Congratulations, Abdul Cole Our Employee of the Month

Abdul works in Melmark’s Residential Treatment Facility (RTF), offering guidance and support to children who live in Schoemaker House and present with complex behaviors. Abdul is known for many positive attributes, one being his dedication to finding and completing fun and meaningful activities with his students. Abdul’s colleagues applaud him for never showing signs of frustration, even when he is faced with a particularly difficult situation and for always putting students’ needs above his own.

Several families have sung Abdul’s praises to his managers and the Behavior Analysts working in the RTF alongside him. Parents always have wonderful things to say about the quality of his work and his interactions with their sons and daughters as well as his commitment to the entire family. Last year, Abdul volunteered to accompany a resident to his mother’s wedding to make sure mom’s special day was complete. He worked with the student to prepare him for the big day and was there with him to ensure the trip was a success for all involved.

Abdul is kind and respectful when speaking to parents, and they always note how much their child enjoys working with him. His co-workers call him a “great team player” who offers assistance and “a positive role model” for new staff. In team meetings, he offers suggestions for areas of improvement in a positive and constructive manner. The RTF team appreciates all of Abdul’s efforts, and we congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.

Abdul with his colleagues

Please join us in congratulating Abdul on being named our December Employee of the Month!

A Monthly Newsletter for the Melmark Community

December 2014

$500 Referral Bonus

If you know someone who would make an exceptional member of the Melmark team, please tell them to check out Career Opportunities posted on our website and apply online at: www.melmark.org/careers. We’re looking for motivated and caring individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. An existing Melmark employee will receive $250 when the new hire is here for three months and another $250 when the new hire is here for one year. You can refer new hires all year long! Remember to fill out the employee referral form, found in Human Resources, before the new hire begins at Melmark.

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At Melmark, we celebrate accomplishments each day. For some, those accomplishments come in the form of small steps and incremental increases in positive behavior. For others, accomplish-ment means reaching a goal that has been in the works for weeks, months and even years.

In the pages of this newsletter, you will read about Melmark’s Employee of the Month, who works with great dedication to those we serve in the RTF Program. You will learn about staff reaching milestones in service, as well as those recognized for their work during the awards portion of Melmark’s staff holiday party.

You will also read about an exciting project between The Joybells and The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia. Not only did The Joybells record a CD and perform live with the world renowned

musicians of the Chamber Orchestra, they also traveled to New York to tape a segment for The TODAY Show, which will air on Christmas Eve morning. Talk about accomplishments!

It is our job at Melmark to help the students and adults we serve to reach their goals. Thank you for providing the support and expertise to lead our clients to success. Without your dedication, none of these wonderful accomplishments would be possible.

A Message from Our President Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D.

Each year, family members of the children and adults for whom we provide care at Melmark write messages of thanks to staff. Below are some of the many wonderful messages written by families to you.

Words of Thanks to Staff

My deepest appreciation to you all - for your caring, loving and day-to-day work with my son.

You keep him safe and happy. Gratefully,Mrs. Keiser

Many, many thanks to all of you who have a hand in looking after and caring for my beloved brother.

Much love to you all!Peter Wyman

Thank you for all you do during the year to help our daughter reach her goals. Be safe and happy.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!Shirley and Sam DiFrancesco

Best wishes for a wonderful and peaceful holiday to the amazing staff at Melmark who dedicate their lives to making so many kids’ lives better. You are

the back bone and heart of Melmark.

Stacey and John Cummings

Merry Christmas to everyone who calls Melmark

their workplace. Our daughter loves her “Melmark Family”, and therefore, the Owens agree. Melmark is such a special place, and what makes it so special to us? The people who give their heart, love and care

each day. We give a heartfelt thank you.

Mary and Ron Owen

The staff at Melmark have been very attentive to our son. In spite of his challenging behaviors, we have always felt that they all treat him with love,

compassion, understanding and kindness. It is really hard leaving our ‘little guy’ with anyone. Melmark

makes it easier. Thanks and happy holidays.

The Iannaccone Family

It is normal to feel overwhelmed and anxious through the holiday season. All of the extra work preparing for the holidays can make us all vulnerable to extra anxiety during the holiday season. The American Psychological Association offers the following tips to help make the season brighter for everyone.1. Take time for yourself. Remember that you’re only one person and can only accomplish so many tasks in one day.

All of us need some time to recharge our batteries. Go for a long walk, get a massage or take time out to listen to your favorite music or read a new book or magazine.

2. Volunteer. Find a local charity, such as a soup kitchen or shelter where you and your family can volunteer. Helping those who are living in true poverty may help you put your own economic struggles in perspective.

3. Have realistic expectations. No Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, or other holiday celebration is perfect; view inevitable missteps as opportunities to demonstrate flexibility and resilience. A lopsided tree or burned dinner will not ruin your holiday experience, but it will create a memory which will last for years!

