The CALMRA Communicator

The CALMRA
Communicator
Newsletter for and about CALMRA, INC.
(serving people with cognitive disabilities)
5020 Sunnyside Avenue, Suite 206, Beltsville, Md. 20705
Ph: 301-982-7177
Fax: 301-982-7805
TDD: 301-982-7804
www.calmra.org
2011
No. 2
CALMRA’S MISSION: The Mission of CALMRA, Inc. is to improve the lives of persons with cognitive disabilities
by providing the highest quality residential or other support services in an ethical and loving environment.
members. A strong organization is a growing
organization and we must endeavor to turn
around this slip in membership. As you get
out in your yard this Spring and talk to your
neighbors, consider telling them about
CALMRA and the opportunity that they can
have to be part of this wonderful organization
through membership.
2011 CALMRA Board of Directors
Alan Schwartz, President
Bill Halloran, Vice President
Sheila Saville, Secretary
Stuart Eisen, Treasurer
Timothy Uber
Hazel Roeder
.
Kathy Labukas
Bill Lowell
Elizabeth Tornquist
Joan Echols
Melynda Pawulak
David Saville
Mark Mazz
William Dent
Fred Windbeck
Sara Henry
Lois Funk
Administrative Staff
Nancy Tolbert, Executive Director
Danna Zacharek, Director of Operations
Mary Ellen Denny, R.N.
Kelsey Jackson, Director of Finance
Joanne Georgeson, Director of Human Resources
Susie Thompson, Director, Mary Solko Senior Center
Audra Mitchell, Program Administrator
Brenda Zupancic, Program Administrator
Margueritte Parker, Program Administrator
Emily Brown, Office Manager
Page Index
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Letter From the President...…………………….Pg 1
From the Executive Director’s Desk…….…......Pg 2
Board Member Highlighter of The Quarter …. Pg 2
Birthdays/New Employees….………………….Pg 3
Gift//Donation…………….……………………Pg 3
CALMRA Inc. Family Picnic………………….Pg 4
Our Homes/ISS/CSLA . Programs…... ……….Pg 5-10
CALMRA’s Day Program.....………………… Pg 10
News From Our Nurse…...…………………….Pg 11
Membership/Email Notifications...…………….Pg 12
Note Cards Donation…………………………...Pg 13
Have a great Spring!
Letter from the President
Alan Schwartz
My wife and I are enjoying our first Spring in
our new home. It has been (barely) warm
enough to get outside and start the cycle of
unending yard chores. A benefit of mowing
the lawn is that it gives time for the mind to
wander. As I paced back and forth across the
grass, I reflected on the my good fortune and
on the good fortune of the many clients that
CALMRA serves. Among our organization's
many efforts is our residential program that
provides homes to many of our clients. In this
program, CALMRA residents enjoy the security, the comfort, and the pride of having a
home and being part of their own community.
The quality of life that this program provides
to our clients is a pretty high standard and
reflects the outstanding efforts of a very dedicated staff and organization. It also reflects a
strong commitment from supporters, like you,
who have provided the critical supplement to
government funding that has meant the difference between minimum care and high-quality
services. In recent years, though, there has
been an erosion in the number of CALMRA
members. Long-term supporters have passed
away and have not been offset with new
BOARD MEMBER
HIGHLIGHTER
OF THE QUARTER
We are finally emerging from our deep winter
freeze! The office is adorned with beautiful daffodils from our Princess Garden Home—thanks to
you Martha! and everyone is enjoying the extra
sunshine with daylight savings time.
We are seeing major changes in the State system.
The Director of DDA, Michael Chapman, has
resigned as well as the Southern MD Regional
Director, John Whittle. The only constant it
seems is CHANGE!
We are still concerned about the State’s proposal
to stop paying provider agencies for absence days.
This especially affects us as we serve many individuals with medical needs who are frequently out
of the programs for health related issues or hospitalizations. The State plans to pay providers more
in the individual client rates but MACS, in conjunction with the provider community, after examining this scenario, has found providers will not
break even but will lose funds. The State has
agreed to hold providers harmless as this is implemented. Many family members who take their
sons and daughters out of the programs for more
than 33 days in the year are upset with the State’s
plan as well.
We will be re-naming the CALMRA Day Program
after our founding mother, Mary Solko. The program’s new name will be: MARY SOLKO SENIOR CENTER. We hope in some small way this
will honor all the love, advocacy, and hard work
Mary put into developing and sustaining CALMRA over the last 25 years.
