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Community News
November 2025
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A Rising Star
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Lisa Turner, Associate Director
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Evelyn continues to amaze us with her boundless creativity and artistic flair. Known for her nature-inspired art projects, she has a remarkable ability to transform everyday outdoor treasures, like leaves, twigs, stones, and flowers, into stunning works of art. Whether it's a whimsical woodland collage or a sculpture made from driftwood and pinecones, Evelyn’s pieces reflect both her imagination and her deep appreciation for the natural world. Her art not only beautifies her surroundings but also inspires others to see the magic in the materials around them.
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Recently, Evelyn joined an exciting new group called Rising Stars, where her talents are shining even brighter. This dynamic group is preparing to put on a play, giving Evelyn a chance to explore her theatrical side, but the fun doesn’t stop there. Rising Stars also engages in a variety of creative and team-building activities, from crafting and storytelling to games and community projects. Evelyn’s enthusiasm and artistic spirit make her a standout member, and we can’t wait to see all the wonderful things she’ll accomplish next!
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BIG Fun
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Holli Brown, Program Manager
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Derek has been having a ROARING good time! He has been making the most of the warm summer-like weather while he can. Derek and his roommate, John, went to the Dinosaur & I Heart Cookie Event in Portland. This pop-up event gave people the chance to get up close and personal with some life-like dinosaurs while enjoying delicious cookies. What could be more fun than big dinosaurs and big cookies?
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A big motorcycle! Derek spotted a cool purple motorcycle while out looking for deals at local yard sales and tried it out for size. He brought home some new treasures from the yard sale, but not the big motorcycle, at least not this time. Derek is looking forward to more BIG fun this fall!
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Fried Dough
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Mark Greenstone, Direct Support Professional
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This week’s local adventure took us to Twinkle Town Mini Golf! It's a fun spot with its whimsical miniature golf course, batting cages, and delicious food. Twinkle Town is a favorite place for many.
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But let’s be honest, David didn’t come for the golf. He came for the fried dough! And he wasn’t disappointed.
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Twinkle Town offers a variety of food, including ice cream, chili cheese fries, and yes, fried dough. David was happy to see it on the menu, and soon he was happily munching away, powdered sugar dusting his shirt like a badge of honor.
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The vibe was relaxed and welcoming. Staff were friendly, and the grounds are well-kept, with shaded benches and picnic tables that make it easy to linger.
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A Fresh Cut and Classic Vibes
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Leona Carney, Direct Support Professional
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Robert recently decided to visit Elm City Barber Shop to get a haircut. Though he hadn't gone there in a while, he enjoys the atmosphere and has often said it's a "real man's " barbershop. When he arrived, he discovered that a new barber, Chris, was running the place. Chris assured Robert that he was just as skilled as the previous owner and was happy to meet him.
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Once Robert was seated, he asked Chris to give him the "works". He wanted his hair cut and his beard shaved. As Chris went to work, Robert regaled him with his many adventures. Chris was particularly impressed by hearing of the extensive traveling Robert did in his younger years, admitting that he himself hadn't really gone anywhere. By the end of the haircut, they both agreed that New Hampshire was still a great place to live.
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Chris told Robert he was welcome to visit anytime he liked, even if it was just to sit for a while and chat. Once we left, Robert stated how pleased he was with the whole experience and felt the new haircut made him look handsome. He wanted to go to the office to show off his new look. But since the office happened to be closed that day, Robert decided to go downtown for coffee and have an opportunity to people watch. Robert looks forward to visiting Chris again.
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Summer Adventures
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Pebbles Agoney, FI Team Lead
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We often think of things like a walk in the park or a shopping trip as everyday activities, simple, accessible, and always there when we want them. Most of us wake up and choose how we’ll spend our day: relaxing, exploring, being productive, or just soaking up the moment. The possibilities feel endless.
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But for some, those choices come to life through the support of others. Take Jill, for example, a lively, adventurous woman who brings sunshine wherever she goes. With the help of her Self-Direction staff, Jill doesn’t just participate in her community, she makes waves in it!
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This summer, Jill went on a fishing spree, exploring new spots like Westport Boat Launch, Lincoln Pond, and Kingdom Dam. She reeled in bluegill, a giant white perch, and bass. Clearly, the fish didn’t stand a chance with Jill around!
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Jill’s joy isn’t just about the catch. She says, “Even if I don’t catch anything, I’m happy just sitting in the sun with my Coppertone on, getting tan.” That’s the kind of energy that turns an ordinary day into a great one, because sometimes the best catch is simply enjoying the sunshine.
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A Night to Remember
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Earl Cookson, Program Manager
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Nick’s world pulses with rhythm. Whether it’s the adrenaline of sports or the soul-stirring power of music, his passions are vivid and alive. In his room, the walls echo with the sounds of Nickelback and timeless oldies, as Nick sings along with heartfelt enthusiasm.
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This past July, Nick’s love for music reached a thrilling crescendo. He took a memorable trip to Bangor, Maine, to see a live Def Leppard concert! It was a dream come true for Nick, a devoted fan.
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The drive was a long one, but every mile was charged with anticipation. Upon arrival, Nick and his staff checked into a cozy hotel, setting the stage for two days of excitement. They dined like royalty at Governor’s Restaurant, indulging in hearty meals that matched the celebratory spirit of the trip.
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But the true highlight came when the lights dimmed, and the music began. As Def Leppard took the stage, Nick was transfixed. The music spoke directly to his soul. It was as if the band was singing just for him.
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Nick rocked all night, jamming to every beat. The energy, the lights, and the crowd all blended into a perfect experience. At the end of the concert, Nick picked out a special Def Leppard shirt, the perfect memento to end an unforgettable night.
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Apples to Airports
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Lydia Caron, Operations Specialist
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Julie and Rolita have been long-time housemates who share a close bond and do nearly everything together. Every Monday morning, they kick off the week with coffee and a planning session, mapping out their upcoming activities!
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This month, one of their highlights was a delightful trip to Mack’s Apples. They spent the day strolling through rows of apple trees, picking two full bags of apples, and of course, sampling the delicious varieties along the way. While there, they also visited the pumpkin patch, enjoyed a cozy picnic lunch, and captured some beautiful photos for their memory book.
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Another fun outing took them to Manchester Airport, where they spent the morning watching planes take off and land, a favorite pastime of theirs. They added to the fun with music and games, making it a lively and memorable experience.
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No matter where they go, Julie and Rolita are guaranteed to have a great time. It’s always exciting to see what creative plans they come up with each week!
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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 - HONESTY - CREATIVITY - EMPOWERMENT - DIVERSITY
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