Summer Recap 2013 - Neponset River House

Summer Recap 2013
Riverside Community Care
Neponset River News
NRH GOES TO CAPE COD
BY: PAUL SH.
On Friday August 9th, 21 members and two staff left NRH for a great Cape Cod weekend. Jen, the assistant director of the Baybridge Clubhouse in Hyannis, invited us. Since we
could not inhabit the cabins at Camp Lyndon, located in Sandwich MA, until after 5p.m. all of
us had the opportunity of seeing a free movie at the Sharon Cinema 8. Most of us were highly
satisfied with our choices- "We Are the Millers" and "Two Guns". Unfortunately, I fell fast
asleep after the terrible coming attractions and had to ask Kevin M. what the plot of "Two
Guns" was all about. The sleep was highly justified since afterwards I had to drive to the Cape
with two passengers.
We arrived at our destination and found a beautiful overnight camp on a clear lake with
an H dock and raft. Besides the cabins which had bunk beds and mattresses, there was a
combination bathroom and shower installation. In addition, there was a mess hall with a large
kitchen, with ample seating, plus offices.
Inside This Issue:
After locating our two cabins segregated by sex, we
Free Concert at Walpole Common 4
dropped off our sleeping bags (or sheets) and lug-
Beta Fish
6
gage. We walked down to one of the campfire areas
The World as I see It
7
where we had as much pizza and salad as one
Paw Sox Games
8
could eat. There was so much pizza that Baybridge
Crossroads BBQ
10
(our host) was able to take six large ones back to
Employment Dinner
12
their Clubhouse the next day. Every site had its
own fireplace for campfires.
Cont. Page 2
Neponset River News
They were lit at nightfall and kept burning well after midnight. Marshmallows and smores
were available for dessert.
Afterwards, the campfire kept burning well into the next morning as long as someone
kept piling on the wood. Catherine T., the former NRH director now in charge of Horizon
House in Wakefield along with Carol B., Baybridge director, were also in attendance. They
arrived early Friday evening.
Saturday morning there were some early risers and late ones. Joanna M. arrived
early Saturday morning since she had to work Friday at Potter Place Clubhouse in
Waltham. Other than coffee and donuts nothing was on the schedule until the later part of
the morning. At about 10a.m., the waterfront opened. Our group started swimming in the raft
area of the clear blue lake (you could see the bottom). Canoeing, kayaking and zip Lining
were also available. Others tried, not me!
Hearty meals were provided during the day - burgers, hot dogs and salad for lunch
and grilled chicken breast with pasta salad for dinner. We had another campfire, some more
smores and another late night for those who could not sleep.
Sunday morning brought a 9.30a.m. departure for the majority of the NRH members
and staff. George D., Joanna M. and I remained at the camp until closing time - 2p.m. - we
could not get enough time for swimming and relaxing in the sun near the waterfront.
The camping trip cost members $20 -a terrific deal since the balance was underwritten by NRH. Dan S. and I were reimbursed $20 for the use of our cars to transport members to and from the camp. The lucky staff personnel were actually paid for accompanying
members to the Cape - a terrific deal!. To emphasize how great this weekend was, Leah a
long time member of NRH, asked me if we could go back to Camp Lyndon the next weekend with her. She had a reservation. I would like to thank Jen, the assistant director of Baybridge Clubhouse, for the invitation and making this weekend something that all of us who
attended thought was extremely memorable.
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Summer Recap 2013
Free Concert at the Walpole Commons
By: Stephen B.
On July 16th, following a cookout, NRH attended a concert at the Walpole Commons. After arriving at the Commons, we laid down a couple of blankets
on the grass and made ourselves comfortable.
To cool off from the muggy weather, we all got
some yogurt from Red Cherry, a local yogurt shop. Red
Cherry had an interesting setup that allowed customers
to make their own yogurt dessert and pay according to
the weight of the yogurt.
Upon returning to our spot, the Commons was
starting to bustle with activity. The area was starting to
fill up with families, the atmosphere was very lively.
The band performing was The Stan Martin
Band, a country group. The band played several of its
own songs while playing a few covers of other songs. I
was quite pleased to hear them cover Johnny Cash’s
“Walk the Line.” They played well despite the minor
setback of an intruding bee that stung the lead singer
and served as a nuisance to the other band members!
