekend — October 16—18, 2015
Most of those who braved the years of
camping previously were sure not to miss
the annual Camp Harkness outing.
Another wonderful weekend of camaraderie and shenanigans. Campfires, cooking,
crafting, games, etc. Definitely something
for everyone!
Life Skills Mentorship Program Update
Page 15
Holiday Party - December 19, 2015
Everyone loves a holiday party. This
year, the Adaptive Sports Program
joined efforts with the Life Skills
Mentorship Program in hosting the
5th annual winter holiday party.
Karaoke, crafts, and games were
part of the evening. Pizza, wings,
cookies, cakes and an ice cream sundae bar were on the menu. Of
course a visit from Santa topped off
the night! As always, a great time
had by all.
Page 16
Life Skills Mentorship Program Update
mily
HSC Special Care Fa
Academy
Life Skills Mentorship
Program
Hospital for Special Care
Life Skills Mentorship Pro
gram
Hospital for Special Care
Research & Education Center
370 Osgood Avenue
New Britain, CT 06053
Contacts:
Stephanie Beck
Program Coordinator, Special Care
Family Academy
Phone: 860-827-1958 ext. 5753
Fax: 860-832-6260
E-mail: beckst@hfsc.org
Mission Statement:
The objectives of the Hospi
tal for Special
Care Mentorship Program are
to guide young
adults with disabilities throu
gh life’s obstacles and to support them and
their families
with social, educational, voc
ational, and other
transition-related issues.
Carlos Quiles
Mentorship Program Coordinator
Phone: 860-827-1958 ext. 3831
Fax: 860-832-6260
Past Mentorship Activities:
The Life Skills Mentorship Program has been busy! Some
of the highlights of 2014 included:

New Year’s Kick Off Meeting/Social

Suicide Prevention/Intervention Training for Mentors
— A Connect Training for Communities
Upcoming Activities:
Dates to be determined for the
following:

Experiencing the “Arts” Series

Movie Nights

Amazing Journey for Independence

Bowling Night at Bowl-O-Rama in Newington

Summer Picnic

Amazing Journey for Independence

Bowling night

“Night at the Carnival” Dance

Camp Harkness Camping Weekend

Driver Training Program Forum

Summer & Winter Socials

Movie Night

Spokebender Tournament Games

Camp Harkness Camping Weekend

Ugly Sweater Holiday Party