4. Remember what’s important. The barrage of holiday advertising can make you forget what the holiday season is really about. Remind yourself that what makes a great celebration is family and not store bought presents, elaborate decorations or gourmet food.

5. Seek support. Talk about your anxiety with your family and friends. Getting things out in the open can help you navigate your feelings and work toward a solution for your stress.

*Article from the American Psychological Association

Tips to Avoid Holiday Stress

If you are starting to feel the stresses of the holiday season, please don’t hesitate to call First Call, Melmark’s Employee Assistance Program.

First Call is available 24/7 at 1-800-382-2377.

You’ve seen the work taking place on Melmark’s campus, and while we have kept employees updated during All-Staff meetings, we wanted to dedicate this space in the monthly newsletter to detail what’s happening and what’s ahead in our “Construction Zone”.

• First phase of the basins along Wayland Road is complete• Upper basin will be converted to a recharge bed and pasture will be restored• Work continues on the basin behind the Main House• Storm water piping has begun at the basin behind the Main House

All campus improvements are designed to provide optimal safety to Melmark’s clients, staff and visitors.

Projected Project Completion: Fall 2015

Michael Donovan Manager of Operations and Strategic Initiatives

Sounds of the SeasonThe Joybells of Melmark and The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia performed two free concerts inside The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts on December 7. Congratulations to The Joybells for packing the house and drawing the media to share this amazing collaboration with millions of people throughout the Delaware Valley. More than 2,000 people filled the floor and balconies in The Kimmel’s Commonwealth Plaza, all to watch these two groups of incredibly talented musicians perform holiday favorites. As the beautiful sounds of the bells and chimes melded with the harmonious strings and stirring trumpet of the Chamber Orchestra, many audience members were moved to tears. Millions more saw portions of the performance on television and read about the collaboration in newspapers the next day.

The Kimmel Center concerts were part of a musical collaboration that opened the eyes of seasoned musicians, veteran reporters and passersby to the incredible talents people with special needs have. The endeavor included a CD recording, featuring music by The Joybells and The Chamber Orchestra.

To purchase a copy of the CD, visit https://ecomm.melmark.org/joybells-cop-2014

Often times, the best advocacy work comes from the people we serve just being themselves and sharing their talents with those around them. Thanks to an invitation from a Melmark friend and family member, The Joybells had the opportunity to share their talents with key decision makers in the Philadelphia area during a concert at City Hall.

We are grateful to Philadelphia City Councilman at Large and former PA Speaker of the House, Dennis O’Brien, who generously invited The Joybells to City Hall on December 11. The bell choir played festive music for city council members and staff after the council adjourned for its 2014 session.

6ABC and KYWNewsradio covered the event. During an interview with KYWNewsradio, Joybells Co-Director, Sue Graves told City Hall Bureau Chief, Mike Dunn, just how hard each member of the bell choir works to achieve their goals. “They have unique gifts and musical abilities that they like to share with the community,” said Graves. “They practice four hours a week....perform all through the year....and have a regular repertoire that we perform the rest of the year.”

We are thankful for the opportunity presented by Councilman O’Brien, a longtime friend of Melmark, and for the coverage by KYWNewsradio and 6ABC, which highlighted the many abilities and talents of those we serve.

Advocacy Corner

Philadelphia City Councilman, Dennis O’Brien, with Ron

6ABC at The Joybells’ performance at City Council on December 11

In the NewsThe Joybells’ performances with the Chamber Orchestra drew well-deserved attention from the media. Below is a look at some of the places you may have seen The Joybells in the news.

Front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer on Monday, December 8

Philadelphia Daily News on December 3

InCommunity Magazine’sWinter 2014 edition

On the set of The TODAY Show The Joybells with Kathie Lee on the set of The TODAY Show

To see The Joybells’ TODAY Show performance, as well as other televised reports

of their collaboration with the Chamber Orchestra, visit www.melmark.org/videos .

The holiday season is a magical time filled with love, joy and peace. On the following pages, you will find photos of celebrations marking this special time of year at Melmark.

Holiday Magic at Melmark

The Paoli-Berwyn-Malvern Lions Club hosts a holiday party at Melmark, complete

with Christmas Carols

The Joybells perform at SAP in Newtown Square

The Melmark Service League decorates Center Hallway The Chester County Concert Band performs for Melmark clients, families and staff

Melmark Staff Holiday Party Reception *More photos from the Staff Holiday Party

will appear in the January Moments

Adult Day Christmas Luncheon

From the Melmark Family to yours, we wish you a spectacular holiday season!

