CLASP times - CLASP Homes

CLASP times
Fall 2012
Welcome to the new and improved CLASP newsletter!
We're really excited here at CLASP to be on the fast track to improving our
online presence! We've launched our new website, Facebook page, and put new
life into our logo. It's only the beginning.
There is a lot happening here. We have had an exciting year of events and
activities and - it's our 30th Birthday! We invite you to celebrate with us on
October 10th at the Fairfield Theatre Company. More details are below.
We are sending this newsletter to you because you are one of the members of
our extended "CLASP Family." There are 82 people who are living in safe and
nurturing homes, and learning to trust others and believe in themselves
because of you. We feel it's important for you to hear their stories, and share
their accomplishments.
Best Regards,
Tracy Flood, President
CLASP Homes
Inside this Issue:
8th Annual Taste of Westport, Memorial Day Parade, Norfield Church,
Blues Festival Rocks, National Charity League, Save the Date(s), and More …
Our mission is to provide homes and opportunities for people with autism and related developmental disabilities. We offer high quality
professional services that enhance each person’s social responsibility, independence, dignity, and continued growth. As a not-forprofit community, we are dedicated to increasing public understanding of the people we serve and their ability to be contributing
members of the community.
www.clasphomes.org
CLASP times
Fall 2012
Taste of Westport Returns to Westport Inn
This has been an exciting year for CLASP. Back in the spring we returned to
the newly refurbished Westport Inn where they very generously hosted our 8th
Annual Taste of Westport benefit. Dan Miller and his superb staff couldn’t
have made the night run more smoothly. We were back where it all started,
only better!
Blue Lemon, Bobby Q’s, DaPietro’s,
Matsu Sushi, River House, Rizzuto’s,
Tavern on Main, Michele’s Pies, Red Bee
Honey, Crystal Rock, Black Bear Wines &
Spirits, CT Distributors, Greens Farms
Spirits,
Coromandel,
CakeSuite,
Tarantino’s, Westfair Staffing, a dash of
salt and Nestle Waters all returned to
show their continued support, while 55
Degrees Wine Bar & Restaurant,
Rowayton Seafood, Beaver Beer, Hartley
Allison Galloway samples the
& Parker, Norm Bloom & Son, and Tito’s
goodies from Norm Bloom & Son.
Vodka came on board to round out the
evening.
Michele Stuart of Michele’s Pies
CLASP times
Fall 2012
Taste of Westport Returns to Westport Inn
A good time was had by all
Chaz, of the radio talk show “Chaz & AJ” on WPLR was the perfect MC to get
everyone in a party mood, while music provided by the Carruthers Brothers Trio
provided just the right ambiance. Once again, CLASP is grateful to have such a
dedicated cadre of volunteers to put on another spectacular event!
CLASP times
Fall 2012
I Love a Parade!
Recreation doesn’t have to be extravagant to create memories that will last a
lifetime.
This past Memorial Day CLASP residents, for the first time,
participated in Westport’s Memorial Day celebration. Community events such
as this not only allow us the opportunity meet our neighbors and let to them
know who we are and what we do, they are also fun!
David of our Sturges Highway group
home was among the CLASP residents
who volunteered to march. Now David
will tell you that he was nervous about it,
but he agreed to give it a try. This is the
first parade in which David would ever
march. He has seen parades, of course,
but being among the marchers was
different.
At kickoff you could see the worry on
David’s face. He wasn’t sure what to do
David is in the middle, walking
or how to act, but with words of
behind housemate Paul
encouragement from his staff, David soon
found his rhythm. The look of concern transformed to a broad smile. David
waved to people along the route and was thrilled to see them waving back. He
handed out flags to the crowd and even took a turn as a banner carrier.
As the parade ended, all concern was gone and David was filled with
excitement and couldn’t wait to tell you about the good time he had. He’s
ready to see you at next year’s parade, he’ll be waving the flag!
CLASP times
Fall 2012
Norfield Congregational Church Partners with Us!
On Saturday, June 16th, Norfield Congregational Church generously hosted a
Country Western themed dance for the CLASP family. This year the church
decided to replace their annual “traditional country fair” with a “Giving Fair”.
CLASP was chosen, along with 13 other nonprofits to be the recipient a of a
monetary grant and a day of “Giving”. The congregation chose to host a dance
that was attended by 40 plus CLASP
residents who dined on homemade
treats galore, had their pictures taken
“behind bars” and danced the
afternoon away to special playlists
arranged by the middle school girls
who signed up to host the event.
Congregants of all ages turned out to
dance and spend the afternoon
socializing with us. We can’t thank
One of the many homemade treats
Kristen Matousek, Stephanie Miller
and the entire congregation of Norfield enough!
John M. with the
Norfield Girls
Program Director
John Tyliszczak
lends his face to a
Wanted poster
Rebecca and Ellen Reynolds
CLASP times
Fall 2012
A Delayed Dream Realized…
Joan has been at our Pine Drive group home for three years. For nine years
before that she lived in a nursing home because there was nowhere else for
her to go. They took care of her there, but her recreation pretty much was
limited to bingo and church. This summer Joan went on vacation to Cape Cod.
Last Year she went to Disneyworld.
Since coming to Pine Drive Joan has
become an avid bowler and shopper
and is now quite the cook, especially
of Jamaican food. She loves spending
holidays and special occasions with
her housemates and friends and the
feeling of security she gets from
knowing her room is safe and she is
home.
