Spring, 2013 V1, Issue 3

The
Compass
The Official Newsletter of Community Crossroads, Inc.
www.communitycrossroadsnh.org
Spring 2013
Guidance, Support and Advocacy News
Volume 1, Issue 3
Aleece Pappas Named
Save the Date - May 17, 2013 and Join Us at the Castle !
Among the “Twenty Most This year’s 10th Annual Silent Auction extravaganza sponsored by FLIR and Enterprise Bank
Outstanding Women to
is guaranteed to be a sold out event! If you’ve never been to Searles Castle prepare to be amazed
in the center of Windham, NH. You will want to take the
Know in New Hampshire” by the 175 acre estate nestled
opportunity to tour the castle, stroll the lovely grounds and sample
It wasn’t
Hollywood’s
Oscars taking
place at
Community
Crossroads this
past February,
but it was pretty
Aleece Pappas
close to it when
our own Aleece Pappas was honored
with WZID’s “Twenty Most Outstanding
Women to Know in New Hampshire”
award at the Women’s Expo in
Manchester on February 16.
Nominated by one of the many families
Aleece supports on her hefty caseload
as a full-time Service Coordinator, no
one could be more deserving, as her
fellow co-workers will attest. They well
know the demands and joys of the
Service Coordinator’s positions here at
Community Crossroads.
A single mom, a member of the Family
Support Council, a board member of
the Autism Society of New Hampshire,
Aleece somehow manages it all with
patience, compassion, expertise and
above all, good humor. Aleece and her
son Mikey are ambassadors wherever
they go. Whether at a meeting in
Concord, NH or an airport in
Orlando, FL, they put into action how
to live a full and happy life despite the
challenges one might face.
Congratulations to our celebrated
Aleece Pappas. All of us here at
Community Crossroads are very proud
of you.
Aleece can be reached at
apappas@communitycrossroadsnh.org
delectable hors d’oeuvres and delightful desserts created with royalty
in mind.
We are so excited to add to our event this year a performance by
Bay Road Entertainment. This 5-piece band will provide soft, soothing
music as you peruse through the array of auction items. The ever so
popular raffle of the all-inclusive private dinner for 6 at Searles Castle,
valued at $2000.00 and generously donated by Searles Castle, will be
Searles Castle, Windham, NH
raffled off to the holder of one of only 100 tickets sold. Along with a
multitude of auction items, there will be many exciting and unique
raffles. Some of our past years’ highlights include a Lighthouse Dinner for four, signed sports
memorabilia and the amazing wine table. This is just a small preview of the items available
to bid on during the evening. Rob Frye, our returning DJ for the third consecutive year, will be
on hand to announce raffle winners and highlight live auction items throughout the evening.
Tickets are $30.00/person. To secure a seat, tickets
must be purchased in advance by ordering online
at www.communitycrossroadsnh.org or by calling
603-893-1299. Event runs from 7:00-11:00PM
Over the years we have been incredibly fortunate to have
received support from our community. We again welcome
you to join us in celebrating our 10th Annual Silent Auction
by donating items or services, purchasing ad space in the
event program, or by becoming an event sponsor. If interested
please contact a Jinelle Hobson at 603-893-1299, ext. 311.
Thanks!
Don’t Miss Out on the Fun! BID! BID! BID!
In this issue...
Aleece Pappas Honored
Silent Auction
Demystifying Testifying
Meet the Staff
Events, Happenings, Recognition
People Power Post
1
1
2
2
3
3
Carole’s Corner
How NH Creates its Budget
Emphasis on Employment
Interesting People
Kid’s Carnival
Partnership Fund
4
4
5
6
7
8
Agency Governance
Board of Directors
Meet the staff
Officers
Edward Adamsky, President
Nancy Papanikolaou - Service Coordinator
Pelham
Linda Steir, Vice President
Atkinson
Kathleen Dayotis, Secretary
Atkinson
Marion Donahue, Treasurer
Hampstead
Members
Lorraine Butler
Derry
Colleen Demers
Pelham
James Dickerson
Salem
Kenneth Ferreira Jr.
Londonderry
I have worked in the Human Service field for 28 years. I have
been an advocate for a family member throughout my life.
Together, we both faced many challenges and meaningful
outcomes while reaching each milestone. I wanted to pursue a
career to help people with disabilities to ensure equal quality of
life in the areas of: self-advocacy, education, and employment
opportunities. I have worked in a management position while
Nancy
Nanc
Na
ncyy Papanikolaou
Papa
Pa
pani
niko
kola
laou
ou
Service Coordinator
attending college to further my education. I assisted adults with
Community Crossroads
disabilities to achieve their vocational goals along with developing
new programs. I have worked closely with Massachusetts
Rehabilitation Service, Commission of the Blind, Department of
Mental Health and Department of Developmental Disabilities Services. I am grateful for the
opportunity to work at Community Crossroads to obtain new strengths and reaching
additional success for my future. I am thankful for the warm greetings from the staff at
Community Crossroads, as well as the families and individuals we serve.
