Congratulations, Henry Freeman Our Employee of the Month

Henry Freeman has been working for Melmark since February 2012. Since that time, Henry has established himself as an excellent role model for the individuals in the workshops. At all times, Henry is committed to being courteous and respectful of all clients and staff. Henry warmly greets parents and visitors as they come into the workshop and let them know of any items their son or daughter will need for the next program day.

Whenever there is a need to assist with transporting in the morning, Henry volunteers to do extra trips to pick up clients.There have

been many instances when Henry has taken it upon himself to ensure an individual is adequately dressed and groomed for the day. He is considered by his managers and co-workers as the “go to” guy in the workshop because he is always willing to step up and offer assistance in whatever way he can.

Please join us in congratulating Henry on being named our June Employee of the Month!

Henry with his colleagues in the Adult Day Program

A Monthly Newsletter for the Melmark Community

June 2015

Need $500?Know someone who would make an exceptional member of the Melmark team? Tell them to check out Career Opportunities and apply online at: www.melmark.org/careers. We’re looking for motivated and caring individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. An existing Melmark employee gets $250 when the new hire is here for three months and another $250 when the new hire is here for one year. You can refer new hires all year long! Just fill out the employee referral form, found in HR, before the new hire begins at Melmark.

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It has been an incredible month at Melmark, filled with remarkable achievements by our students, stunning performances by our friends, and a generous outpouring of support from the community.

On June 12, eight young men and women graduated from The Melmark School. Friends and family gathered for graduation

ceremonies, celebrating the accomplishments of their loved ones. I am so very proud of each graduate. These students have worked harder than most of us could ever imagine to overcome obstacles and to achieve success.

Also this month, we have seen an outpouring of support for the children and adults we serve by our neighbors and community members. I would like to personally

thank Chef Art Roman of The Kitchen Workshop for providing monthly cooking classes at his business. These opportunities are helping the men and women we serve gain greater independence in the kitchen, and they’re having such fun learning! Also in the pages of this newsletter, you will read about a local gym that is providing work and exercise opportunities for the children we serve.

I also want to thank longtime Melmark friend, Anne Faulkner Schoemaker. She and The Spruce Street Chamber Players performed beautifully at a chamber concert to benefit Promises to Keep...The Campaign for Melmark. Words cannot express my sincere gratitude to Anne and each of the talented musicians who played at this intimate event, held at the Episcopal Academy Chapel on June 14.

We are blessed to have such great support, from our friends, our family and our community.

A Message from Our President Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D.

On June 14, we were treated to a remarkable afternoon of beautiful music by The Spruce Street Chamber Players and Anne Faulkner Schoemaker, pianist. The concert benefited Promises to Keep...the Campaign for Melmark and was held inside The Episcopal Academy Chapel. More than eighty guests attended the concert and reception that followed.

Anne Faulkner Schoemaker is the wife of the late Hubert J.P. Schoemaker, whose eldest daughter lived at Melmark for 28 years before her passing. Anne has remained a close and dear friend to Melmark throughout the years. We are so grateful to her and to The Spruce Street Chamber Players for helping us keep our promise to those we serve.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Episcopal Chapel, which donated the stunning space for the concert, as well as our generous sponsors who made the event possible.

The Spruce Street Players and Anne Faulkner Schoemaker

The Spruce Street Chamber Players and Anne Faulkner Schoemaker

Anne Faulkner Schoemaker, a Juilliard-trained pianist

Anne with Campaign Co-Chairs, Denny Willson and Cindy Peskin, Dr. Donovan, and

guests from Chopin Sponsor, CHOP

Melmark in the NewsLocal Headlines and Coverage

Children, adults and volunteers were the focus of several media opportunities this past month. Below is a look at those stories.

Times Herald of Montgomery County:Dan’s Gold Medal Win at States

Main Line Media News: Volunteer and Legacy Event

WPVI-TV:2015 Graduation Services

Full stories and video available on

www.melmark.org

Advocacy CornerPart of a good advocacy strategy involves creating awareness about your mission in the business community, as well as in the halls of the Capitol in Harrisburg.

Last December, I had the good fortune to be accepted into Leadership Main Line, a program offered by the Main Line Chamber of Commerce. From the Chamber’s website: “Leadership Main Line provides an intensive six-month curriculum that involves the participants in learning experiences designed to enhance the infrastructure of the Main Line. Graduates benefit personally and professionally, but the big winner is the community as more qualified leaders are developed.”

In addition to leadership lesson-based presentations given by a number of CEOs in the Chamber’s membership, our group worked together on a project for The Save Alliance Foundation. This group connects community, education and the environment to create sustainability solutions. Our Main Line Leadership class worked on a rebranding initiative for this group, which we refer to as “Green Allies.” For more information about this project visit, please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/thesavealliance?fref=ts

As satisfying as working on the project was, a more significant factor for me was to spread the word about Melmark’s mission through my conversations with other emerging community leaders. They now know us well and have great respect for the work being done here by each of you, my co-workers. Thank you for making our services so easy to promote.

Michael Donovan Manager of Operations and Strategic Initiatives

• Lower section of new education parking lot to be paved and ready for use by start of ESY

• Work has begun on retaining walls

• Construction and storm water management work continues

Thank you to everyone for their cooperation during the site work construction. All campus improvements are designed to provide optimal safety to Melmark’s clients, staff and visitors.