We hope to see many of you out there for the
CALMRA Golf Tournament In June!! Please visit
the website to register! http://www.calmra.org/
Donations.htm
2
There was a major victory for people with developmental disabilities in the MD State Legislature
as the ALCOHOL TAX was passed.After several
years of grassroots lobbying, SB994 Sales and
Use Tax – Alcoholic Beverages – Supplemental
Appropriation sponsored by Senator Jones Rodwell and Senator Rich Madaleno passed the General Assembly late on Sine Die. The General Assembly passed SB 994, the alcohol tax bill that
provides $15m in funding in fy12 for the DDA
Waiting List. When combined with federal matching funds, this will provide an estimated $28m for
people who have been waiting for supports. Approximately 500 or more people will finally be
able to receive the supports they need, reaching
almost half of the people currently in the top two
crisis categories on the Waiting List. A joint legislative effort this year between DD advocates, and
mental health, addiction treatment, and health care
advocates increased the momentum and the support to pass an alcohol tax. The original tax bill,
SB 717 / HB 832 The Lorraine Sheehan Health
and Community Services Act of 2010 would have
created a significant source of new funding for
developmental disability services through increase
of the alcohol tax in Maryland. The bill would
have raised a total of $210 million, of which approximately $30 million would have been dedicated to DDA services – half of the DD funding for
expansion of supports for people on the DDA
Waiting List, and half to address the underfunding of existing services. Unfortunately funding for the other constituencies identified in
SB717/HB832 did not receive funding through the
passage of SB994.The passage of SB994 is a major victory, particularly in this fiscal environment.
Lois Funk
Lois Funk is considered by some as an elderly
women, but you wouldn’t know it if you have had
the opportunity to be around her! She is energetic,
vibrant, and has a fun personality that makes her
young at heart. Lois is an only child born to the
late Reynord Ambrose and Anna Funk. Her mother was a sweet lady and was a great advocate for
Lois and others with cognitive disabilities. She
served on the CALMRA Board many years ago.
Lois was a devoted, loving daughter to her mother. Because of Anna, Lois is the strong woman she
is today!
Lois grew up in Lanham, MD where she went to
school. Lois lives a very busy life! She enjoys
traveling, shopping, dancing, and is always up for
experiencing different things and visiting new
places! Lois recently joined the Performance Arts
club where she gets to go to the theaters and see
all kinds of wonderful plays! In addition to being
an active member of the Friendly Bunch Social
Club for years, Lois has been an active participant
of the Golden Age Club for over 25 years. She is
also a member of ―People On The Go‖ through
The Arc of Prince Georges County. She is a great
advocate for herself and speaks up for others when
needed. Lois attends CALMRA’s Mary Solko
Senior Center where she is very helpful. She
doesn’t hesitate to speak up if she sees something
is not right or if someone needs help.
Lois is a great friend; she has been best friends
with her roommate Liz for over 30 years! Lois has
two new titles that she takes pride in! Lois has
adopted the role of Grandma! She is the proud
‖grandma‖ of her Live-in counselor, Yemisi
Mabry's son, Simon. Lois recently joined the
CALMRA Board of Directors and is an asset to
the agency.
CALMRA would like to recognize
the following participants who
have celebrated or will soon be
celebrating their birthdays:
James Townsley 5/7
Shawn Bradford 5/8
Michael Hurvitz 5/11
Andrew Moorehead 5/22
Gabrielle Roeder 5/23
Marilyn Bader 5/25
Christopher Connell 5/30
David Ferrara 5/30
Margery Tannen 6/2
Linda Snowden 6/8
Alan Snowden 6/18
Dwayne Walsh 6/11
Melynda Grace Pawulak 6/12
Frances Kelly 6/28
Morgan Achonu
John Bangura
Djenabou Barry
Matthew Isah
Trinton Lowery
Tara Major
Rowland Olaniyi Akinyoseye
Angeli Lowery
3
CALMRA would also like to
recognize the following staff who
have celebrated or will soon be
celebrating a birthday:
Johnson Ajayi 4/7
Hayadee Hidalgo 4.14
Yakubu Isah 4/19
Trinton Lowery 4/19
Lisa Jardine 4/22
Kadiatu Kamara 4/27
Antonina Bayly 4/26
Isata Mansaray 4/29
Taibat Adeshokan 5/7
Lois Money 5/8
Olanrewaju (Larry)Oshodi 5/8
Julianah Oyewole 5/11
Irma Jean 5/12
Isayas Alignay 5/18
Shannan Hall 5/22
Nadie Sento Banqura 5/22
Shannan hall 5/22
Daniel Oyewole 5/24
Nancy Tolbert 5/24
Hadje Domkreo 5/26
Brenda Zupancic 5/28
Djenabou Barry 5/30
Martha Ibikunle 6/1
Roseline Alaofin 6/5
Irene Towns 6/5
Tara Major 6/6
Shamsideen Onabiyi 6/6
Sabainah Akiniosotu 6/14
Victoria Afolabi 6/21
Olayinka Davies 6/22
Danna Zacharek 6/22
Gloria Deigh 6/26
Memorial Gifts
For
Mary Solko
Founder of Calmra, Inc.
