the West Bay - West Bay Residential Services

Insider
the
Established in 1981, West Bay Residential Services, Inc. is a private, non-profit
organization providing residential, employment, and day support services to
individuals with developmental disabilities.
With a staff of more than 350 team members, we provide support to more than
130 people challenged by differing abilities in communities across Rhode Island. Our
mission is to help individuals in making life choices, maintaining friend and family
relationships, and having fun while establishing their role within the community.
Check us out online!
www.westbayri.org
West Bay
Inside this
edition..…
Dinner/Dessert, A New
Opportunity
page 2
PC Basketball, Flower Show,
West Bay Works and CPN
Nominees
page 3
Employee Milestones,
The Hope Bus
page 4
The Hope Bus, Mike’s Birthday
and Elaine at the Carousel
page 5
W e s t B a y Residential
Services, Inc.
158 Knight Street
Warwick, RI 02886
Tel: (401)738-9300
www.westbayri.org
Day Program Poems, Music
Lessons and My Life at West Bay
page 6
Current Resident or
Chinese New Year, Free Seeds
and April Fools Day
page 7
Longevity Luncheon and Bingo
pages 8 and 9
Quarterly
Volume 8
Issue #2
April 2014
West Bay Works
her status as a valued
Showcase employee, bring
her a great deal of
satisfaction and fulfillment.
“I love working here.
Everybody’s so nice,” says
Julie, clearly happy to be
part of the team at the
theater. Julie’s dedication
to the theater is displayed
For many people Sunday proudly on her uniform. Her
is a day off, but for Julie
Showcase vest is covered
MacDonald it is the busiest in decorative pins, each
day of the week. Just after
signifying a year of service.
she graduated from high
With 16 thus far, Julie
school 16 years ago, Julie
shows no signs of stopping
was hired as an usher at
and will certainly receive
Showcase Cinemas on
more of these milestone
Quaker Lane in East
gifts.
Greenwich. Each Sunday
When asked what she
from 1-4 pm Julie greets
thinks has made Julie so
guests, takes their tickets,
successful at Showcase,
and maintains cleanliness
West Bay Support Staff
in the auditoriums at the
Member Aja Bairos says
multiplex. Julie’s job, and
that welcoming guests to
the theater has become an
important part of Julie’s
routine. “Julie can be shy
but looks forward to going
to work every week. She
enjoys meeting different
people and seeing old
friends that she has made
during her time working
there.”
Additionally, Julie
benefits from a great
relationship with the
management and staff of
the theater. She speaks
very highly of her
coworkers, saying, “I love
seeing them every week.
They’re perfect.” The
positive feelings are
mutual. Her co-workers
have been continuously
supportive of Julie, with
several journeying to the
Continued on Page 3
Helping Hands
My Experience Shared Living
and Restaurant Review
page 10
PT Exercises and
Advertisements
page 11
As everyone knows,
Helping Hands of West
Bay is all about
contributing to our
community in as many
ways as possible. When
we found out that one of
our very own committee
members, Keri H. , was
planning to move into her
own apartment, we
decided to throw a
surprise house warming
for her. Everyone pitched
in to decorate, bring pot
luck appetizers, and shop
for gifts. We all had a
fabulous time, and Keri’s
apartment is now stocked
with new towels, bedding,
cooking tools, pots and
pans, etc. We are all so
happy for Keri, and we
wish her good health and
happiness in her new
place!
By The Helping
Hands Committee
Page 2
Dinner…...
Low Carb
Zucchini Lasagna
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2 1/2 cups zucchini,
sliced lengthwise 1/4 inch
thick ( about 2 medium)
1/2 lb lean ground beef
1/4 cup onion, chopped
2 small tomatoes, cut up
1 (6 ounce) can tomato
paste
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried
oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 cup water
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 egg
3/4 cup low fat cottage
cheese ( or low fat or fat
free ricotta)
1/2 cup mozzarella
cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon flour
1.Cook zucchini until tender,
drain and set aside. Fry
meat and onions until meat
is brown and onions are
tender; drain fat. Add next 8
ingredients and bring to a
boil
2. Reduce heat; simmer,
and Dessert
uncovered 10 minutes
or until reduced to 2
cups
3.In small bowl slightly
beat egg
4.Add cottage cheese,
half of shredded
cheese and flour
5.In (1 1/2-qt.) bakingroasting pan arrange
half of the meat
mixture. Top with half of
the zucchini and
all the cottage cheese
mixture. Top with
remaining meat and
zucchini
6.Bake uncovered at 375
degrees F for 30
minutes
7.Sprinkle with remaining
cheese. Bake 10
minutes longer
8.Let stand 10 minutes
before serving
Chocolate Covered
Frozen Banana and
Peanut Butter Bites
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3 medium-ripe
Bananas
1\4 cup of smooth
peanut Butter
10 oz of dark
chocolate
Butter
1.Slice the bananas and
arrange half of the
banana slices on a
baking sheet lined with
parchment paper
2.Spread peanut butter
on half of the sliced
banana and freeze for
about one hour
3. Cut the chocolate into
pieces and put 2\3 of it
in a microwavable bowl
Microwave on medium
power for 30 seconds,
stir, then repeat in 15
second intervals until
the chocolate has
melted.
