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Community News
March 2025
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The Gift That Keeps Giving
Jennifer Desrocher, FI Coordinator
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This past Christmas, Connor received an exciting new gadget, a 3D printer! Little did he know this gift would open up a world of creativity, learning, and hands-on fun.
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Connor and his dad set out to learn how to use this new printer by watching YouTube videos that walked them through the process of selecting ready-to-print designs from a website. Connor quickly mastered the process of converting 3D models to layers (slicing) and transferring the file to an SD card to bring the design to life.
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Connor has already built an impressive collection of printed objects. One of his first creations was a tiny tugboat, a classic test print that many new 3D printing enthusiasts start with. He also made a frog, a dinosaur, and a fidget snake, each adding to his growing collection of fun and unique prints.
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One of Connor’s favorite creations so far is a set of keys, which he loves to use as a fidget toy. The design is simple but incredibly satisfying to play with, making it one of his most used prints. His most ambitious project yet is a Pokémon-themed chess set. Piece by piece, he is printing all the components for this chess set, combining his love for Pokémon with his new 3D printing hobby.
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Connor’s journey with 3D printing has just begun, and with endless designs to explore and print, the possibilities are limitless. Who knows what he will create next? One thing is for sure – his 3D printer is the Christmas gift that keeps giving!
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Stacey’s Weekend Adventure
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Priyanka Sharma, Home Care Provider
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Stacey spent an exciting weekend in Vermont, embracing new experiences and stepping out of her comfort zone. Despite the heavy snowfall during the drive, she remained positive about the trip. Upon arrival, she helped unload bags and settle into the Airbnb before joining in the fun of making Momo (Nepali dumplings), even trying her hand at wrapping them.
The next morning, Stacey visited a farmhouse where she enjoyed petting the alpacas before sledding in the backyard snow. She played board games, visited with other guests and kids, and even took a moment to dance, fully immersing herself in the friendly atmosphere. Stacey's eagerness to participate and connect with others was a highlight of the trip.
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Before heading home, Stacey helped clean the Airbnb and packed and loaded her belongings. From outdoor adventures to cooking and connecting with others, Stacey's weekend was a perfect blend of fun, personal growth, and new experiences.
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Ice Sculptures
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Sharon Cleary, QA Specialist
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On Monday, February 3rd, after being stuck inside with a winter cold, Wayne decided he needed a change of scenery. He suggested a quick trip to the store for a coffee. As we neared Central Square, Wayne noticed the ice sculptures and said, "WOW!" He had wanted to visit the Ice and Snow Festival that weekend but hadn’t felt up to it.
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After grabbing our coffee, we spotted a neighbor taking photos by the fountain. The weather was nice, so we decided to check out the sculptures. Wayne noticed that the ice blocks by the fountain were all carved with the business names of festival sponsors. We then bumped into another neighbor, who offered to take Wayne's picture. He happily posed next to his favorite sculptures—the shark and butterfly, with the shark being his top choice.
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One of the neighbors shared that the artists start with a 600-pound block of ice and use chisels and chainsaws to carve the sculptures. Wayne decided that the ice pick must be for the finer details, and we both agreed it must take a steady hand to create such intricate work.
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It was a fun, spontaneous morning filled with art and a touch of winter magic. Wayne is looking forward to next year and hopes to go to the next Ice & Snow Festival!
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Together Again!
Sarah King, Director of Residential Services
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Residential Resources of Maine has been supporting individuals since 1995! Providing support, education, skill building, and independence has created many long-lasting relationships in and out of our organization. It's one of the many things that makes our community so unique.
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Doria and Monica are great examples of a long-lasting relationship that has formed. They quickly became friends and shared great skills and a passion for bowling; they attended events together and loved just hanging out with each other. They shared a house for quite some time. When Doria and Monica were no longer living together, they stayed close and kept in touch often. They even continued playing in the same bowling league together!
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Recently, Doria and Monica had the opportunity to live together again with John, Monica's long-time partner. A perfect three's company! When John, Monica, and Doria were posed with this opportunity to move in together, they all answered with a resounding "Yes!" The three are now happily living together again in a most adorable home in the heart of Westbrook. We couldn't be happier to see them come together again and look forward to sharing in the adventures they will have!
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Spa Days
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Ricky Berry, Associate Director
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Sherrie loves getting her makeup done or watching movies. Recently, Sherrie got to enjoy both with her program manager and DSP! She had a spa day at her house, where she got her hair done and her nails painted. Sherrie especially loved picking out her lip gloss. This fun spa day was followed by a movie night with her housemate! They enjoyed snacks, drinks and watching Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act. The highlight for Sherrie was enjoying dinner, Chinese food, in each other’s company.
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Sherrie has a few ideas for more spa nights and movie nights. She’s looking forward to better weather so she can more easily pick out items for these activities herself. It will be wonderful to see Sherrie out and about more often, enjoying the things she loves, and we’re excited to continue supporting her along the way!
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A Night to Shine
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Ricky Berry, Associate Director
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Mike and Larry attended A Night to Shine, a prom sponsored by The Time Tebow Foundation. Both guys were dressed to impress and eager to have a good time.
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Larry enjoyed the spread of catered food while rattling off the names and artists of songs played by the DJ. He sat down, keeping an eye on everything happening around him, and said multiple times how much fun he was having. Mike, on the other hand, chose to dance the night away with a new friend he met that evening. He also enjoyed the food but was right back on the dance floor after eating.
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Both had a great time eating, enjoying music, meeting new people, and using the photo booth. This is an event that they are already looking forward to for next year!
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A New Job
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Steve Nguz, Program Manager
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For a few months, John has been exploring work and job opportunities. Initially, he was skeptical about the idea, but after talking about the benefits and concerns, he decided to try it. Being one of John's favorite places, Walmart seemed like the perfect place to start. He often chooses to go to Walmart daily. There's nothing better than working somewhere that already feels like home.
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After filling out the application, John was called for an interview. He nailed it! They offered him a job, gave him training, and now he works there two days a week. Ever since starting this job, John has been a totally different person. He is very happy to be working; he likes that he has responsibility and can help customers. The extra income is nice too!
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John really likes his new job and said he would like to stay there for a long time.
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Back at it Again!
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Rhonda Nubuor, Program Manager
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Becky is back at it again! She is participating in Special Olympics Basketball for the second year. She loves being around people and seeing the other participants and the coaches. Becky has created lifelong friendships through the Special Olympics (SO). Don't let this smiling face fool you, Becky has a competitive edge. She enjoys and encourages her friend's success, but at the same time, she would like to get the first-place medal again this year.
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Becky is very busy. She not only participates in SO basketball, but she also participated in SO bowling, went to arcades, took a mini vacation at Hampton Beach, and re-joined the YMCA to enjoy the pool. She also tried peddling on a paddle boat, fishing (she caught 5 fish), and therapeutic horseback riding. If that wasn't enough, Becky sat by a campfire, roasted marshmallows, and had a popcorn fight. She meets a dear friend every Tuesday for bowling and so much more.
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Becky is truly living life to the fullest, balancing her love for competition with the joy of spending time with friends and trying new activities. We can't wait to see all the amazing things she'll accomplish next!
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Please send us your questions, comments, or suggestions. We'd love to hear from you!
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TRUST - RESPECT - QUALITY - TRUTH / HONESTY - CREATIVITY - EMPOWERMENT - DIVERSITY
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