|
|
|
|
John's Resolution Begins Now!
|
Sarah King | Director of Residential Services | Westbrook, ME
|
|
|
|
Why wait until January when you can start today? John is ahead of the game this year, diving into his New Year’s resolutions early, and he couldn’t be more excited!
|
A lifelong sports enthusiast, fitness center employee, and proud Special Olympics athlete for over two decades, John knows that staying active is key to health and happiness.
|
|
Recently, he decided it was time to take his fitness routine to the next level. The solution? A brand-new treadmill, now perfectly stationed in his living room.
|
|
|
|
As soon as it arrived, John was ready to try it out! He jumped right on and started moving, thrilled to have a way to stay fit and fabulous all winter long. With his treadmill, John can listen to his favorite music, catch a movie, or tune into TV while getting his steps in, making exercise both fun and convenient.
|
But John’s enthusiasm doesn’t stop there. He encouraged me to hop on the treadmill too after putting it together, proving that wellness is better when shared. His message to everyone is simple and inspiring. It’s never too late to start your wellness journey!
|
|
Let’s cheer John on as he sets the pace for a healthier, happier year ahead. Who’s ready to join him?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sweet Treats and Career Dreams
|
Max Sorrell | FI Coordinator | Plattsburgh, NY
|
|
|
|
If you’ve ever enjoyed a perfectly baked muffin or a golden, flaky tart at the Champlain Valley Educational Services (CVES) Plattsburgh campus, chances are you’ve tasted the handiwork of Quentin Neil, though he prefers to go by “Q.”
|
|
Q is a dedicated team member working through supported employment with the Pre-CTE (Career and Technical Education) Food Services Program. With a passion for the culinary arts and a particular flair for baking, Q is building a strong foundation in the kitchen industry, one sweet treat at a time.
|
|
|
|
Through his role, Q has gained hands-on experience in a variety of essential kitchen tasks, including cold food preparation, inventory management, baking, serving, and nutrition. But it’s in the bakery section where Q truly shines. Muffins, tarts, and other sweet goods are his specialty, and his enthusiasm for crafting delicious desserts is evident in every bite. While Q excels in many areas, he’s also honest about the parts of the job he finds less appealing, particularly anything involving meat. His mom also told us that his least favorite task is handling meat, and he would rather stick with sweets.
|
|
The Pre-CTE Food Services program offers the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to meet entry-level job requirements in the food industry, while also encouraging continued growth and education. It’s a stepping stone toward a fulfilling career, and Q is making the most of every moment. With his positive attitude, growing skill set, and undeniable talent for baking, Q is proving that with the right support and a little sugar, anything is possible.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mike’s Recipe for Fun
Kristin Lemire | Program Manager | Londonderry, NH
|
Over the past several months, Mike has been enjoying a variety of activities, both at home and beyond. In the kitchen, Mike has been developing his culinary skills and contributing to meal preparation. Recently, he assisted in making a supreme pizza, carefully adding peppers, onions, and pepperoni over a generous layer of cheese. He has also expressed interest in trying more complex dishes such as shrimp scampi and beef stroganoff.
|
Mike recently went to Applebee’s with one of his housemates, where he confidently tackled a large mushroom burger without even cutting it in half! Additionally, Mike attended a veteran's dinner, proudly wearing his veteran hat. He enjoyed a traditional chicken dinner followed by a brownie for dessert, making the evening both meaningful and enjoyable.
|
|
Looking ahead, Mike is ready to dive into new experiences, whether it's whipping up something tasty in the kitchen or joining in local community fun. His upbeat energy makes every activity more enjoyable!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sonya Celebrates 56!
|
Rhonda Nubuor | Program Manager | Keene, NH
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sonya celebrated her 56th birthday in true fashion! After weeks of pre-planning and list-making, the big day finally arrived. Dressed in a stunning pink sequin dress and a birthday sash, Sonya embraced the spotlight.
|
Her celebration began with a cheerful bouquet of balloons from one of her staff members. The surprises didn’t stop there! Her siblings and two sisters-in-law whisked her away from her day program for a special lunch together.