4.Remove bites from the
freezer and dip them
into melted chocolate.
You have to work
quickly before the bites
start to thaw and get
mushy.
5.Freeze at least three
hours or until ready to
serve. Store in freezer
By Keri Hickey
A New Opportunity
The West Bay Day
Program had the
opportunity to teach a
flower class at the West
Warwick Public Library
and it was awesome!
Fred Archambault, Rachel
Savastano, Mark Brown,
and Carol Bruins all
helped to teach the class
participants. We had a
great time. Eight children
and four adults attended
the class. Fred and Mark
handed out flowers to the
kids. Rachel and Carol
helped hand out other
supplies and cut some of
the flowers with the kids.
The kids were really
excited. Fred said it was
awesome and asked if we
could do it again! Mark
was very entertained by
the kids and thought they
were funny. Everyone
had a great time!
By Deb Duke
Page 11
Physical Therapy Exercises
I do my physical
therapy walking exercises
every day except
Saturday and Sunday. I
sit in a wheelchair all day
and it is important to get
up and get moving for my
body to feel good.
Sometimes I don’t feel
like doing it, but walking
is very healthy for the
muscle tone in my legs. I
have a wish that
someday I’ll be able to
walk, as I did for my High
School graduation, but I
have to keep a positive
attitude and lots of
people help keep me
motivated.
By Melissa Angilly
Learn more about the West Bay supported
individual business initiatives on the Self Employment page at
www.westbayri.org.
158 Knight Street Warwick, RI 02886
Tel: (401)738-9300
Fax:(401)738-2787
www.westbayri.org
Come in or apply online today!
Page 3
Page 10
PC Basketball
My Experience: Shared Living
Please help us get as
many people to “like”
West Bay as possible.
If you haven't “liked “
us on Facebook yet,
here is the link!
www.facebook.com/
pages/West-BayResidential
Employee Referral
Program
West Bay is now offering
Shared Living, Leeann gives
a perspective of her
experience through a
different agency
At some point in May of
2012, I decided it was
time for a change in my
life. When I came to work
I started asking a couple
of people for advice about
moving out of the group
home I was in. Kathy
Millard had suggested for
me to look into a Shared
Living Arrangement (SLA).
After looking into it a bit, I
decided to go with an
SLA. Betty Ricci started
helping me get in contact
with another agency
called Refocus. Betty and
I had a meeting with
some of the people who
organize SLA, one of them
being Lisa Pimentel.
When June came around,
during the same year, I
met an older couple at
the mall. We talked and
answered each other's
questions. They did seem
like nice people, so I went
home to think about it.
After some thinking and
talking to a close friend of
mine I decided to keep
looking for another family
to live with. That is when I
met Lisa Pimentel for the
second time, but this time
through Trudeau as an
option for an SLA. In July
Lisa and I started to hang
out and we got to know
each other a little more as
the months passed.
During this time I got to
stay over her house to get
a better feel for it. Lisa
and I decided it would be
a good match and we set
a moving date
November 1, 2012
was the craziest day
because the state
wouldn't tell us for the
longest time if the SLA
was approved. All of a
sudden they called to tell
us we needed to move
immediately. Now over a
year later this was the
best decision I have
made. I like my SLA
because I have more
freedom, independence
and I have my own space.
I have 24hr supervision
although it doesn't feel
like there is supervision.
By Leeann Del Gizzo
For any questions on
Shared Living contact
Adam Keenan at
(401) 738-9300 X317 or
[email protected]
Refer someone to West Bay
and if they are hired you
can earn up to $400.
Restaurant Review: Delizioso
Earn $50 when they
complete 30 days of service
Earn an additional $100
when they complete 90
days of service.
Earn another additional
$250 when they complete
1 year of service.