David & Sheila Saville
Sharon Spurrier
Bill Dent
Angelo & Natalie Ferrera
Fred &Nancy Tolbert
Joanne Georgeson
Dottie & Joan Prodiges
Raynina & Roscoe Swann
Fred & Carolyn Windbeck
Cecil & Barbara Torrico
ARC of Prrince George’s County
Stuart Eisen
Walter Prediger
Dorthy Romeo-Reeves
Generic Donations
Harwood House Thrift Shop
Jeanne Hassenzahl
Eleanor Lawrence
Dorothy Romeo
Dorothy Gay
John & Hazel Roeder
CALMRA Inc. Family Picnic
When: Saturday, June 18, 2011, 10:30am-1:30pm
Where: Wheaton-Claridge Local Park: 11901 Claridge Road, Wheaton, MD 20902
Residents, family, and staff are invited to attend Calmra’s picnic!
FOOD – GAMES – MUSIC – FUN!
Don’t miss out on the fun!
10:30am-11:45am
11:30am-12:30pm
12:15pm-1:30pm
1:30pm-2pm
Games/Activities for all ages
Food/Beverages/Dessert
Dancing/Activities
Clean up – volunteers appreciated
Please RSVP with number to attend by June 10 to Sheila Saville at
(301) 490-1970 or by email to calmrapicnic@verizon.net
Directions: Take I-495 towards Silver Spring to Exit 29 (MD 193) University Blvd., turn right on University Blvd, go 3.6
miles and turn right at Veirs Mill Rd., go 1 mile and turn right on Claridge Rd., park entrance is .2 miles on right.
4
BEAUWICK
ALLVIEW
Residents and staff at Beauwick house are doing
well, socially and health wise. As spring is in the
air, the weather has been on and off but our residents have been enjoying it all, with less problems
in terms of allergies. They have been helping staff
rake the leaves, pick up twigs and fallen branches and clean the patio for some outdoor games and
dinners.
Recently we have been going out sight seeing and
Greetings from everyone from Allview! We’ve
window shopping too. We hope to celebrate two
had a wonderful three months.
birthdays soon, Andy's and Dale's
with candles blown from cakes and birthday songs
In January we went to Virginia to bring in the
with lots to eat and drink. All the guys are very
New Year. We had a wonderful time. Marilyn
involved at their Day Programs and are really
actually won a dance contest. She was so proud
excited about it. David continues to engage in
of her trophy she received. On January 23rd, we
intensive community integration activities offered
moved to the Silver Spring Residence Inn while
by with SEEC's with staff assistance. He alour bathroom at Allview was being renovated. It
so enjoys his parents' socialization efforts that he
was a great experience. Everyone there was very
gets twice a week. He has lost weight and looks
nice and accommodating throughout our stay.
good. Andy continues to volunteer for the Red
After seven weeks, the best part was returning
Cross and he shreds papers at the Naval Medical
home to a beautiful bathroom with a lovely big
Center in Bethesda and continues to maintain a
whirlpool. The ladies said ―it feels like we're in
cherished disposition. He participates in bowling
heaven‖. Mary was extreme happy with the new
at Bowl America, twice a week. Dale also particiwasher and dryer in the kitchen. She is now able
pates in several activities at the Kennedy Instito help do her own laundry.
tute’s Day Program where he is joined by his
mom and sibling who live close by the center.
In February, we went to TJ’s Restaurant in Calverton to celebrate Valentine’s Day with friends.
Now that the weather is getting nicer, we are planThe food was delicious and service was excellent.
ning lots of cookouts with hopes to invite other
In addition, it was great having a night out with
houses to join us for fun. We also intend to take a
our friends.
vacation as soon as possible to give the guys a
break from their routine schedules. We wish eveIn March we all went out to an all you can eat
ryone at CALMRA a nice Spring season and hope
buffet to celebrate Mona's Birthday. She really
we bloom productively and we thank all those
had a great evening with friends and family. We
who sacrificed their time and energy to make this
want to think everyone who took time out of their
last season a very special one for our beloved
busy day to celebrate Mona’s ―56th Birthday‖.
Beauwick house.
There
were 30 people in attendance to show their
,
love for Mona.
We are looking forward to a pretty spring and a
warm summer. We are also planning outings and
vacation time. Thanks to everyone who helped us
through our transition while our home was renovated! But most of all thanks to Danna who did all
the leg work to make it happen and the contractor,
Al, for doing such a beautiful job and being very
considerate of the ladies throughout the entire
process! Lastly, thanks to Emily for helping with
the hotel arrangements. Please remember to keep
our troops and their families in your prayer.
5
BRANCHVIEW
Greetings
Marshall and Wade are in good spirits. They're
happy to be in their new home and are getting
very accustomed to their new surroundings.
We have taken a trip to the Smithsonian Museum.