|
When Sonya returned home, she was greeted by a beautifully decorated house ready for her party. Nineteen guests gathered to honor her, including family, friends, and dedicated staff.
|
|
Gifts poured in, but the most memorable present was a large bag of newspapers from her brother, a perfect choice for Sonya, who loves organizing and recycling papers. Laughter, joy, and heartfelt moments filled the day, making it a celebration to remember.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kathy's 30th Anniversary
|
Holli Brown | Program Manager | Westbrook, ME
|
|
|
|
October was a month of joy, reflection, and celebration as Kathy marked an incredible milestone: 30 years with Residential Resources, Inc. (RRI)!
|
|
Kathy was the guest of honor at a heartwarming anniversary party, surrounded by her favorite people and favorite foods. It was more than just a party; it was a tribute to Kathy’s vibrant spirit and her journey over the last three decades. Staff, friends, and family gathered to honor her and the joy she brings to our community.
|
|
|
|
The party featured beautiful pink decorations and flowers, delicious treats, laughter, and special moments. Kathy’s smile lit up the room as she chatted and sang songs with guests, shared stories, and enjoyed the party. Her love for family and friends was evident as she embraced the event with enthusiasm.
|
|
This special day was part of a month filled with activity, including scenic drives and shopping trips, but the anniversary party stood out as a highlight. It was a beautiful reminder of the relationships she’s built and the independence she continues to nurture.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Bright Future
|
Sara Blaine| Vice President | Londonderry, NH
|
|
|
|
|
|
Have you ever met someone and just instantly liked them? Someone who can make you smile without even trying. That’s Josh. He instantly won over the hearts of everyone at Residential Resources. Whether he’s chatting about his favorite movies, actors, sports, or simply taking in the world around him with quiet curiosity, Josh radiates joy.
|
Recently, Josh embarked on a brave new adventure: moving into his new home with incredible Home Care Providers, Pramod and Chandani. This was a huge change, as it was the first time Josh had lived outside of his family’s home. We were excited for him, but also hopeful that it would be a smooth transition, as we know transitions are hard and it usually takes time to settle in.
|
|
Josh and his providers didn’t just settle in; they hit the ground running! Pramod tells us that Josh is thriving, embracing every new opportunity with enthusiasm! Together, they spent time exploring,
|
picking apples and pumpkins, taking scenic drives up north to admire the foliage, playing soccer and tennis, and walking the family dog. He is also making new friends and attending birthday parties, baby showers, and he even braved our recent haunted house.
|
|
While transitions can be challenging, it seems that as their relationship develops Josh’s confidence continues to grow. As we look ahead, we couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds for him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On Thursday, October 16th, I went to Walmart and bought a pumpkin to carve for the Keene
|
|
Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, October 18th. I was holding out, waiting to see if there would be pumpkins donated, like in the past, the school kids would get a pumpkin. I didn't want to lose out, so that’s why I went to Walmart. It was a good price, $3 and change.
|
|
|
|
Before I started carving, I had to put my gloves on because I could tell it was going to be messy. I remember carving pumpkins when I was a kid, but I haven’t done this for a long time. I drew a face on the front. Sharon helped me cut the top off and showed me how to get all the seeds and stuff out of the pumpkin. I finished carving the pumpkin, put it in my laundry cart, walked down Main St. and found a great wooden display that had room it.
|
On the way back to my apartment, a big 18-wheeler showed up and parked right near Central Square, and guess what was inside? Yes, lots of pumpkins. I asked someone if they knew what they were for, and they thought that there would be something set up in Central Square, like an activity for kids and people to carve pumpkins. I was all set. I already carved one pumpkin, and that was enough for me.
|
I love Keene and I love checking out all the events going on downtown. I run into people who live in my apartment building, and I see others I know from around town. There were lots of pumpkins, people, and kids. Some people dressed up as dragons, Star Wars characters, and scary monsters. There were plenty of food booths where you could buy goodies. There were some really cool pumpkins, like white, green, and the normal orange ones.
|
|
It's only one day and then it’s gone! All the pumpkins got cleaned up by Sunday. The streets that were closed to traffic on Saturday were reopened for Sunday too.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Residential Resources, Inc. | 34 West St. | Keene, NH 03431
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