See Sherri Sarault for all
the details
For the Insider’s
planning meeting, the
committee enjoyed
Delizioso’s pizza located
on Oaklawn Ave. in
Cranston. Our choices
were pepperoni or veggie.
I choose veggie. I like it
because it was different.
It did not have any red
sauce on it. It also had
tomato, mushrooms,
pepper, olives and
cheese, and the crust was
soft. I would like to try
other items from there in
the future and would
recommend it to a friend.
On Saturday January,
25th Nelson and I braved
the cold weather and
made our way into
Providence to check out
the men’s PC basketball
game. They played
Xavier, a team out of
Ohio, and it was a really
good game. The Dunk
was packed and the place
was crazy. I really
enjoyed how pumped up
everyone was getting
when PC hit a big shot.
The game was close but
in the end PC pulled away
to win 81-72. I really
enjoyed myself and
Nelson did as well. GO
PC!!!!!!
By Mike Curley
Continued from Page 1, WB Works
University of Rhode Island’s
Kingston campus to watch
her compete in the 2013
Special Olympics.
Lulay, Manager of
Public Relations and
Promotions for National
Amusements, the parent
company of Showcase
Cinemas, said, “Julie is an
integral part of the quality
services we provide to our
guests. We feel that
opportunities exist for all.
Workforce diversity has
proven to not only add to
the richness of our
operational culture but
also benefits the
community at large.”
In addition to her work
at Showcase Julie keeps
a busy schedule. She
works part time at the
Treasure Chest, a thrift
shop operated by Project
Friends, and volunteers
with the Helping Hands
Committee at West Bay,
where she recently
assisted with a Bingo
event for charity. While
she admittedly enjoys all
of her jobs, Julie is
Flower Show
Convention Center. It felt
like spring: birds singing,
bright flowers and ponds
with fish. We even got to
see a sandcastle being
built, indoors with
gnomes made of sand.
This was my 2nd year
attending and I plan on
going again next year.
By Beth Pilkington
and Meredith French
I was able to attend the
RI flower show at the RI
By Carol Dolbey
Chalk Wall
At Thistle
particularly fond of the
theater, and takes pride
in her work welcoming
moviegoers, and ensuring
their movie experience is
as enjoyable as possible.
Julie’s success is a
wonderful testament to
opportunities for
employment through
West Bay. With the
support of her coworkers
and West Bay’s staff, Julie
has found fulfillment and
longevity in her position at
Showcase Cinemas.
By Michael Beauregard
Spring, Summer, Fall or
Winter. Any occasion, Thistle
Drive has a mural for it on
their chalk wall. The chalk
wall at Thistle has become a
fun, conversation piece within
the agency. “I love it, and I
love helping” says Michele
Dixon, when asked about her
feelings towards the
drawings. After having the
chalk wall for over a year, the
excitement for a new drawing
never falters. Each and every
time a new season or holiday
comes up, I'm eagerly asked
to draw something new. With
the help and input of all of
the residents and staff, a new
picture is decided and drawn
shortly after. The feedback
that Thistle has received
about the wall has been
positive. If you haven't seen
it, come check it out for
yourself, at Thistle Drive!!!
By Kelsey Sarault
and Michelle Dixon
Page 9
Page 4
Employee
Milestones
5 Years
Amanda Mancini—April
Michael Mariorenzi—April
Shondell Maxwell—April
Michelle Moulton—May
Heather Downie—June
Corey Blanchette—June
10 Years
George Linnane—April
Louis Zannini—May
Diane Ianozzi—June
15 Years
Cheryl LaCroix—April
Cathleen Keithan—May
20 Years
Sue Bianchi—June
We will be
celebrating our
bi-annual employee
milestone luncheon
in July for employees
with milestones from
January to June.
The Hope Bus
On April 3, 2014, the Hope Bus pulled into West Bay’s parking lot on a beautiful,
sunny 62 degree day. The first comment heard came from a Petro Oil employee
observing its’ arrival, “Oh, how cool, a pink bus, that’s really neat.” And, very cool it
was. The Hope Bus was staffed with the Community Outreach Coordinator for The
Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation, Maureen DiPiero; a stage 3
breast cancer survivor, Chris Landry; as well as, Maria Hudson from Women &
Infants’ Hospital’s Health Education unit.
The Hope Bus does more than just raise awareness about breast cancer. For
many breast cancer survivors and family members, this oversized pink RV is a
second home full of hope and inspiration. Many West Bay employees
enthusiastically went on board and were eagerly welcomed, given a breast cancer
pin, educated on simple signs and symptoms to be on the lookout for (see
symptoms below); and most important, stories were shared about breast cancer
from the general public’s perception of its origin to the incredible advances in
technology today, to those personally affected by the disease.