Wade and Marshall were very happy to get out
and about. We also went to the Jefferson Memorial. Wade just couldn't help himself, by trying to
talk to everyone who walked past. Wade attends
the Best Buddies Program. The program is run by
college students at American University. They
meet bi-weekly with other agencies and their residents. The participants take part in playing
games, arts and crafts, dancing, playing the Wii
and refreshments are served. In addition to the
other activities, the students celebrate and host
birthday parties for each of the residents. One
weekend, they held the program at the National
Zoo. We also brought Marshall along for the
outing. It was tough going up and down the zoo's
hills, but we all managed to get through it together. Also, we were invited to Mona's birthday
party with Allview. Wade had a great time mingling with the other people that attended.
\
BUCKLODGE
Hello Friends & Families !
Bucklodge guys are doing great! They have been
keeping busy with lot of activities that are going
on with Parks and Planning The guys love participating in the activities to keep in shape. They
just finished the basketball season with Parks and
Planning. Now they are in the volley ball season.
The bowling season just ended.
Last month the guys attended many events and
outings with Parks and Planning; such as, The
NCAA March Madness Games, The Annual
World of Dance, Monster Golf, and many more
these outings with Parks and Planning this past
quarter have been extremely fun. We celebrated
Eugene’s 44th birthday at the recreation hall on
University Blvd. in Adelphi. Kate and Lateef
worked together to make this a very special occasion for Eugene! Family, friends and staff came
out to celebrate with him! Mr. Eugene Perry
thanks you all for coming out to celebrate with
him.
6
COLUMBIA
Greetings from Columbia Residents and Staff!
Greetings from Columbia residents and staff!
We are all enjoying good health and looking forward to a wonderful spring and summer.
The guys are still during a good job of maintaining their weight by watching their diet and exercise. Keith continues to enjoy spending time with
his brother and sister. Ralph goes with his father
after bowling on Saturdays; he looks forward to
this visit. Donald mom is still recovering from
her illness. Donald visits her when he can and
helps mom out with chores around the house.
Bowling has been fun; the guys really enjoy that
on Saturdays, but unfortunately it ends soon. The
guys continue to go to church on Sundays! In
January Ralph participated in the annual Strathmore Music Hall Concert in Bethesda. The gang
went to support him. Audra, the Program Administrator went as well! Ralph celebrated turning
the big 50 this past year. We celebrated this wonderful milestone with cake and ice cream. Oh and
of course his favorite-pizza! We are in the process of planning our summer vacation. We will be
going to Williamsburg, Virginia in July to tour
some of the beautiful attractions there. We will
let you know how much fun when had in the next
newsletter. The guys are also looking forward to
going to summer camp at the end of July at Milton Lodge. CHI sponsors this every year.
Columbia residents and staff wish everyone a safe
and happy spring/summer!
DRESDEN
The ladies of Dresden have experienced many fun
and exciting outings the past few months. Greenbelt Shopping center, City Place of Silver Springs,
and Largo Town Center are some of the malls the
ladies have visited. On President’s Day, the ladies visited The National Harbor, where we visited several venues. The ladies all enjoyed them
selves and were all on their best behavior.
DURANT
GAVIN
Hello CALMRA Family! The holiday season at
Durant has been very exciting. Our guys, Michael,
David and Christopher had the opportunity to visit
the Mormon Temple. They also enjoyed attending
a state of the art Festival of Lights, and various
jazz, calypso and classical music concerts.
Wow, the last three months have gone by so quickly! Shawn and Joan celebrated their birthdays at
the day program with cupcakes, juices and birthday songs. They both received new clothes
for spring and summer. The ladies had an opportunity to see a live play, Romeo and Juliet, and
afterwards they met some other friends at a neighborhood park. We are all looking forward to
spring so we can get out more and enjoy the spring
air. We have a great deal of activities planned in
the upcoming months, so look forward to reading
about our activities in the next newsletter. As
always continue to pray for those who are fighting
in the war and their families. Take care from the
ladies at GAVIN House.
Our trio (Michael, David, and Christopher) are
always looking forward to coming home after
the day program, expecting to have a fun filled
evening with the staff. Most Tuesdays we go to
the Burtonsville Library or CHI Center in
Hillandale, MD to play bingo.
On Wednesdays, we have a ―taste day‖ when the
guys usually go out to eat at different restaurants.
They have enjoyed the experience of tasting different cultured foods. So far we have been to a Japanese, Malaysian, and Ivorian Restaurants. Michael
mentioned to us, ―I never knew international food
tasted so good!‖
GREETINGS TO ALL
Lois Funk and Elizabeth Labukas of the Greenbelt
House are doing wonderfully okay. They thank
GOD for their health, life and family. Both of the
ladies handled this past winter well with no major
medical problems. The ladies recently purchased a
new flat screen TV and entertainment center system for the living room! They are truly enjoying
watching TV and listening to their music. The
next thing on the ladies wish list is a new living
room set to add to their comfort at home.