This having been my first outing with NRH, I
was moved by the family-like vibe I received from
hanging out with the other NRH members and staff. I
only wish more people could experience this sense of
unity that I felt during this evening out. I am looking
forward to the next outing and hope to see more people
in attendance.
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Neponset River News
Sandra’s Cat Ran Away
By: Sandra C.
Three weeks ago, my cat Harley ripped the screen off my
living room window and booked it outside. We have not seen him
for three weeks now and we miss him. He is a part of our family.
We love him and hope someone took him into their home. We
hope he is safe.
How we Kept up WITH SUMMER, 10 COOL WAYS NRH
Stayed COOL AND DRY
By: Stephen B.
1. Basked in an air conditioned room
2. Drank iced tea
3. Went to the beach
4. Took cold showers
5. Ran through sprinklers
6. Ate ice cream
7. Dressed appropriately
8. Stayed in the shade while
outdoors
9. Swam in the pool
10.Went kayaking
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Summer Recap 2013
BETA FISH
By: Cynthia V.T. & Stephen B.
The NRH Clubhouse got new members
in the form of beta fish. They are named, Lusa,
Bluemoon, and Nemo. They must be fed 2-3
food pellets every other day.
Every Wednesday, their water must be
changed. Only half of the water must be
changed, with water conditioner being added
afterwards. Beta fish are well known for being
low maintenance pets and require little care.
They are a great new addition to NRH.
Sandra’s New Look
By: Sandra C.
On Saturday, July 13th, I got my
hair cut. It is nice and short. Next week
I’m getting new glasses. I’m feeling good
about myself. My hair is so easy to take
care of and its not in my face. Everyone
loves my new hairstyle. I’m loving myself
right now.
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Neponset River News
The World As I See It
By: Jerry O.
NBA All Star, Charles Barkley, set off a firestorm of controversy when he
claimed “I am not a role model.” As I sit and wonder what makes a role model and look at celebrities who have traditionally been considered as such, I realized those we consider as role
models are the same people who are getting arrested and having children out of wedlock.
Maybe it’s time to change our standards.
By my purely subjective standards, I feel that the staff at NRH who get paid obscenely
low wages, deal with constantly meddling bureaucrats and work unreal hours, yet still come in
everyday to deal with other people’s problems, are the real role models. This is because they
work and try to make the world around them a better place. The members at NRH also qualify
since they deal with various problems in a constantly changing world. So in this world of athletes getting arrested and using drugs, and politicians resigning, perhaps its time we change our
standards for role models and heroes.
Words of Wisdom
By: Neil P.
“The more I do, the better I feel. The better I
feel, the more I want to do for people.”
“Making music is the collective unification of the
mind, body and spirit.”
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Summer Recap 2013
Paw Sox vs. The Steamrollers
By: Kevin B.
The NRH night out was very enjoyable. We went to see the Paw Sox play
and the weather was just right. They played to a full house. Everyone was glued to
their seats for the whole game. The children really seemed to have a good time.
It’s a good night for family baseball. The night was topped off with fireworks, as
it was July 3rd. The best part of the night was that the Paw Sox won the game.
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Neponset River News
THE CINEMA PUB
BY: SUPRENA L.
On July 23rd, NRH members and staff headed down to the Cinema Pub in North
Attleboro for dinner and a movie!!! Iron Man 3 was playing and it was action packed! It
was $6 to get in and dinner was very inexpensive. We all mostly got the chicken tender
meal that came with fries. It cost about $9 and was delicious!!
We are definitely looking forward to the next social at the Cinema Pub!
4TH OF JULY COOKOUT
BY: MICHELLE A.
On July 4th, 2013 there was a
cookout at NRH. Approximately 40
members attended the cookout. The
weather was very hot in the 90’s with
the sun shining. There were hot dogs,
hamburgers, cheeseburgers, macaroni
salad, and potato chips.
For dessert we had watermelon,
cupcakes and cookies. For beverages
there was crystal light lemonade and ice
tea. The food was delicious. I had a
great time.
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Summer Recap 2013
Crossroads BBQ
By: Suzanne D.
There was about 75 people who attended.
The food was great, they had hamburgers, hotdogs, potato salad and fruit salad. They also had
soda, water, dessert, brownies etc. There was a
wonderful band that Barry T. was in. We played
games such as badminton.