Patrick and Tee’s Holiday Party

Celebrating the Holiday Season

Congratulations to all the raffle winners at the Staff Holiday Reception

The Melmark Players performed three shows in December, with standing room only crowds at their Opening Night, Client and

Staff Assembly & Family Christmas Party shows.

The Marcus Family performs at the Melmark Family Christmas Party

The Melmark Family Christmas Party included a performance by The Players, a visit by Santa,

holiday treats and a Meadows Sale.

Santa visits The Melmark School

Santa Sing-Along

To view more photos visit us at www.facebook.com/MelmarkPA.

The PBM Lions Club donates $1,000 to Melmark at the Family Christmas Party

EMPLOYEE NAME POSITION PROGRAM AREAJayson Kwon ABA Counselor The Melmark SchoolLakieza Richardson Residential Aide Adult Community ResidentialMica Church Residential Aide Adult Campus ResidentialMelissa Marie Johnson Administrative Assistant The Melmark SchoolJohn Mursay Residential Aide Children’s ResidentialEleni Quinones Licensed Practical Nurse HealthcareRose Tertulien Residential Aide Children’s RTFKelly Cassidy Teacher The Melmark SchoolTarik Kahn Nurse Practitioner HealthcareDesmond Pessima ABA Counselor Education RTFKaitlynne Gibbs Speech Pathologist The Melmark SchoolRebecca Giles-Magee Clinical Associate Children’s RTFCiapha Sherman Residential Aide Adult Campus ResidentialHannah Smith ABA Counselor The Melmark SchoolShelby Hennigan Residential Aide Children’s RTFHenry Davis Residential Aide Adult Community ResidentialSarah Beaston ABA Counselor The Melmark SchoolSalieu Jalloh Residential Aide Adult Community ResidentialRasheedah Noel Residential Aide Adult Campus ResidentialTara Toscano ABA Counselor The Melmark SchoolBanka Sesay ABA Counselor Children’s ResidentialJohanna Gordon-Reid Residential Aide Adult Community ResidentialTonique Schuler ABA Counselor Education RTFGifty Harris Residential Aide Adult Community Residential

STAFF REACHING 90 DAYS OF EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYEE NAME POSITION PROGRAM AREA Zhee Carr Residential Aide Adult ServicesCorneilia Cholopray ABA Counselor The Melmark SchoolLaTasha Custis Residential Aide Adult ServicesLamin Kanneh Residential Aide Adult ServicesPrecious Morris Residential Aide Adult ServicesEuphemia Nah Residential Aide Adult ServicesJoseph Nixon Residential Aide Adult ServicesJeneva Pannell Residential Aide Adult ServicesMariah Pewu Residential Aide Adult ServicesNardine Pierre Residential Aide Adult ServicesJoele Whitsett Licensed Practical Nurse HealthcareJusu Dukuly Residential Aide Adult ServicesFatmata Koroma Residential Aide Adult ServicesRasheada McKoy Residential Aide Adult ServicesClaudia Oronto-Pratt Clinical Associate Residential Treatment FacilityAshley Williams Residential Aide Adult ServicesFrancis Wongbaye ABA Counselor The Melmark School

NEW HIRES

Look for Tee’s Virginia Baking Company cart around Melmark Campus on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.

Tee’s Southern SecretsHome Made Hot Chocolate:

It’s that time of year when the weather makes you cold to the bones. Here is my Home Made Hot Chocolate recipe: Guaranteed to warm you right up. It’s super easy and takes no time to make. My Hot Chocolate recipe is the perfect way to spend time together with the family through the rest of this winter season.

Home Made Hot Chocolate: Ingredients:1 Cup of Powder Sugar1 Cup of Coffee Mate Powder1/3 Cup Unsweetened Cocoa4 Chopped Peppermint Sticks

DirectionsMix it all together. Add hot water. Wait for optimal drinking temperature. Enjoy!

HOLIDAY RECEPTION GIFTS AND RAFFLE WINNERS

WINNER R AFFLE PRIZES WINNER R AFFLE PRIZES

Takira Graves Selfie Stick Lakieza Richardson iPad Mini

Dillard Brooks $50 Dinner and Movie Ashley Rankine Digital Photo Frame

Kristen Ryan Hamilton Crock Pot Katie Haberman $50 Sears

Jaclyn Ruffing $50 Chili’s Gift Card Sobiatu Kanu Keruig Single Cup

Danielle Marshall Roku Streaming Player Paul Lucchesi iPod Shuffle

Ladykay Darkor $50 Dinner and a Movie Moumin Saleh $50 Outback Steakhouse

Jessica Garrison Selfie Stick Omonigho Agbiro Amazon Kindle

Charles Welch Hamilton Beach Blender Olushola Adewuyi $50 Dinner and a Movie

Folasade Aiyebo $50 Red Lobster Kristen Alsbrooks $50 Macy’s

Samantha Smith Keurig Special Eilite Bonnie Warren Go Pro Camera

Dauda Jabbie $50 Dinner and a Movie Ibrahim Yillah $50 JC Penney

Congratulations to everyone who participated in Melmark’s Losers R Winners Fitness Challenge. Ten staff members lost at least 5% of their body weight during the challenge. In total, 80 employees signed up for the challenge. There were 27 employees who weighed in at a “healthy” weight and will receive the 50 points on the Healthy Lifestyle Tracker. Of the 53 employees who weighed-in “overweight”, ten lost at least 5% of their body weight and will also receive 50 points on the Healthy Lifestyle Tracker.