Below is a picture of Lois, the proud Grandma,
with Simon. Also there is a picture of Liz doing
one of her favorite things when she is home.
The ladies are looking forward to a summer trip to
New York City with the house supervisor. The
ladies at the Greenbelt house wish you all a safe
and fun filled Spring/Summer.
On Thursdays, we sometimes go to the Takoma
Park Community Center to listing to poetry readings. In our spare time, we take power walks in
the neighborhood or take one of our guys to a local
dance class.
At Durant it feels like Paradise on Earth!‖
GREENCASTLE
The ladies at Greencastle had a happy and prosperous New Year. On February, Jennifer’s parents
came for dinner. We celebrated Valentine’s Day
in style. It was fun for all the ladies. We all celebrated Saint Patrick's Day.
We appreciate Sheri, who comes every six to eight
weeks to cut and/or trim the ladies hair. The ladies
enjoy being pampered.
All the ladies remain in good health and are looking forward to summer outings.
7
GREENBELT
beautiful and Blessed Spring and Summer. May
God Bless each and every one of you, Delores,
Patsy, Patty and Staff.
LACKAWANNA
GREETINGS ONCE AGAIN TO ALL
PRINCESS GARDEN
The ―J‖ team continues to be Blessed in all areas
of our lives, and giving thanks is something we
remember to do each day. Even with all the challenges we continue to face, we have no complaints, simply because things could easily be
MERNA
worse
We’re so happy to say good by to the
dark and cold winter months that has limited our Congratulations to Mr. Gross, who turned 41 on
movements, and hello to spring days and sun- March 29, 2011. It was an exciting occasion and
we had a grand time with plenty of food and
shine!
drinks. We send our thanks to everybody that
Other than attending Sunday church services, we came to help him celebrate. We are glad to recontinue to give our Saturday mornings over to port that the three residents are doing wonderfulbowling, where we meet with our old friends and ly well with no physical or medical concerns.
have lots of fun. We are also in the middle of our They continue to attend the Day Program at
six weeks Creative dance class which we attend Bridges in Largo, Monday through Friday. We
every Monday evening. We’re learning new feel that our residents like it at Bridges. They
dance steps and having lots of fun. We have cele- enjoy their leisure activities by interacting with
brated two Birthdays in our home this news peri- staff and enjoying their sensory stimulating activod. First Delores Newman celebrated hers at her ities and equipment. We anticipate greater opfavorite restaurant in Laurel. In March Patsy portunities for community involvement and intestarted hers off with a visit from some close fam- gration now that the weather will soon be comily members who showed up with a home made fortable for outings.
chocolate cake that was enjoyed by all. For part
two we spent the afternoon at Columbia enjoying
a colorful festival, walking around the mall and
dinning at the Uno bar and grill, where the staff
there treated us like royalty. It was a beautiful
sunny day and we made the best of it. Both
closed out their special day with friends at the
Solko Senior Center, where the Director, Ms.
Susie Thompson and her staff goes all out to
make the occasion a memorable one. Special
thanks to Susie for all the little extra things you
do that has such a big effect on our loved one’s
lives. The ladies here also enjoyed attending the
Birthday celebrations of Eugene Perry of
Bucklodge House, and Mona Turner of the
Allview House. Both parties were great and we
all had a fantastic time. Another special birthday
wish to you both.
Bowling which is held at the College Park Lanes
is almost over for the season. At the end-ofbowling a pizza party will be held April 30 at
Vansville Recreation Park. The girls will receive
trophies.
Julie bowled 104 several weeks
ago. When the bowlers make a score of 100 and
above, their names are announced over the
loud speaker. Everyone claps, whistles, and
cheers for the individual. Since it was the first
time for Julie, it was very special. Melynda has
bowled above 100 several times. Colleen has
been attending but not participating. The social
interaction is good for her. Most crowds give her
anxiety, but at the bowling alley her calmness
Everybody that sees our residents, comment that seems to express--Yes, I have been here, done
they are well cared for and catered to. We want this!!
to thank Dr. Hussain (Dwayne’s Neurologist) for
his commendation. Ms. Kia from Bridges at With the change of season it will soon be time for
Largo commended us for taking excellent care of spring mode. Clothes have to be brought out and
Mr. Gross. Our residents are awesome! They re-evaluated. Winter coats have to be dryalways look great whether they are outside or cleaned or machine-washed for storage. In geninside their house.
eral spring house cleaning will begin.
Merna house strives to exceed CALMRA’s
standards. We live in a clean, well maintained,
home and we always ensure that the environment
is free from pollutants and hazards. Our residents are our first priority in all the things we do
at Merna. We love them and care for them at all
times.