Robin Knight, FSC Liaison
Sandown
Elaine Lavin
Salem
Kathy Murphy
Chester
Cathy Spinney
Demystifying Testifying
Pelham
Barbara Strzykalski
Did you know that most folks would rather die than speak publicly in
front of others? It’s true. So it’s not unusual to feel your body tense
with anxiety over the thought of testifying at a public hearing at the
NH State House or the Legislative Office Building (LOB) in front of
a Senate or House committee.
Atkinson
James Watson
Derry
Family Support Council
Officers
Robin Knight, Chair
Sandown
Jenn
Je
nn Bertrand
Ber
B
ertr
tran
andd
Laurie Giguere, Vice-Chair
Legislative Liaison,
Community Crossroads
Salem
Fear not folks, and remember members of our legislature are for the
most part volunteers who literally live around the corner. They are
our neighbors who we may bump into at the grocery store, post
office or the dump. They work for you. Their job is to represent your
interests and they can’t know everything about the often 1,000 bills
which go through the NH House and Seante each year. They
sincerely welcome your input and perspective.
Mariellen Rowe, Secretary
Derry
Members
Lynne Aboujaoude
Pelham
Karen Carr
To demystify the experience and give you the confidence you need, I will share with you
some of my personal tips to testifying. For every bill filed in NH, a hearing is scheduled
before the committee responsible for that category of law. The purpose of the hearing is so
the public will have an opportunity to voice its support or opposition to the bill. Definitely
plan to arrive early as parking can be difficult near the State House. Bring a debit/credit
card or change to pay for your parking.
Sandown
Carol Dabrowski
Derry
Katie Everett
Windham
Susan Nyberg
Upon entering the hearing room, sign in and indicate that you plan on testifying and grab a
seat. Depending on the bill, it may take a while. Bring enough copies of your written
testimony for each committee member and staff. You can hand the copies to the clerk when
your name is called. You will take the seat at a desk in front of the committee and begin your
testimony. Always conduct yourself respectfully. Be concise. You often will have only ...
Chester
Aleece Pappas
2
Salem
continued on page 5
Events, Happenings and Recognition
Guardianship Information Night
Please join us for this important information night to gain knowledge in the specific
process of applying for Guardianship. You will learn when and where to apply, what
you will need in preparation for applying, what to expect from the process, and when
and how the determination will be made.
Presented by Julianne French of 10th Circuit Probate Division, Brentwood, NH and
sponsored by Community Crossroads, Inc. Family Support Council
When: Monday May 20, 2013, 7:30PM
Where: Community Crossroads, Inc.
8 Commerce Drive
Atkinson, NH 03811
Please RSVP by May 13, 2013 to Anita Trudel, (603) 893-1299 ext. 334
or atrudel@communitycrossroadsnh.org.
Brain Injury and Stroke Conference
People Power Post
Our February People Power meeting
was filled with excitement as we made
plans for this year’s events. It was
impossible to choose the best part of
the evening since it was fun from
beginning to end. First on the agenda
was planning and naming the three
dances we have:
Friday, April 19 is our Spring “Achy
Breaky” Dance
Friday, August 16 is our Summer
“Fun, Fun in the Sun” Dance and
Friday November 15 is our Autumn
“Falling Leaves” Dance.
They will all be held at the Atkinson
Community Center, from 6:00-9:00PM
Watch for the Dance Event Flyers.
2013 Meeting Topics
The Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire will hold its 30th Annual Brain
Injury and Stroke Conference this spring.
• Self-Advocacy-What is the meaning?
When: Wednesday May 15, 2013
Where: Courtyard Marriott & Grappone Conference Center
Concord, NH
• Understanding Our Rights
For further information go to their website at www.bianh.org
• Dental Hygiene
• Fire Safety, CPR, First Aid (special
guests will come and speak)
• Making Healthy Choices
Save the Date!
• Intimidation-How to handle it
Mark your calendar and save Thursday September 12, 2013 for Community Crossroads’
24th Annual Golf Challenge at Candia Woods Golf Links, Candia, NH.
The group is always looking for new
members,, and is discussing having
an open house in May to entice more
people to join. Watch for details.
Gather up a foursome and enter. Fun, raffles, dinner, prizes and more.