Nationally, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer some point in her lifetime. In
Rhode Island, women are even more likely to develop the disease; one out of 6 will
be diagnosed. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among
women, second only to lung cancer.
Today, advances in the field allow for both men and women to be genetically
screened with a simple blood test for the BRCA mutation. In general, it is
recommended that woman over 40 have an annual mammogram; do monthly
breast exams; and have a clinical exam annually. Most importantly, women and
men should know that often there are no symptoms associated with breast cancer.
This is why screening is so important. If you experience any of the below symptoms,
consult your doctor – IMMEDIATELY.
A lump in your breast (s)
Change in the size or shape of your breast(s)
Nipple discharge or tenderness
Change in the way the skin of the breast and nipple feels or looks
As the day concluded, Maureen DiPietro and Gary Calvino, Director of Development
came into the West Bay office to share some feedback with Gloria Quinn. Maureen
said,
“I always hold my breath when we bring the bus to places for the first
time. Many times our experience is that the staff is not engaged and I
end up with only two or three visitors. How extraordinary an
experience it was to welcome all of you aboard the Hope Bus! There
was not one person who came into the Hope Bus who didn't stop,
listen to what the symptoms & screenings are for breast health /
cancer, and ask questions publicly and privately. Everyone was so
interested in our survivor Chris Landry's story and in learning about
the Women's Cancer Screening Program from Maria Hudson. As I
posted on my personal Facebook page, "If today is indicative of what
the 2014 Hope Bus season will be, it is going to be quite a season!”
Helping Hands Bingo
Page 8
Longevity Luncheon
Page 5
Happy Birthday
Mike C.
The Hope Bus
RI Department of Health
Women’s Cancer Screening Program
On February 9th, Mike
had some of his friends join
him at AMF bowl on Elmwood
Ave. in Cranston for his
birthday. Everyone enjoyed
an afternoon of bowling and
joking around with each
other. Things got a bit
interesting before the final
game because it was
considered the
“Championship Game”. All
did well, but in the end Diane
Grylls came out on top with
Mike finishing a close second.
A rematch is in the near
future. Thanks to everyone
who came out to help us
celebrate Mike’s birthday.
FREE SCREENINGS -
Quick Facts: Risk Factors
Age: Women over 40 at higher risk
Personal History of breast cancer
Family History of breast cancer
Having a baby after age 30
Getting your first period
before age 12
Starting menopause after age 50
Heavy alcohol consumption
Obesity and high-fat diets
Clinical Breast Exam
Pap Smear
Pelvic Exam
Mammogram
Follow-up Services (Repeat mammogram, pap
smear, breast ultrasound, Colposcopy & biopsy)
TO BE ELIGIBLE A woman 40 years or more
Live in Rhode Island
Not have Health Insurance or be under-insured
Meet income eligibility guidelines
Many MD’s to choose from throughout RI.
If interested contact:
Maria Hudson at Women & Infants’ Hospital
Health Education Dept. 277-3639
Elaine loves to visit the
carousel at the mall, it brings
back fond memories of her
childhood.
Page 6
Day Program
Group Poems
Spring
Sun, shorts, spring jackets
People are out more, picnics
Rain, running, rocks,
roses, rivers
Ice-cream,
Nice weather,
normal temperatures,
nice flowers
Green grass, Groundhog,
Girls in shorts
Snow Storms
Snow people Nasty!
When the snow gets dirty!
Omg! It’s cold!
Wow! We get a lot of snow!
Snowball fights
Tow trucks to pick-up broken
down vehicles from the cold
Ouch! When you slip on ice!
Rain, Mud, Snowing
EVERYTHING THAT IS
WRONG WITH WINTER…
Too darn cold!
February
Too much snow
Day Program stays open!
Too much rain
Too many falls
Too much ice
Too dry
Too much shoveling
Deb’s hands get cold
Too many layers needed
Too much static
Just too Long!
Not enough sun
Too Windy
Flat hair
Too many bad drivers !