At this time, we will like to send our love to
Tom and Lois Wilson of Montana and our sister
and brother Dorothy and Tim Gay who has been
so wonderful to us, we miss you all and hope
you’re doing well. And to send a shout out to our
family members whom we are so Blessed to have
in our corner. We would be lost without all the
CONGRATULATIONS !!!
care and support you continue to give us. Let us
TO
not forget to send out another special thank you
DANIEL OYEWOLE, MERNA CLS
to our newest friend who provided us with
FOR
enough Pizza to last for days. By the way, if
HIS GREAT ACHIEVEMENT!
anyone out there has seen our music man, please
DANIEL IS NOW A REGISTERED NURSE!
tell him hello for us and that he’s missed.
In Closing, we would like to wish all of you a
8
Will the cold weather ever go? The tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are blooming, but it is hard to
enjoy them without rays of warmth. Terrie's
cherry tree is "weeping" its white blossoms-likewise with Charleen's pink tree. Terrie and
Charleen were former clients who passed
away. The trees were planted in their memory.
Melynda and Julie went to see the musical
"Shrek" at the Baltimore Hippodrome with other
members of the Performing Arts Club. Julie also
saw "Rango" at the movies, while Melynda went
to the Wax Museum with the Friendly Bunch
Club.
The "Spring Fling" is at the end of April. The
girls enjoy dressing up and meeting their boyfriends at the dance.
The IP's and all appointments with medical consultants are mostly behind us for the year. We're
looking forward to summer. Time to party-beginning with the Calmra Picnic on June 18.
very excited about taking the class. It will help
us to communicate with people that cannot hear
or speak.
Paula and I like to do Meals on Wheels every
other week where we can meet different people.
We also try to go swimming every week. However, when we unable go swimming we go to
the gym. Thank you. Bobbie.‖
SCOTT
The ladies and staff of the Scott House are very
happy it is Spring. The bulbs we planted prior
to winter are flowering and the ladies were very
pleased and proud of their efforts. We just hope
the deer do not get too close. Now that we are
sure we have green thumbs, we will be planting
a lot more flowers.
Gloria and Karen attended the Madrigals Concert in Columbia. They seemed to have enjoyed
the evening tremendously. Karen was positively stimulated by the music and beautiful costumes worn by these young classical music
students.
The weekends were spent resting and dining.
The early morning and afternoon hours of the
days were spent taking long rides, especially on
Saturdays. We visited the malls, farmers markets and the Public Playhouse in Bladensburg,
MD.
We are all in good health and grateful for the
loving support of our families and staff . We
welcome Christine Mubiru and Folashade Keji
to Scott House
SHANANDALE
David, Antonio, James and staff have enjoyed
the season by visiting places of interests; such
as, church revival, Anne Arundel Mall, Potomac
Mills, and District of Columbia Museums.
James enjoyed interacting with people in passing . We are planning a day trip to Maryland
Eastern Shore and a boat ride to New Jersey for
lunch.
James and Antonio wish to thank the staffs for
their help and Support. GOD’s blessings to
everyone until the next time.
9
SUSQUEHANNA
Paula adds that every other Monday, when they
do Meals on Wheels, Bobbie loves the animals
on the route, including Sam, Mary’s cat. Paula,
Bobbie and sometimes Debbie help to get Mary
to her doctor’s appointments.
Paula is teaching Bobbie how to swim. She can
now put her head under the water. Bobbie loves
the hot tub. She likes cooking, especially making her special stuffing, which Paula finds delectable. Working out at the gym, with Anita,
We are happy to see the snow finally leaving
Bobbie spends a good 15 minutes on the treadand are looking forward to spring. Our weekmill.
ends are filled with activities that the ladies
enjoy. Dory and Frances continue getting their
Debbie is seeing a lot of her family on weekmonthly manicures and they love being pamends. She helped her sister, Cia, plant a garden
pered. Dottie enjoys going to the movies and
at her country house on the Eastern shore. They
bowling. The ladies always enjoy dining out.
planted bulbs last Fall, including tulips, crocuses
We went to Old County Buffet and the ladies
and daffodils Debbie is excited that they are
like having many food choices. When we’re not
now coming up. She is glad her brother Chuck
out running around the ladies enjoy leisure acgot to visit with her. They went to out to dinner
tivities at home. Dory likes the weekends but
together.
always asks the staff when is Monday coming?
Her favorite statement is ―no school today,
Debbie has been swimming and working out
school on Monday‖!
twice a week. She walks her dog, Pixie, every
day. Weather permitting, she rides her bike
through the WB&A trail and went all the way
from Bowie to Glenn Dale. She likes seeing the
results of all that exercise and has lost 10
pounds! Debbie enjoys movies such as Gulliver’s Travels and the Justin Beiber movie
which she saw with Alvin. In August, Debbie is
planning to give blood with Paula.
ISS/CSLA PROGRAMS
Community Supports Folks (CSLA/ISS)
Alvin has been extremely excited about his new
apartment and is looking forward to his house
News From Support Services
warming party soon. He is always decorating.