The two employees that lost the most weight were Ashley Rankine and Julia Thompson. Below is a look at just how much they lost and how they reached their goals.

Fitness Challenge Winners

Julia ThompsonLost 21.4 pounds!

“I began my fitness journey in the beginning of May, and since have lost a total of 50 pounds. I began with portion control and doing workouts at home every day along with a challenge group.

Since reaching beyond my own personal goals, I have become inspired to motivate and encourage others to reach their own personal health goals by becoming a Beachbody coach (www.beachbodycoach.com/jandit). I am thankful that Melmark has given me the extra motivation through all of healthy competitions they are having, especially during the holiday seasons!”

Ashley RankineLost 23.8 pounds!

“Herbalife has changed my life. At the end of August, I made a promise to love myself and began to mold myself into the person I wanted to see in the mirror. I started Herbalife on the first day of the challenge, and to date, I have lost 45 pounds.

It’s been a struggle, but I replace two meals a day with a nutritious shake. I eat one wholesome meal, and I have three snacks between meals. I also began working out. Loosing, gaining or maintaining weight involves 80% nutrition and 20% exercise.

I started with 30 minutes a day 3 times a week. I currently do an hour of exercise five days each week. I am in love with myself my body and the joy I get with helping people who want to start this journey. I plan to keep going - 40 more pounds to go, and I cannot wait.”

The next phase of Melmark’s Fitness Challenge and healthy lifestyle incentive program is

“Maintain, Don’t Gain”.

Watch your email inbox for tips on avoiding weight gain during the holidays.

The adults who participate in The Meadows at Melmark can help make your celebration a special one. They’re offering custom, handmade items that add flare to any birthday, wedding or bar and bat mitzvah. Here are just a couple of the amazing creations available for purchase in The Meadows and at their online store:

Special Events by The Meadows

Turkish Marbled Scarf PartiesThe Meadows offers the perfect creative party: Turkish Scarf Marbling. Staff and Meadows Artists fell in love with this technique and think you’ll be amazed by the process as well. There are always ‘oohs and ahhs’ in the room every time something new is created.

At least ten people are required for a workshop or party. Scarves are $25 each, and you can create as many as you like. Perfect for kids and adults!

Be sure to check out The Meadows e-Shop, where you can browse the many unique and beautiful crafts handmade by the artists in The Country Garden Guild. Most items can be shipped directly to your door. Sales proceeds support the guild and the artists.

https://ecomm.melmark.org/meadows-store

The Meadows’ Signature Wish BallAdults in The Meadows grow flowers and grasses from seeds, harvest and dry them, and then insert them into these beautiful, clear glass ornaments. A variety of options is available, from the Wispy Wish Ball to the Colorful Potpourri Wish Ball. All ornaments come in a decorative box with a hand-stenciled gift tag, which can be customized with your message to party guests, friends and family.

Shop Our Online Store

To schedule a Turkish Marbled Scarf Party at The Meadows, contact:Heather Carey484-994-5817

HeatherCarey@melmark.org

Melmark Traveling Art Show

January 2015 Gold Standard Cafe

4800 Baltimore Avenue Philadelphia, PA

Kimmel Center for Performing Arts300 S Broad Street

Philadelphia

Building a Bridge between Occupational Therapists and Behavior Analysts: Enhancing CollaborationJacqueline Dobres, MS OT R/L, BCBA, Private ConsultantThursday, February 5, 2015 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.Melmark Multi-Purpose Center

Understanding Sibling Experience: Excerpts from the Lives of Siblings of People with AutismLeslie Newport, Psy.D., BCBA-D, Private Consultant, and Hailey Crecca, SiblingThursday, March 12, 20153:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.Melmark Multi-Purpose Center

The Ethical Code for Behavior Analysis: Key Themes and Examples of ApplicationsMary Jane Weiss, Ph.D. BCBA-D, Melmark Executive Director of Research Thursday, April 16, 20153:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.Melmark Multi-Purpose Center

Melmark Expert Speaker Series

To register for any or all of these events, visit: https://ecomm.melmark.org/pa-conferences

Stop by to check out the beautiful artwork by Melmark students!