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Community News
October 2025
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A Purr-fect Birthday Surprise
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Lisa Pimpare, Program/Office Manager
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This year, Michelle’s birthday was nothing short of magical. Known among her friends and family as a devoted animal lover and an especially passionate cat enthusiast, Michelle received a gift that touched her heart in the most unexpected way, a hyper-realistic comfort cat.
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The lifelike feline, designed to mimic the look and feel of a real cat, is more than just a plush toy. With soft fur, gentle movements, and even subtle purring sounds, it brings a sense of calm and joy that only a true animal lover can fully appreciate.
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For Michelle, who has always found comfort and companionship in animals, this thoughtful gift is the perfect blend of technology and tenderness. Michelle now has a comforting companion by her side, one that purrs, cuddles, and brings a smile to her face every time.
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As birthdays go, this one will be hard to top. It wasn’t just about the gift; it was about feeling seen, understood, and loved. And that, much like her new feline friend, is truly priceless.
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Creative Joy
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Cassie King, Fiscal Intermediary Coordinator
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Tina is someone who brings joy wherever she goes, and when she’s at E&E Creations in Plattsburgh, NY, that joy multiplies. Whether she’s holding a paintbrush or picking out buttons, Tina is in her element. Her enthusiasm for crafting is matched only by her joy in spending time with others, making every visit a mix of creativity and connection.
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Tina dives headfirst into all kinds of artistic projects. From painting to decorating tumblers, coffee cups, and pillowcases, she’s always got something colorful in the works. And when asked to pick a favorite? She simply can’t. She loves them all!
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But it’s not just about the crafts. Tina loves visiting with others while she works. Whether it’s teaming up on a project, lending a helping hand, or sharing a few laughs and playful teasing, the atmosphere is always warm and welcoming.
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Would Tina recommend this to others? Absolutely! “They will have fun there,” she promises. Tina loves making art, memories, and friendships, one craft at a time.
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Lake Life
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Laine Dassau, Home Provider
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John went boating on Laurel Lake in Fitzwilliam, NH, on a beautiful day in August. My friend, Garrett, has a home on the lake, and it was the perfect setting for a little summer adventure. We thought we would try something different that day. So, John and I climbed into the inflatable tube while Garrett took the wheel of the boat.
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At first, it was a little scary. John had not done this before, and the thought of bouncing across the water at high speed was a bit intimidating. But Garrett is such a skilled and thoughtful driver that he quickly put both John and me at ease. He started off slow, letting us get used to the feel of the tube skimming across the surface, then gradually picked up speed.
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Once we hit our stride, John really started to enjoy the thrill of it all. He laughed every time we caught air over a wave, and I could tell he was having a blast. The sun was shining, the water sparkled, and the breeze felt amazing as we zipped along. It was one of those perfect summer moments with equal parts excitement and joy, with a touch of thrill.
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Afterward, we all relaxed on the dock, talking and laughing about the ride. It was a day we’ll definitely remember, and I think it sparked a new love of lake life for John.
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Incredible Camps
Lisa Houde, Director of Quality Assurance
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This summer was truly magical for Peggy, filled with laughter and heartfelt moments at two incredible camps. Her days were packed with unforgettable experiences, and her stories are brimming with joy!
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At Grotenwood Camp, Peggy dove into a week of fun and friendship. She crafted a cardboard guitar and proudly jammed out with it during the ice cream social. She enjoyed boat rides, swimming, arts and crafts, and dancing. Peggy was honored with the “Most Lovely and Popular Camper” & the “Friendly Spirit” awards, a testament to the warmth and kindness she shares with everyone she meets. Peggy reconnected with old friends from past camps, Special Olympics, and her theater group, making the week even more special.
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At another camp week, Peggy embraced a fairy tale-themed adventure. She made a glowing hanging lantern, indulged in a delicious ice cream sundae, and danced the night away at a fairy tale party. There were also trivia games, themed activities, and a banquet dinner. On the final day, Peggy received the “Most Caring Camper” award, a deeply touching moment that brought tears to her eyes.