( Bobbie, Linda, Alan, Alvin, Terry,
He just bought a new blue shower curtain, and
Kinjal, Revantha, Debbie & Ken)
built shelves out of boards he got cut to size
from Lowes to make an entertainment system
From Bobbie Sease – ― On March 13, 2011, we shelf. He can’t wait to grill in his new backwent to the bowling bash which was a lot of fun. yard. The apartment is very nice, with granite
There were a lot of people. I was able to bowl counter tops in he kitchen. It is a downstairs
only a few rounds and I had Craig finish for me. apartment but gets a lot of light.
He bowled very well. They were giving out a
lot of door prizes and trophies for the winners of Alvin has made new friends at work and got his
the tournaments.
picture taken with President Obama; that is, a
likeness of him at the Madame Trousseau wax
We raised money for the Sarah Petit Recreation museum in Chinatown. He had a great time and
Fund. You can look at the video on YouTube his silliness was infectious to the people who
about the event. The money we raised at the worked there. He made everyone laugh. He is
bowling tournament goes to help people with taking a reading class at PGCC, joined the gym
disabilities and their families. It will help them at the Sports and Learning Complex and goes to
pay for camp, go on vacation and do different church every week. He saw Briana Taylor,
things that they can’t do by themselves.
Brenda’s daughter, in Honk, an excellent musical in which she starred. It’s the story of the
I finished Spanish II and Sign Language II [at ugly duckling and she played the cat. Alvin was
Laurel College]. I signed up for Sign Language delighted to see her all grown up.
III with Amy that started on April 6, 2011. I am
Greetings
From
The Susquehanna Residents and Staff
ISS/CSLA PROGRAMS
Community Supports Folks (CSLA/ISS)
(Cont.)
Good Bye Winter…
Hello Spring!
Alan and Linda take art classes Wednesdays at
Glenn Dale and Fridays at Montgomery College. They, too, had fun at the bowling bash
and Linda jumped up and down whenever she
got a strike or spare! They saw Legends of the
Guardian, a Pixar film about owls. They had
never seen anything in 3D and told everyone
about it for days.
Ken has been doing well and loves working on
the computer at the library, bowling, and going to the movies. He is helping out more
around the house – mopping the kitchen and
bathroom with staff help. He really enjoyed
dancing at the St. Patrick’s day dance at CHI,
and enjoyed a visit from his sister Gloria from
Alabama.
MARY SOLKO SENIOR
CENTER
Revantha is enjoying long walks daily with his
neighbor, and is looking forward to starting at
a new Day Program soon. Kinjal is now living
in Boyds, Md, and will soon be leaving us for
a new provider in that area. Terry is still getting used to her new dentures, and is hoping
for a beach vacation again the summer.
Thanks to the staff, Brenda, Paula, Amy,
Anita, Sarah, Kandiss and Zerrota……
Can you believe it? Winter has already come
and gone… but it won’t be forgotten! The Day
program ended winter with thrilling activities.
In February, the participants celebrated Valentines Day with a party full of love and adoration for one another. They exchanged custom
valentine’s cards, enjoyed a bag full of lovable
goodies, and won prizes during valentine’s
Bingo. Through out the month, the walls were
covered in hearts and valentine artwork. The
participants went on several community outings such as the Dollar store to purchase items
that caught their eyes. However, they fell in
love with the Amish Market. The ladies couldn’t help but taste the cakes, donuts and apple
cider while touring the Market. In fact, they
had so much fun that they have made the Market a weekly community outing. The excitement continued throughout March. We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day with music, games,
and prizes as well.
Mary Solko
CALMRA Inc. Founding Mother
The first new thing we are excited about is our
brand new name to celebrate the life and legacy of our founding mother, Mary Solko. We
are now the CALMRA, Inc. Mary Solko Senior Center! What a wonderful tribute for such
an EXTRAORDINARY LADY!
Although winter was fantastic, the participants
couldn’t wait to say… Hello Spring! Spring
has so many great things to offer. As we began
spring cleaning the day program, our motto is
“out with the old and in with the new”.
On behalf of the day program participants and
staff… Enjoy your spring!
10
From Our
Visceral fat has been linked to increased risk for
heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, high
cholesterol and high
triglycerides, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance,
metabolic syndrome, sleep apnea, and even some
cancers.
Research is ongoing but studies so far have shown
that visceral fat releases dozens of biologically
active substances that have effects on the body’s
metabolism and also causes inflammatory responses that cause heart and blood vessel disease, and
possibly other inflammatory conditions.
An easy way to determine if your waistline is too
large is to measure the abdomen at about the level
of the navel. Your waist should be no larger than
one-half your height. For example if your height
is 5 feet 8 inches, this would equal 68 inches, your
waist measurement should be no more than 34
inches. In general women’s waistline should not
exceed 35 inches, and men’s waistline’s should not
exceed 40 inches.
Though the term may sound dated, ―middle age
spread‖ is now known to be a health risk factor.