(accidents)
Too much salt on the cars
(dirty)
Too expensive
Music Lessons at Oaklawn Music
music level and so Betty
Ricci set him up with a
former staff, Chris who
teaches music lessons at
Oaklawn Music, in
Cranston. John started
attending every other
Monday and looks
forward to it! He was so
John has always been excited at his last lesson
a “music kind of guy”.
because he was able to
Most conversations with
jam out on the rather
John include his passion
large drum set they have
for his instruments that
at the store. John has
he has at home; from his brought his acoustic
key board, his guitars
guitar and his banjo to
(electric and acoustic) to
practice. Chris is very
his love of his drum kit!
musically inclined. He
His favorite kind of music knows so many
is Rock and Roll! We had instruments such as
been looking for someone piano, guitar, banjo,
to connect with John on a drums, and organ. He has
Page 7
been playing instruments
ever since he was a kid!
Chris is patient and kind;
he makes John feel at
ease when he is there.
John now considers Chris
his new friend and talks
about how much he really
likes him!
By John Lemoi
and Meredith French
On February 23rd Marie
I was born on 9-231972 at the Kent County
Hospital. For two years
the doctors at Rhode
Island Hospital could not
decide what was wrong
with me.
On 11-13-1974, I went
to Zambarano Hospital
where I lived for 7 years. I
did not do much except
eat and sleep, but they
gave me excellent care.
Weekly visits by my
grandparents and sister
were what I considered my
life line.
On 6-7-1982, I began
living at 150 Natick
Avenue and I still live
there. It is now close to 32
years at Natick Avenue so I
am considered a
permanent resident.
The staff has changed
on a regular basis, but
everyone who has worked
here, is considered my
good friend. They have
treated me with the best
care possible.
I attended the
Cranston Dyer Avenue
School until I was 21
years old.
Visits from my sister,
Ellen-Bridget Higgins,
shows that she loves me
very much. She is also
one of my Legal
Guardians. My best
Grandma, Ellen Gange,
visits me every week; she
has always been the one
who loves me the most.
My mother died in 2010
from breast cancer.
My best friend and my
other Legal Guardian is
my grandfather, George
Gange. He has supported
me through all situations.
He goes with me to my
doctors and dentists
visits. He holds my head
when they work on my
teeth. He keeps an eye
on my finances and goes
after the State to
maintain my home at
Natick Avenue.
I do have a part-time
job maintaining my
concession at a tavern in
West Warwick. In the
Winter I horseback ride
on a regular schedule; my
horse is my friend. In the
Summer, sailing is my
hobby; it just thrills me to
be out sailing on the bay.
I would like to thank
everyone who has made
my life at West Bay so
worthwhile. In spite of my
handicaps, I believe my
life for 42 years has been
very good.
By Jay Keane
and George Gange
had all her friends over to
Grand Ave. for her Annual
Chinese New Year party.
Marie picked up some
Chinese food from Han’s
Palace, a local Chinese
restaurant, and all
enjoyed. Chinese music
was played while
everyone ate and joked
around. Marie had a
great time with all her
friends and really enjoyed
herself. Thanks to
everyone who came and
we will see you all again
real soon. Thanks guys!!!
By Nelson Lucena
Free Seeds for Spring Gardens
My Life at West Bay
Co-Authored by Jay Keane
and George Gange
We Want to Hear
From You!
Chinese New Year
Once again this year,
nine West Bay homes are
taking advantage of this
great program through the
University of Rhode Island’s
Outreach Center in
April Fools Day
After work on March 31st
several staff played a
practical joke on Kathy
Rogers. She was really
surprised the next morning
to find her office covered in
aluminum foil on April Fools
Day!
Kingston. The Outreach
Center is a great resource
for gardeners around the
state. They can answer all
sorts of gardening
questions and offer
classes about everything
from recycling to invasive
plant species. The free
seed program is offered
to schools, boy and girl
scouts, 4-H groups,
community gardens and
educational/nonprofit
groups for the price of
postage. The notice and
order forms come out at
the end of January and
the seeds arrive in April.
Seed packets offered
include flowers,
vegetables, herbs and
surprise packets including
a variety of each.
Have a gardening or
environmental question?
Call the hotline at 1-800448-1011 (Mon-Thurs,
9:00 am - 2:00 pm) if you
are in RI to speak to a URI
Master Gardener, or
email your question to
[email protected].
By Penny Merris
The West Bay Media
Committee is always looking
for news or interesting stories
to share within the West Bay
community. If there is
anything that you think would
be of interest on Facebook,
Twitter or in the Insider
please share. Submissions
of articles or just ideas can
be emailed to
[email protected] or put
in the media mailbox located
in the copy room with house
mailboxes. We are also
looking to expand our friends
and followers, so if you
haven’t already please “like”
us on Facebook, West Bay
Residential Services, Inc or
follow us on Twitter
@westbayri
We look forward to hearing
from everyone