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Peggy’s summer was a beautiful blend of new friendships, cherished memories, and personal achievements.
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James Earns the Congressional Award!
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Heather Cothran, State Director
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At a recent Scout Troop meeting, James Sharp was honored with the prestigious Congressional Award, a recognition of his dedication, service, and personal growth. This award is the United States Congress’s only award for youth, and James has certainly earned it!
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To achieve this milestone, James completed 60 hours across four key areas:
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Voluntary Public Service – 30 Hours
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James gave back to his community in meaningful ways by helping unload trucks at the Inter-Faith Food Shelf, picking up apples at the Head Start playground, and assembling 13 Jared Boxes filled with toys and activities for children in the Pediatric Ward at UVM Hospital in Burlington.
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Physical Fitness – 15 Hours
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James stayed active by walking regularly both outdoors and on the YMCA track. He’s also learning to play pickleball.
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Personal Development – 15 Hours
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James focused on his growth as a Scout, working toward his First-Class rank and now progressing toward Star rank by earning additional merit badges.
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Expedition/Exploration – 1 Day
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James explored history and literature by reading Farmer Boy and visiting Malone, NY, where Almanzo Wilder, the book’s main character, grew up.
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James is now setting his sights on the Silver Certificate, which requires a total of 120 hours. With his determination and heart for service, we know he’ll reach that goal in no time.
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Go James! We’re proud of you and cheering you on every step of the way!
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Beach Life
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Alida Nsabimana, Program Manager
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This Summer, Michelle took a well-deserved break and headed to the sunny shores of Old Orchard Beach for a day of fun, relaxation, and a little shopping flair!
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While strolling the iconic pier, Michelle soaked in the ocean breeze and found the perfect souvenir: a bold, graffiti-style hat personalized with her name. With its vibrant colors and playful design, it wasn’t just stylish, it was eye-catching and full of personality. It’s the kind of accessory that turns heads and sparks smiles, just like Michelle herself.
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Michelle didn’t just shop, she played! She wasn’t shy to join a group of friendly locals to play spontaneous games.
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Michelle’s beach day was a time to pause, recharge, and find joy in the little things, from the salty breeze to a perfect accessory discovered along the way.
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Family, Cake, and a Special Tradition
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Lydia Caron, Operations Specialist
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Lori’s birthday celebration this year was extra special, as it coincided with a long-awaited family reunion. Her siblings traveled from three different states to be together, making the occasion even more meaningful. The family gathered at a beautiful lakefront house in Meredith, where they spent quality time catching up, sharing stories, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The lake setting provided the perfect backdrop for relaxation, laughter, and plenty of delicious food.
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On Lori’s actual birthday, the celebration continued during her annual team meeting, a tradition she genuinely looks forward to each year, as long as her birthday falls on a weekday. This year was no exception. After the meeting, everyone sang to Lori and shared cake in her honor, making the moment both festive and personal. The photo from that moment says it all: smiles, cake, and a whole lot of joy.
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The Road Trip
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Robin DeRose, Direct Support Professional
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Glen was asked if he would like to go on a road trip with some friends at The Keene Senior Center. The center was sponsoring a day trip to the Winnipesauke Playhouse in Meredith, NH. It was going to be a long day, leaving Keene at 11:15 a.m. and returning at about 7:00 p.m.
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Michael and Peggy, friends that Glen knew from their volunteering experience at the Keene Community Kitchen, let him know that if he got tired, he could take a catnap on the bus ride to and from their destination. He was all in. Glen likes a little challenge in his life, so he figured he didn’t have anything else too pressing to do on that Thursday, so he said yes. The theater was comfortable and beautiful.
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He saw “Once on this Island,” a Caribbean-flavored Broadway musical featuring a peasant girl. The trip was well worth it. Being around familiar people, lots of music, laughter, and good conversation, made it quite a day to remember. Glen is looking forward to enjoying more trips in the future.
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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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