As people reach middle age, the proportion of fat
to body weight tends to increase. In a lot of people
the fat tends to accumulate in the midsection of the
body. There may not even be any weight gain, but
waistline may increase. This is because as we get
older we lose muscle mass and muscle weighs
more than fat. So you could have more fat in
relation to muscle but not have a significant
change in weight. The type of fat that causes problems is not the fat directly under the skin, but fat in
the abdominal cavity known as visceral fat. Fat
that accumulates on the lower body – hips and
thighs - is fat under the skin known as subcutaneous fat and may not indicate as much of a health
risk. Though of course being overweight is a
health risk no matter where the fat is on the body.
Most people who have significant abdominal fat
do need to lose weight.
Some people are probably more genetically predisposed to developing abdominal fat, but there are
measures to help reduce or prevent abdominal fat.
In general losing weight should reduce abdominal
fat. A healthy diet with fiber, protein, fruits and
vegetables, low fat, and whole grain products such
as whole wheat bread, pasta, brown rice, eating
less processed starches such as white bread, white
rice and high sugar foods will also be beneficial
and probably contribute to weight loss. Exercise is
also very important, even if it is just walking 4-5
times a week. Spot exercises such as sit ups will
not necessarily decrease abdominal fat, but tones
muscles in the abdomen. But exercise in general
will increase muscle mass and decrease fat.
A healthy life style of eating a well-balanced diet
and exercising is the key to reducing abdominal
fat and reducing the risks associated with it. Medications may be necessary as well to control any
conditions that develop, though some medications
can be discontinued if there is weight loss and
significant reduction in abdominal fat
Electronic Newsletters
Reminder!!!!For all persons that prefer to
read the CALMRA Communicator on line,
we ask that you let us know so that we can
remove your name from our Quarterly mailing list. The newsletters are available for
viewing on the CALMRA website,
www.Calmra.org. If you do NOT want to
receive the Communicator via snail mail (US
Postal Service), please let Emily Brown know
this by calling (301) 982-7177 or by writing
to us at 5020 Sunnyside Ave #206 Beltsville,
MD 20705 or you can send us an email at
ebrown@Calmra.org. Thank you!
The number of nonprofits
And schools you can
Support when you
Abdominal fat locations
Support CALMRA with no cost to you!
Before buying online, go to the website,
www.goodshop.com, and select CALMRA as
your organization. Then link to one of the
700 big-name stores hosted by the site
(Travelocity, Best Buy, Amazon.com…).
GoodShop will automatically donate up to 37
percent of your purchase to CALMRA!
11
NOW RENEW ON-LINE AT WWW.CALMRA.ORG
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ALREADY RENEWED THIS YEAR!
IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO YET, PLEASE RENEW!
Do you know someone who would like to help support CALMRA?
Members receive a membership card, “The CALMRA Communicator Newsletter, regular information about CALMRA”,
tax deductible dues, and the knowledge they are helping people with cognitive disabilities.
…______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
MEMBERSHIP
CATEGORIES:
Enclosed is my check made payable to
CALMRA, Inc. in the amount of:
_____Member ($25)
Amount: _________
______Family ($40)
______Sustaining ($50 - $99)
______President’s Club ($100+)
______Sponsor ($200+)
Name: ____________________________________________________
Please return form to:
CALMRA, INC.
Attn: Membership Dept.
5020 Sunnyside Avenue, Suite 206
Beltsville, Md. 20705-2307
Address:____________________________________________
____________________________________
Please return the completed form with your check to:
CALMRA, Inc.
Attn: Office Manager
5020 Sunnyside Avenue, Suite 206
Beltsville, MD 20705-2307
Please supply us with your email address to receive updates and notifications, important information about CALMRA, State
of MD DDA, and much more!!
If you previously submitted your email, we regret having to request it a second time but some of the addresses have been lost.
NAME:—————————————————————————————
EMAIL ADDRESS:________________________________________________
PLEASE MAIL TO:
12
CALMRA, INC.
5020 Sunnyside, Avenue, Suite 206
Beltsville, MD 20705
Or
Email us at: ebrown@calmra.org
Ntolbert@calmra.org
ORIGINAL DESIGN
NOTECARDS
BY
CALMRA’s DAY PROGRAM
These beautifully hand designed cards were created for our Annual Auction by the residents. Each pack contain 6
different cards and envelopes. Please consider purchasing these original designs!
Price: $14.00 per pack or 2 packs for $25.00
Send the attached order form to: CALMRA, Inc., 5020 Sunnyside Ave., Suite 206, Beltsville, MD 20705
——————————————————————————————————————————————————
YES! Please send me an order of CALMRA, INC hand designed note cards!
Quantity:
Payment included:
Please mail my purchase to:
Name:___________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________________________________
SAMPLES
13
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CALMRA, Inc.
5020 Sunnyside Avenue
Beltsville, MD 20705