For more information, contact us at (603) 893-1299
Community Partnership Fund
This year we are unveiling the Community Partnership Fund which is about a different
kind of giving - it’s giving back to the community. Community Crossroads has supported
families and individuals who in turn have contributed immeasurably to their local
communities through their employment, their volunteerism and their relationships.
Please consider making a financial contribution today. As always, 100% of your donation
goes directly to supporting those we serve. You can make a tax-deductible contribution
online at www.communitycrossroadsnh.org or by mailing a check to:
Community Crossroads, Inc. • 8 Commerce Drive, Suite 801 • Atkinson, NH 03811
• Friendships and Relationships
Group sponsored by Community
Crossroads. We meet on the first
Thursday of each month at the
Hampstead Library.
Join Us!
You must be 21 years of age or
Older to join.
For further information, please
Call Dianna Winward at
(603) 893-1299, ext. 314
3
Carole’s Corner
“Sticks and Stones...
May break my bones,
but names can never
hurt me.”
How Does NH Create its Fiscal Budget
Searching for the very basic process
by Karen M. Blake
That’s what we tell
Carole Thibodeau
outselves. But they
do hurt, don’t they?
We tell ourselves they don’t matter.
We pretend. We put up a shield for
protection. Yet, the bottom line?
They hurt.
Seems like in this politically correct
world of ours, we’re constantly secondguessing our language. I don’t want to
contribute to the paranoia we sometimes create in our efforts not to offend.
But words ARE powerful. Whether
they’re written or they’re verbal, they
can have lasting effects...especially on
the vulnerable. And we are all vulnerable from time to time. When we’re
feeling strong, it’s easier to fend off
hurtful names or sentiments. But, oh,
how much better to never hear them
in the first place!
Sometimes we ourselves use hurtful
language, without even realizing it.
Words change over the course of time.
What may begin as a benign term can
morph into a term of disrespect. It’s
up to us to be cognizant of the language
we use. Years ago I heard a helpful
little tool to use when I’m considering
what I say (and write). Here it is:
THINK
T
H
I
N
K
Is it Thoughtful?
Is it Helpful?
Is it Insightful?
Is it Necessary?
Is it Kind?
Whether related to a disability,
nationality, religion, age, lifestyle or
any other area of our humanity, we
owe it to ourselves and others to
carefully choose language of respect,
compassion and good will.
As a fairly recent transplant to New Hampshire I have been mystified at New Hampshire’s
budget process. While awaiting our new Governor’s first budget I decided that this would
be the year I would take a closer look and find out about the process. As a parent of a
child with a developmental disability I need to know how my adopted state decides where
the resources are allotted especially those that potentially affect my child and our family.
The first place that I looked for information was on the New Hampshire government
website and found Transparent NH, How Government Finances Work which gave a
general overview of the process (www.nh.gov/transparentnh/how-government-financework/index). As you probably know, New Hampshire has a two year fiscal budget or
Biennial Budget. What this actually means is that the NH Legislature and Governor
approve two separate, yearly fiscal budgets at one time. The fiscal budget starts on July 1
and runs to June 30 of the following year, and is named by the year it ends. So, this year,
the 2014 budget starts on July 1, 2013 and ends on June 30, 2014.
The budget process is divided into three phases; the Agency phase, the Governor’s Phase
and the Legislative Phase. The Agency Phase begins in August of the last year of the
Biennial Budget and ends with each state agency sending their requests to the Dept. of
Administrative Services Budget office by October 1. So, as an example, the Dept. of
Health and Human Services would have submitted their requests for the 2014-2015 budget
on October 1, 2012. Agency requests can be reviewed at www.admin.state.nh.us/budget.
The Governor’s Phase begins on October 1 and ends on or before February 15. The
Governor reviews the agency requests and creates his/her own recommendations. This
is known as the Governor’s Recommended Budget. This budget is presented to the joint
legislature by February 15. The Governor’s Recommended Budget for 2014-2015 can be
viewed at www.admin.state.nh.us/budget once it is released.
The Legislative Phase begins on February 15 in the House. The Senate also has an
opportunity to create a budget. The House and Senate must reconcile their budget
versions in a Committee of Conference and both houses of the legislature must ratify a
single version by June 30. Then the budget returns to the Governor for signature, a veto,
or the Governor can allow the budget to become law without a signature. The new budget
goes into effect on July 1. Once this budget is enacted, it can be reviewed at
www.gencourt.state.nh.us/lba/budget. Currently the 2012-2013 biennial budget is listed.