The drive back to the Clubhouse was
about 45 minutes. We stayed until 2 p.m. I enjoyed socializing and met a wonderful lady whose
name was Deb. We chatted for about an hour.
There was a guy from Crossroads who made jewelry and had a jewelry stand. This was my first
time visiting crossroads, I had a good time.
A Place Called Red Cherry
By: Sandra C.
There is a place called Red
Cherry right next door. To me
its frozen yogurt but it tastes
like ice cream. It’s delicious!
It costs as much as $4.00 or
less. Wait until you taste it,
you’ll love it!
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Neponset River News
Start Your Day Right: Free Breakfast
for NRH Members Every Saturday
Laundry
Computers
Board Games
Music
Fun
Do you want to start your day right? Come to NRH on Saturdays for a delicious
and free breakfast! The Clubhouse will be open from 9a.m. to 1p.m. and breakfast will be
served from 10:30a.m. to 11:30a.m. (See inside newsletter for menu details.) Don’t sleep
in on Saturday, come to the Clubhouse and eat an amazing breakfast!
My Smoking Update
By: Sandra C.
It’s been a year and 3 months since I smoked, 4 months since I last drank liquor and I’ve
lost 8 lbs all together. I’ve been eating salad, veggies and fruits.
However, one bad thing is happening to me. I’ve been diagnosed with a Thyroid condition. But I’m on medication for it. I am taking it day by day. I’m not going to let it get me
down.
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Summer Recap 2013
Why I Shave My Head
By: Dan S.
One year before joining NRH in March of 2006, my first wife gave me a buzz cut.
Since then, I ’ ve either had a buzz cut or a shaved head. I would go to the barber shop
every month or two to have my head shaved. Now, I use a good razor, such as a Schick
Fusion Proglide, and shave my head down to the skin every few days
Now, every morning after I take a shower, my head dries on the spot without the
need to use a blow drier to dry my hair. This means less time is needed to prepare for
the day. In my house, there is no electrical outlet in the bathroom and only one in my
bedroom, which is already taken up by a lamp and a clock radio. Both items need to be
plugged into this outlet at all times.
To protect my shaved head, except on formal occasions, I always wear a baseball
cap. My wife, Angie S., whom I met through NRH, likes me with a shaved head. Finally, I
feel that life is much easier for me with a shaved head, therefore, I am bald by choice.
Employment Social
By: Suzanne D.
As I am getting more involved with the special events NRH has, this was my first
time attending the employment social event. All of the club members were wonderful.
Kathy, Rose, Chris, along with my myself, Ray and Tracey attended. We had pizza,
salad and best of all, ice-cream with all the toppings. The social ran from 4 – 6p.m. Rose
was kind enough to give me a ride home.
During another visit, I would like to learn to use the computers at NRH. It is a
great place to be.
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Neponset River News
Dog Days of Summer
By: Julie F. & Kathryn P.
Our most recent heat wave lasted 7 days, reaching the temperature of almost 100
degrees and a heat index of 105. Congratulations, we made it through! Thank goodness
for AC and thank-you so much to all the staff for our impromptu shrimp barbecue. There
was also rice, watermelon and lemonade. Also lots of munchies. A good time was had
by all. We also had a barbecue Luau on Wednesday July 31st. We dusted off our Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts and had a great time. Happy Summer!
My Idea for Sobriety
I started off with one day at a time. After six months, my body cleaned my system
from drugs and alcohol, and adjusted it to sobriety. The next thing I did was go to an AA
meeting once a day. After that, I obtained a sponsor. A sponsor helped me and supported
me through difficult times. Now don’t forget this. It should help you.
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Summer Recap 2013
The Van Tassell Castle
My New Room Setup
By: Cynthia V. T.
I added new setups to my room.
Snacks that were in front of my bed in bags
are now on a table in front of my mini fridge.
My 3DS, PS Vita and all of my other games
were also on the table. It also held my laptop
in front of my bed, which I used for movies,
TV shows and casual pc gaming.
My Dad’s Birthday
By: Michelle A.
On July 10, 2013, we celebrated my dad’s birthday. He is now 78 years old. I borrowed my aunt’s car to take my dad to the barber shop for his shave and haircut. After his
shave, my parents and I took the Ride to Café Venice, a restaurant in Norwood. My dad
had fried scallops, french fries, and garden salad. My mom had a fried scallop and fried
whole clam plate (combo) with vegetables and a baked potato. I had fried scallops, garden
salad, and mixed vegetables. The food was delicious.
