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Alex Rediscovers Bowling!
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Joshua Smith, Director of Administration
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We’re thrilled to share a wonderful milestone from Alex, who recently rediscovered his love of bowling after taking some time away from the sport. Returning to a busy public space like the local bowling alley can feel challenging, and Alex’s decision to jump back in is truly something to celebrate.
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Alex approached his first trip back to the lanes with his usual thoughtfulness, taking a moment to get reacquainted with the environment and ease into the experience. With steady reassurance and encouragement from his team, he quickly found his rhythm again and began to relax into the familiar sights and sounds around him.
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One of the best parts of this comeback? Alex already had his own bowling shoes and his own bowling ball waiting for him. After some time off, he dusted off his gear and stepped confidently back onto the lanes. Alex has already picked up a few strikes, earning cheers from staff and other bowlers nearby.
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For Alex, each roll down the lane represents far more than a game. It reflects his courage, his growing comfort in community spaces, and the trusting, supportive relationships he shares with his support staff. With every visit, his confidence builds, his enjoyment deepens, and his pride shines through.
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Donald Discovers Hidden Treasures
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John Levasseur, Direct Support Professional
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There’s something special about shopping local, but for Donald, it has become a small adventure he looks forward to every week. With the Monadnock Region known for its character-rich thrift stores, Donald has made it his personal mission to explore them all, one secondhand treasure at a time. His favorite is the Salvation Army Family Store.
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The aisles are filled with clothing, furniture, books, household items, and one-of-a-kind treasures donated by local residents. Donald likes to pop into the store sometimes just to talk with longtime store manager Janet. She is always very friendly to everyone who comes to the store.
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Whether he is looking or buying, Donald always seems to find the most unique items with personality and history. His weekly treasure hunting explorations are sure to continue for a very long time!
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Spring Adventures Begin
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Samantha Frotten, Program Manager
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Michael jump-started his spring in the best way possible, embracing the milder weather and heading out for a day of fun at Stone Zoo. He loved seeing all the animals, each one offering something new to enjoy. One of the highlights of his visit was meeting Fiona, a new baby monkey who had everyone smiling. Michael thought it was hilarious watching her swing from her mother’s tail with all the confidence and charm only a mischievous little monkey can have. Moments like that set the tone for a day filled with laughter.
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His amusement didn’t end there. At the black bear exhibit, Mike watched as one of the bears gleefully played with a cardboard box. But out of everything he saw that day, the flamingos truly stole his heart. Bright, bold, and anything but quiet, they captured his attention from the moment he approached the exhibit. Their vibrant pink feathers and constant chatter made the whole area feel alive. Mike especially loved that the more he waved to them, the louder they squawked back. Their noisy enthusiasm kept him giggling long after he’d moved on.
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The trip didn’t end at the zoo gates. Mike followed up his adventure with grilled chicken wraps for lunch. It was the perfect way to "wrap up" a day full of activity, fresh air, and new experiences. As the weather continues to warm up, he can’t wait for more outdoor activity and more opportunities to enjoy the sunshine. If this first adventure is any indication, spring is shaping up to be a season filled with fun and unforgettable moments.
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Sunshine Days
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Alyssa Burdo, Fiscal Intermediary Coordinator
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Sam is looking forward to summer! She loves every animal she meets, but nothing delights her more than visiting the local animal farms. The moment she arrives, she heads straight for the chickens. Their soft clucks and busy little struts always make her smile. Petting the animals, especially her beloved chickens, fills Sam with joy.
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When she isn’t at the farm, Sam spends some of her afternoons in the kitchen, cooking and baking meals for her Granny and herself. She pays close attention to each step, measuring, stirring, flipping, and checking the oven.
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Sam stays active by walking the track at the gym, strolling through the mall, and/or wandering the peaceful trails of Heyworth Mason Park. No matter where she walks, Sam moves with purpose and joy. She also loves spending time with her friend, meeting for lunch, taking long walks together, and sharing stories that make them laugh.
