|
|
|
|
Chelly’s DIY Dog Treat Delight
Rhonda Nubuor, Program Manager
|
Chelly decided to dive into the world of DIY dog treats. She got to work mixing up a wholesome batch of homemade goodies. The recipe was simple but packed with love! As the ingredients came together, the dough turned into a soft, nutty-sweet mixture that smelled good enough for humans to sneak a bite (though Chelly left that to the pups!).
|
Her favorite part? Rolling out the dough and using adorable cookie cutters to stamp out bone-shaped biscuits. It was like arts and crafts meets baking. The kitchen was soon filled with trays of treats ready to be baked to golden perfection.
|
But Chelly didn’t stop there. With her signature thoughtfulness, she packaged up the treats into cute little bags, each one labeled. She made sure every member of her staff who had a “fur baby” got a special delivery. It was her way of saying thank you, a small but heartfelt gesture to show appreciation for the care and kindness she receives every day.
|
|
If you’re inspired to whip up a batch yourself, check out the recipe below. BUT BE WARNED: your dog might start expecting gourmet snacks from now on!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
🐾 Homemade Dog Treats Recipe
- 3/4 cup of mashed yam
- 3 cups of hearty oats
- 1/2 cup of creamy natural peanut butter
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into small cookies or press flat and cut into shapes.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until edges are golden and treats are firm.
- For crunchier treats, turn off the oven and let them sit inside as it cools for another 30–60 minutes.
- Let treats cool completely before serving to your pup.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fun Together!
|
Holli Brown, Program Manager
|
The best things in life are the things that bring and keep us together. Some things pull our hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits together over and over again. John and his coach, Matt, joined our Residentials Resources team for the 2025 State Summer Special Olympics Games in Orono, ME.
|
For more than 20 years, John has been coming together with thousands of other athletes to participate in Special Olympics. John has braved Maine winters, participating in Downhill Ski events. He has battled through hot and humid days running the 100-meter dash. He has stood in rain and put his whole heart into the Softball Throw when storm clouds tried to dampen the fun. Through all kinds of weather, over all the miles, John keeps coming year after year, and so does Matt!
|
Residential Resources is a special kind of community that brings and keeps people together. Matt has also been an important part of our Special Olympics team for over 20 years. He has volunteered in a variety of roles, including as a coach, driver, and enthusiastic supporter. Matt wakes early, makes the long drive, supports the athletes, and does it all with his ever-present, exuberant smile. Matt and John have been coming together with Special Olympics and Residential Resources for over 20 years.
|
|
We look forward to many more years of smiles and fun together!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Apartment Living
Christine started in Self-Direction in 2019 at 17 years old. Since then, she has graduated high school with her twin brother, Gary. Christine is the youngest of 6 siblings. Her stepsister is one of her three Direct Support Staff.
|
Three years ago, Christine was fortunate to be the first name drawn in a lottery to get a brand-new apartment. She used the resources from her Self-Direction budget to obtain a housing subsidy, transition stipend, and other categories to help her live independently.
|
She takes art classes through her Individual Directed Goods and Services (IDGS) and has an art corner in her apartment to paint her creations. She sells her artwork at vendor events and enjoys going to the mall, movies, shopping, craft stores, gym, and community events.
|
Christine has also taken horseback riding lessons for five years, using her IDGS classes in her budget. She chooses which horse she would like to work with when she takes her lessons. Some days, she rides in the arena, and other days, she rides the trails in the beautiful Adirondack Mountain Region.
|
Christine likes traveling to see family in North Carolina, Florida, and Maine, using her personal transportation funds to help her with the travel costs. She also enjoys Gary's company. He often visits her apartment and brings her to see their parents.