After dinner, I borrowed my aunt’s car and drove to Crescent Ridge dairy to buy my
dad a vanilla hot fudge sundae. My aunt treated my mom and me to vanilla hot fudge sundaes. Crescent ridge dairy has the best ice cream. My dad had a great birthday celebration!
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Neponset River News
Clubhouse Works!
Members Working in the
Units!
Neponset River News
New Member’s First Day
By: Samea P.
Hi, my name is Samea P. and this is my first day at the Neponset River House
and it’s so great!
Everyone is working so hard to run the program. We have kitchen, reception, data
entry and phones to answer. I decided to write this article. This place is wonderful. There
are so many people and faces I haven’t seen in such a long time. I feel at “home” already.
I’ve got to make sure I make it here more often. The summer is here as well and we are all a
happy bunch.
My Parent’s Anniversary
By: Michelle A.
On July 11, 2013, we celebrated my parent’s 49th anniversary! I borrowed my
aunt’s car and drove my parents to Applebee's, a restaurant in Walpole. I treated my parents
to dinner. My dad had steak and roasted red potatoes. My mom had the shrimp combo,
rice, and baby spinach. I had steak, mixed vegetables and a baked potato. The food was
delicious.
After dinner, my aunt drove my parents and I to the movies in Randolph. I treated
my parents to the movies. We saw the movie “White House Down,” starring Jamie Foxx. It
was an action packed movie. We really enjoyed the movie. My parents enjoyed their anniversary celebration.
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Summer Recap 2013
NRH’S Poetry Corner!
Free Lunch
Neponset River House
encourages our community to get to know
our program better.
The best way to do
this is to see things up
close and personal.
Please cut out and
bring this coupon for a
free lunch.
Lunch is served daily
at noon.
It is August!
By: Kathryn Sc.
It is August.
It is now.
I am going to the beach
I am going to Plymouth Beach and Plymouth Center.
I hope and know I will have a very nice time.
Were going to bring the cooler with all sorts of goodies!
Happy August!
Employment Meeting
Thursday: 2:00 p.m.– 3:00p.m.
Affordable Consumer Transportation,
Inc. 617. 233.0989
ACT provides transportation for consumers to
various day treatment programs, appointment
and Clubhouse events.
Neponset River House, a service of Riverside Community Care, is a Clubhouse based on the Fountain House
Model. As a Clubhouse, we offer our members four guaranteed rights.
3.
1.
The right to a place to belong.
2.
The right to meaningful work.
The right to meaningful relationships.
4.
The right to a place to return.
The purpose of our club is to help us to learn to better cope with our mental illness and gain a sense of accomplishment and empowerment through learning valuable vocational and social skills. Members and staff work side
by side as equals to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and dignity. Our Transitional Employment Program
is unique in that it offers direct help for members at various job placements to get them started. The Supported
Employment Program offers members employment help by giving them a balance of support and independence.
We hope that by publishing our newsletter we can help educate the community about mental illnesses and reduce
the stigma and fear attached to them.
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A Publication of Neponset River House
A Service of Riverside Community Care
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO.779
NORWOOD, M.A.
Help Support Our Clubhouse
NRH is a program of Riverside Community Care, a non– profit organization that helps build healthy
communities. NRH is a rehabilitative community offering opportunities and support in employment,
education and housing. We emphasize work, participation and choice. NRH provides a range of services
to ensure member success in the work place. Individuals receive assistance in job preparation, placement, benefit management and career advancement.
Due to limited funding, both monetary and material donations are graciously accepted. If you are interested in giving to our community please contact Dannielle Ford– Allen, 781.762.7075.
Please enclose this form and monetary donations to the following address:
Neponset River House, 595 Pleasant St., Norwood, M.A. 02062
Name:
Amount:
Collaborators on the Neponset River News
Writers: Sandra C., Kathy S., Michelle A., Jerry O., Stephen B. Cynthia V.T., Julie F., Kathryn P.
& Kevin B., Suzanne D., Dan S.
Formatting: Suprena L., Stephen B.
Front Page Layout: Stephen B.
Typists: Stephen B., Michelle A.,
Editors: Suprena L., Stephen B. & Tracey M. Henry P.
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