After researching the New Hampshire government website, I now understand the very
basic process of the New Hampshire Fiscal Budget. For anyone interested on finding out
more information on the Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Budget Process and a more in depth look
at the budget phases, check out Community Crossroads‘ “The FY 14/15 Legislative
Budget Process in New Hampshire, A Brief Overveiw” powerpoint presentation at
the Community Crossroads’ website:
http://www.communitycrossroadsnh.org/docs/LegislativeBudgetProcess.pdf
“Be kind, for everyone you meet
is fighting a harder battle.”
Plato
Carole can be reached at
cthibodeau@communitycrossroadsnh.org
4
Demystifying
Testifying
continued from cover
Emphasis on Employment
...three minutes or less to make your
point.
First, greet the committee. State your
first and last name and where you live.
Then, declare that you support or oppose
the bill being heard, referring to it by its
House Bill or Senate Bill number (HBxxx
or SBxxx). While using research data
can be effective, personal stories have
far greater impact. Tell the committee
why you support or oppose the bill. Tell
them precisely how the legislation will
impact your family or business. Include
a photo of your family member in your
written testimony and bring one to pass
around during the hearing. This helps
put a face to what you are sharing.
Finally, ask the committee to vote in
accordance with your position. Wait a
moment to see if anyone has questions
for you. Answer honestly, including if
you do not know the answer. Offer to
find out and get back to them. Be sure
your contact information is included in
your submitted written testimony.
See, it’s really not so difficult when you
know what to expect and you think
about legislators as neighbors in your
community there to assist you.
Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Our lives
begin to end the day we become silent
about things that matter.” Let your voice
be heard.
The Community Crossroads Public
Policy Outreach Committee can offer
more information about tips to testifying,
writing impactful testimony, and free
training sessions related to the legislative
process.
Email me (Jenn Bertrand) at
Legisliaison@gmail.com
“ Disability is not a ‘brave
struggle’ or ‘courage in the
face of adversity’.... disability
is an art. It’s an ingenious
way to live.”
Neil Marcus
Gary is a man with a plan. While still in high school Gary, with the assistance of Work
Opportunities Unlimited, obtained his first part-time job at Bob’s Stores and he has been
working there for over 4 years. He works primarily in the footwear department but is
interested in training as a cashier. Gary obtained an additional part-time job at Market
Basket over 2 years ago. He started in the
“front end” where he was retrieving carts
and packing groceries. Recently, he was
promoted to the grocery department and
is now stocking shelves. Gary is naturally
supported at both of his jobs and his
supervisors describe him as dependable
and hard-working. Gary has received many
compliments on his exemplary customer
service.
Gary often works over 80 hours each week
Gary and some of his co-workers
between both of his jobs and he no longer receives
public assistance. He pays all of his own expenses and is
working on managing his spending money. Recently, he decided to use his savings to
have some orthodontic work done. With the assistance of his Service Coordinator at
Community Crossroads, Gary has developed a 5-year plan which includes purchasing
a car and moving into his own apartment.
Do you have an interesting employment story to share? Please send it to Dee Johnson at djohnson@communitycrossroadsnh.org
State of NH Employment Data
The “NH Employment of People with Disabilities” report for October-December 2012
has been released and can be viewed via a link on the Community Crossroads’ website,
www.communitycrossroadsnh.org. This report, prepared by the NH DHHS, Bureau of
Developmental Services, details the state’s commitment to helping individuals with
disabilities find and retain meaningful, skilled employment on a scale that is on a par with
other citizens in our state. The report contains region-by-region statistics and analysis.
Camperships
Are you in need of a Campership Grant in 2013? Please contact your service coordinator
at Community Crossroads or visit our web-site, www.communitycrossroadsnh.org, and
under the category of “Forms”, download a Campership application. It’s that simple!
5
Interesting People
Leadership in Action
If you have been in the Community Crossroads offices any time since last June, you may have seen two new, but vaguely familiar, faces.
The faces belong to Beth Dixon and Frank Sgambati.
Although they are new to our agency, they are very well known by families throughout the state of New Hampshire. That’s because they
have been instrumental in the success of the NH Leadership Series program sponsored by the Institute on Disability at UNH for over
twenty years. During that time, nearly 900 people have graduated from the program and have used their advocacy skills to transform the
way that people who experience disability are supported in New Hampshire. Many graduates are currently serving their communities on
various town boards and commitees, and Leaders have been among our state legislators past and present. Our current Governor, Maggie
Hassan, is a NH Leadership graduate.
So what are Beth and Frank doing here at Community Crossroads?