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Arts and crafts bring out another side of her creativity. Give Sam a canvas, a set of paints, or a handful of drawing pencils, and she could turn a blank space into something beautiful. She especially enjoys painting and drawing.
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Every summer day brings something Sam enjoys, from animals and cooking to walking and time with friends. She is excited and ready for the warmer summer days ahead!
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Snowed In, but Spring Minded!
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Rhonda Nubour, Program Manager
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Becky and Sonya are so ready to say goodbye to winter and hello to spring! They’ve been keeping a close eye on those towering snowbanks, eagerly waiting for them to melt away and make room for sunshine, fresh air, and all things springtime.
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When a recent snowstorm kept everyone indoors, these two didn’t let it dampen their spirits. Instead, they turned their stay-at-home day into a spring inspired crafting extravaganza! Armed with creativity, color, and a whole lot of talent, they dove right into their projects and wow, did they deliver.
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From start to finish, the day was filled with laughs, imagination, and beautiful handmade creations. Clearly, these ladies are true artists who know how to turn a snowy setback into a bright and cheerful masterpiece. If this is how they handle winter, we can’t wait to see what they do once spring arrives!
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Blood Drive Buddies
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Sarah King, Director of Residential Services
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If you’ve visited the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (ARLGP) recently, you could have crossed paths with Sean or at least seen the impact of his hard work. Sean is one of the most dedicated volunteers the shelter could ask for, showing up with enthusiasm, reliability, and a genuine love for every creature that comes through the doors.
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Sean is such a committed animal lover that he chose to live within walking distance of the shelter. Whether it’s dogs, cats, or small critters, Sean is ready to help however he can, and what truly sets him apart is that he never hesitates to roll up his sleeves and take on the tough jobs.
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This week, Sean told me about a blood drive the ARLGP was hosting and made sure I was personally invited to stop by. Not only did he help spread the word, but he also participated for the very first time. We both left feeling great about donating, and it was wonderful to see Sean joking with fellow volunteers, catching up after the event, and enjoying a well-earned snack with the team.
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Although we didn’t get to visit with the pups (Sean politely reminded me that Wednesdays are closed to the public), it was still a joy to spend time with him and witness the strong relationships he’s built at the shelter. His pride in the work he does is clear, and the warmth he brings to the ARLGP community is felt by both animals and people alike.
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Ready to Roll
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Lydia Caron, Operations Specialist
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Richard has always had a passion for bowling, and anyone who knows him can tell how much joy the sport brings him. Whether it’s the satisfying swing of his arm, the familiar rhythm of the lanes, or the challenge of improving his score, bowling is a hobby he embraces fully. He never arrives unprepared; Richard shows up with his own bowling shoes and his personal bowling ball, a clear sign of both commitment and pride in his game.
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Recently, Richard joined the Londonderry Residential Resources group for an afternoon of bowling, and the experience turned into more than just a few games. Surrounded by friendly faces and lively energy, he not only enjoyed the sport he loves but also made new friends along the way. The outing was a meaningful reminder of how shared interests can bring people together, and Richard left the lanes with both great memories and new connections he’s excited to maintain!
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Brett’s Canvas Chronicles
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Autumn Donnelly, FI Accounting Specialist
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For the past two years, Brett has been exploring the world of oil painting through paint-by- number canvases. It is a hobby he shares with his staff, Jordan. What began as a simple creative activity has grown into a meaningful routine that brings pride, focus, and connection.
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Painting has become one of Brett’s favorite pastimes, giving him a chance to express himself while building on his interests. He and his painting partner are entirely self-taught, relying on patience, practice, and the structured guidance of paint-by-number kits. Brett follows the designs, occasionally getting a little help with the finer details, especially the tiny numbers and the delicate work on faces.
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Although Brett hasn’t showcased his artwork publicly, his paintings already have a special place in the world. He proudly displays them at home, and many have been gifted to the people he cares about most. His mother, father, siblings, and friends all have pieces he created.
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Painting offers a rewarding experience, and Brett is proud of what he creates. His mom especially loves seeing him immersed in something that brings him joy.
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Residential Resources, Inc. | 34 West St. | Keene, NH 03431
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