|
|
When Christine realized school was ending and Gary was moving out, she said, “Gary and me are on separate paths, but the paths will still cross each other.” She found a lot of comfort in those words to express what to expect next as she transitioned from her family’s home to her own apartment, where she is thriving.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rolita’s Week of Local Wonders
Lydia Caron, Operations Specialist and Program Manager
|
Rolita spent a delightful week rediscovering the joys of her local surroundings, turning each day into a mini adventure. She kicked off her staycation with a tranquil visit to the Massabesic Audubon Center. Surrounded by lush greenery and the calls of native birds, she spent hours bird-watching along the peaceful trails with her binoculars, which she always keeps with her.
|
Midweek, Rolita added a playful twist to her vacation with a visit to Mel’s Funway Park in Litchfield. After indulging in a scoop (or two) of her favorite ice cream, she enjoyed the lively atmosphere filled with laughter and the buzz of go-karts and mini golf. Later in the week, she treated herself to a cozy late morning at Chunky’s Movie Theater, where she enjoyed lunch and a film in the comfort of a big plush seat.
|
|
To wrap up her week, Rolita headed to Hampton Beach for a classic New England coastal day. She strolled the boardwalk and dipped her toes in the Atlantic, ending her local vacation with great memories and feeling relaxed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Road Race
|
Patrice Aguda-Brown, Home Care Provider
|
On May 3, 2025, Gregg went to Westmoreland, NH, to cheer on Patrice, Chris, and all the other families participating in the 21st annual four-mile road race to benefit the Westmoreland PTA. The race took place in the beautiful rolling countryside of NH overlooking farms and the Connecticut River valley.
|
Participants had the option to run, walk, or kids could run in a sprint. It was fun and inclusive for all. It was awesome to see the community come together to support the PTA and the great activities they do to enrich programming for the students and staff.
|
The rain didn’t dampen Gregg’s enthusiasm. He enjoyed socializing with family friends, eating wonderful homemade treats, and joining others in cheering on the race participants.
|
|
Gregg loves to get awards or medals when he participates in an activity. Today, he received a nice tee shirt for his efforts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Perfect Day at the Ballpark
|
Lisa Pimpare, Program/Office Manager
|
Jimmie and Maqtal took full advantage of a picture-perfect summer day by heading to a Portland Sea Dogs game. With the sun shining and spirits high, they enjoyed classic ballpark treats—hot dogs, soda, and plenty of sunshine.
|
One of the highlights of the day was a special photo opportunity with the beloved Sea Dogs mascot, which brought big smiles all around and captured the time together, creating a memory to cherish.
|
|
Thanks to access to the Employee Sky Box, they enjoyed the best of both worlds—soaking in the excitement of the game while relaxing in the comfort of air conditioning! It was a day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the joy of America’s favorite pastime.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wheely Good Times at the Car Show
|
Lisa Turner, Associate Director
|
Robert loves a day out on the town, especially when it involves engines roaring and chrome gleaming under the sun. This time, his adventure took him to the 6th Annual Granite State Season Opener Car Show at the Deerfield Fairgrounds, a beloved New Hampshire tradition and one of the largest car shows in the state. The fairgrounds were buzzing with excitement, with three sprawling fields packed bumper-to-bumper with an incredible variety of vehicles. From meticulously restored vintage classics to sleek, high-performance modern marvels, there was something for every kind of car enthusiast.
|
As Robert strolled through the rows, the air was filled with the sound of live music and the mouthwatering aromas of fair food favorites, including fried dough, sausage sandwiches, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. He paused often, chatting with proud car owners, snapping photos, and admiring the craftsmanship and creativity on display. Some cars were polished to mirror-like perfection, while others told stories of decades gone by through their original coating.
|
|
With so many stunning vehicles to admire, Robert found it nearly impossible to pick a favorite. Each car had its own charm, its own story—and that’s what made the day so unforgettable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Please send us your questions, comments, or suggestions. We'd love to hear from you!
|
|
|
|
|
TRUST - RESPECT - QUALITY - TRUTH / HONESTY - CREATIVITY - EMPOWERMENT - DIVERSITY
|
|
|
|
|