We are very fortunate to have worked out an arrangement with the Leadership Series which allows Frank and Beth to spend time in our
agency every month doing what they do best - helping people think in new and different ways. Over the past seven months they have
achieved this goal in a variety of settings, including:
• Bringing in national experts like Jeff Strully and Allan Bergman to present to our staff and families
• Offering structured learning opportunities at our monthly staff meetings, which include required reading,
inspirational speakers like Freda Smith and Jennifer MacIntosh, and lots of stimulating discussion with fun activities
• Working with our Community Services Department to develop tools to support families, using a person-centered approach
• Working with our Family Support Council to strengthen it and reaffirm its mission
• Helping us with virtually anything that will make us a better agency
• Many more ideas are in the works
Anyone who has ever had contact with Beth and Frank knows how lucky we are to have them
working with us. It is a partnership that we hope lasts a long, long time.
Frank Sgambati and Beth Dixon
of NH Leadership Series, IOD/UNH
Community Crossroads “Lunch Bunch” Fills a Need
Each and every day a group of Community Crossroads staff spend only 10 minutes actually eating lunch, and devote the rest of the time to
crocheting baby blankets. Some are beginners, some experienced, but all are devoted to making the prettiest baby blankets ever. We began
with a mission to provide blankets to local special-care nurseries. One morning our Early Supports and Services Coordinator Tammy Dudal
noticed one of the blankets and asked if she could bring it to a home-visit. It seems this baby was born premature and had endured a
lengthy hospital stay. At that moment, the “Lunch Bunch” mission changed - and we began crocheting for all the little ones with special needs.
We crochet - Tammy delivers. Families are touched by the labor of love, and we are enriched by the experience. Each blanket, like those we
support, is unique. No two are exactly alike. We take great pride in each other’s creative accomplishments and are happy to share our
handiwork with those who have or will face significant challenges in their young lives.
Our yarn supply is continually in need of restocking. Some of our “needlework-challenged” co-workers help us out with that. It is surely a
group effort here at Community Crossroads. If any readers would like to contribute to our yarn supply, please let us know. Contact Tammy
at 603-893-1299 or email her at tdudal@communitycrossroadsnh.org and she will work with you on the best way to get your donation to us.
As long as there are little ones out there in need of warm, handmade blankets, our “Lunch Bunch” will be busy at work - and at lunch!
6
16th Annual Kid’s Carnival 2013
Community Crossroads recently held its 16th Annual Kid’s Carnival at the Woodbury School in Salem. “Despite the blizzard which
caused us to postpone the event by one week, the event went off without a hitch”, stated Carnival Coordinator Tammy Dudal. “In all
of the 16 years of this community event, we have never had to postpone the Carnival”, Dudal said. “We were very fortunate to have
had all the volunteers and entertainers available a week later. Words cannot describe our gratitude to those who perform and volunteer
year after year.” We are especially grateful to the Woodbury School for their continued support over the years.
The event brought in many families from the local communities. Throughout the day there were demonstrations by the Salem Fire
Department. Children enjoyed dressing up in their gear. “Jurassic Joe” of Mad Science wowed the crowd with his magical science
performance. Ocasio’s True Martial Arts kept the audience glued to their seats with their front kicks, while the Lowell Spinners’
Mascot walked and joked around with the kids and adults and posed for many photos. The Studio of Performing Arts delighted the
crowd with several dances by their competitive dance teams. They invited the entire crowd to join the stage for several dances.
Life Is Good popped fresh popcorn and passed out many types of bumper stickers. Sandlot Sports & Entertainment sponsored the
coloring contest. Everything and everyone involved made this day a safe, fun and exciting event for kids of all ages and abilities.
The event also included many handmade crafts, raffle prizes and carnival games.
Our event could not have been a success
without our main sponsors Salem Co-Operative
Bank, Playmates Learning Center, Sandlot
Sports & Entertainment and Pentucket Bank.
Please visit our website,
www.communitycrossroadsnh.org
for fabulous photos of the fun filled day.
Join us next year!
7
NON PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE PD
ATKINSON, NH
PERMIT 36
8 Commerce Drive, Ste 801, Atkinson, New Hampshire 03811
A special thanks to Spinney Associates for making this newsletter possible - www.spinneyassociates.com
Partner with us . . .
Announcing the
Community Partnership Fund
This year we are unveiling the Community Partnership Fund which is about a different
kind of giving - it’s giving back to the community. Community Crossroads has supported
families and individuals who in turn have contributed immeasurably to their local
communities through their employment, their volunteerism and their relationships.
Please consider making a financial contribution today. As always, 100% of your donation
goes directly to supporting those we serve. You can make a tax-deductible contribution
online at www.communitycrossroadsnh.org or by mailing a check to:
Community Crossroads, Inc.
8 Commerce Drive, Suite 801
Atkinson, NH 03811
www.communitycrossroadsnh.org