Postcard written by Joan, sent to
Program Director, John Tyliszczak
Quack, Quack, Quack
CLASP Behavioral Therapist,
Tina Martire did us proud by
designing a “Birthday Duck”
for Westport’s Sunrise Rotary
Duck Race this summer. Our
proud “Birthday Ducky” went
on to be displayed for the
duration of the summer at the
Westport Library, where it
received glowing accolades.
Thank you Tina!
CLASP times
Fall 2012
Blues Festival Rocks!
On Labor Day weekend CLASP participated at the Blues, Views & BBQ Festival at
the Levitt Pavilion in Westport. The festival, put on by the Westport Downtown
Merchants Association, is run by longtime CLASP supporter Bob LeRose, owner
of Bobby Q’s restaurant. Program Director, Clancy Horan manned the “Cooking
for CLASP “ team totally on her own except for moral support from the staff,
Annette Edmonds, and CLASP residents, Sheila, Ashley, and Donald.
Her ribs (with secret sauce), chicken,
Panini’s and desserts didn’t place in
this very, very stiff competition, but
they sure were delicious! Many thanks
to Clancy for representing CLASP! On
Sunday, Development Director, Robin
Hammond and CLASP volunteer
Angela LaPick participated as judges
in the Kid’s Q. Neither judge ate for
the next 24 hours as the entries were
so fabulous and filling!
Clancy Horan checks the ribs
Kids Q Judges
Angela LaPick & Robin Hammond
CLASP times
Fall 2012
National Charity League Choses CLASP!
CLASP Volunteer and National Charity
League liaison Sheri Valente, was the
facilitator in getting CLASP together
with NCL.
The mother-daughter philanthropic
organization pairs up with nonprofits
for a 6 year commitment from the
volunteers
and
chooses
several
organizations to work with during the
calendar year. Thank you Sheri!
.
Suzanne Kalb, founder of NCL’s Westport
Chapter with Sheri Valente at the NonProfit Fair in September
SLA News
This past spring Geoff, Billy, Hollis, Aaron and
two staff enjoyed a cruise in the Bahamas.
Kathy and Program Director, Jen Saracin were
able to make their annual pilgrimage to their
favorite Rhode Island beach and were lucky to
be able to add an additional day at a local CT
beach!
Annabelle flew down to Virginia to visit her
brother. This was the third year in a row that
Annabelle travelled independently!
Kathy stays cool!
CLASP times
Fall 2012
Good-bye Dear Friends
Lincoln Howes
Lincoln, a Blue Ridge resident since 1985, passed
away on April 17, 2012 after a brief illness.
A man of solid Yankee stock and simple tastes,
Lincoln dearly loved strong coffee, blueberry
pancakes and playing the piano. He was an
aficionado of all things western but was particularly
fond of anything to do with “The Lone Ranger” He
was the rare baseball fan who could cheer both the
Red Sox and Yankees for love of the game. Vaya con
Dios, Lincoln.
Gail Morrison
Gail, an Oldfield Road resident, passed away
peacefully in her sleep on June 8th. 2012 She had
been struggling with cancer and had developed
complications after her surgery. She had just
returned home and was able to attend the spring
semi formal dance, the night prior to her passing. We
will always remember her enjoying the music on the
dance floor in her wheelchair, surrounded by all her
friends!
We also marked the passing of Mrs. Jeanne
Maisonpierre, mother of Timothy Maisonpierre of our
Blue Ridge Group home, earlier this summer.
Jeanne was not only a loving mother and dedicated
parent to TJ and his brothers but she was also a
longtime and loyal friend to CLASP. Her bright smile
and glowing personality warmed many a Blue Ridge
holiday party and summer barbecue. She will be
missed.
CLASP times
Fall 2012
Welcome!
The Reynolds Drive gang welcomed new housemate Sam at the beginning of
September. Sam fits in well and is enjoying his new friends immensely.
The Reeds Lane ladies are enjoying their new housemate Denise. Denise loves
her new comfortable surroundings, particularly after leading a very challenging
life up to joining the CLASP family. She fits in beautifully and was welcomed
with open arms.
CCO
Our day program (CCO) welcomed longtime Residential Manager, Lori
Watanabe. Lori has transferred to the manager position at the CCO and is
enjoying the challenges of her new role. Welcome back Lori!
Visit CLASP
Please stop by the CLASP office if you’re in the
neighborhood to say hello and pick up a CLASP
“Bracelet for a Cause”!
CLASP times
Fall 2012
Save the Dates!
Please join us as we celebrate our 30 th
Birthday on Wednesday October 10, 2012.
CLASP is very excited to be hosting its first
CLASP comedy evening at the Fairfield
Theatre Company in Fairfield. We will have
complimentary hors d ‘oeuvres from the
Brasserie and 55 Degrees Wine Bar &
Restaurant and a cash bar. Show starts at
8pm, doors open at 7pm for drinks.
To purchase tickets, call the Fairfield
Theatre Company at 203-259-1036 or buy
online at www.fairfieldtheatre.org .
CLASP Fashion Show
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Fashions by EILEEN FISHER
Westport Woman’s Club
Call or email Robin to join the Fashion Show Committee
rhammond@clasphomes.org
Barnes & Noble Gift Wrapping
Monday December 17
9am-10pm
Tuesday December 18
9am-10pm
Wednesday December 19 9am-10pm
Call or email Robin to volunteer
rhammond@clasphomes.org