Work to improve storm water management

Each month, we’re updating staff on construction taking place on Melmark’s campus. Below is a look at some of the main tasks underway in “The Construction Zone”:

Leadership Main Line Curriculum Team for “Green Allies” Standing (left to right): Michael Donovan of Melmark,

Claudine Vita of Harcum College, Mindy Geib of Vertex, and Christopher Betts of Devereux. Seated (left to right): Robyn Langston of Belmont Hills Library, Nathan Prosser

of Vanguard, and Reagan Overstreet of Vertex

Learning Valuable Skills in the KitchenWorkshops Promote Healthy Meal Preparation

A big thanks to Chef Art Roman of The Kitchen Workshop in Paoli for leading educational and fun cooking classes for adults at Melmark. In May, Tee, Bill, Marc, Valerie and Holly attended classes. In June, Tee returned with a new group of cooks, David, Christian, Emily and Megan. Chef Art’s classes are incredible. See his calendar of courses at: http://www.kitchen-workshop.com/ .

David measuring the flour for homemade pizza crust Emily mixing the crust ingredients

Christian, Tee and David rolling the dough Megan putting the crust on the grill with Chef Art’s guidance

Christian putting sauce on his pizza Everyone sitting down to eat their culinary creations

Reaching MilestonesGraduation Ceremony at The Melmark School

On Friday, June 12, students, faculty and staff at The Melmark School participated in 2015 Commencement Ceremonies. Graduates celebrated this milestone with family and friends. We would like to congratulate each of the eight graduates for their achievements.

Austin Corey Kristy Luke

Madison Matthew B. Matthew P. Tanisha

Madison with her family and Dr. Donovan Corey receiving his diploma

Love, Liberty and Soft Pretzels2015 Melmark Prom, Philly Style

Students at The Melmark School enjoyed a night filled with music, dancing and a buffet of Philly-themed delights at their 2015 Prom. Teachers and staff served as chaperones as students danced the night away with family members and friends.

Abby Rose with her mom Ella with her staff from Rosary House

Gordan with his parents James with his mom

Krish with his family Alyssa getting ready for prom with volunteers from Pulse Beauty Academy, who volunteered to do students’ hair and makeup

A Magical Event2015 Spring Festival

Melmark’s annual Spring Festival was a huge hit, featuring games, live music and delicious food. This year’s event, titled “Cinderella’s Magical Experience”, included a concert by the Chester County Concert Band, horse-drawn carriage rides fitting for a princess and the crowd favorite, spinning tea cups. As it is each year, the highlight of the day was the standing room only performance by The Melmark Players. Players’ Director, Taylor Darden, led the troupe in a beautiful adaptation of Cinderella. Below are photos from the day.

Megan after receiving the Athlete of the Year Award Janet with Dr. Donovan after receiving the Citizen of the Year Award

Dan leading the Chester County Concert Band Val tossing the basketball as volunteer, Valerie, smiles

Melmark staff member, Mama, with her family at the festival A family taking a carriage ride through the Melmark community

Cinderella and Prince Charming, perfectly played by Grace and David Cinderella’s step-family, played by Dana, Emily and Meg

A scene from Cinderella The mice preparing Cinderella’s gown

Chris with his family members after the play Doug with his family after the play

Cinderellaby The Melmark Players

Music TherapyMarcus Family Leads Inspiring ADP Event

The family of Melmark’s Chairman of the Board, Mr. Bob Marcus, hosted an inspiring concert in our Adult Day Program Workshops recently. Audrey Flack and Hannah Marcus, also family members of beloved Melmark resident, Missy, led a toe-tapping performance that got everyone’s participation.

Missy dancing as Hannah Marcus plays the fiddle Caroline enjoying a song played by Audrey Flack and Catie Parker

Miss Maine InvitationalTalent Show for Residents

Melmark held the annual Miss Maine Invitational Talent Show on Saturday, May 30. Clients, families and staff welcomed newly crowned contestants from Maine, Connecticut, Missouri, Hawaii, Wyoming and Rhode Island.

The event kicked off with a talent show in Melmark’s Multi-Purpose Center and was followed by an autograph session. Afterward, each contestant joined members of The Meadows Program for a luncheon. We thank these young women for participating in this annual event and wish each of them luck as they compete for the title of Miss America.

Kelsey Earley, Miss Maine 2015, posing with Gary A special thank you to everyone who was part of the 2015 Miss Maine Invitational

In the CommunityLocal Gym Provides Opportunities to Students

Students from The Melmark School are working off their energy and staying fit through the help of a local business. Anytime Fitness in Newtown Square is providing an incredible opportunity to boys and girls in various classrooms at Melmark. Gym owner, Byron Clark, and manager, Ashley Shivak, have invited the students to their gym free of charge. The students work by wiping down the equipment and then get to use gym equipment for a twenty-minute exercise session. Shivak, who has several years experience working with children with special needs, says it’s a win-win for the gym and for the kids. “The students really enjoy walking on the treadmills, and there is such a health benefit, especially for children with special needs, to exercise,” said Shivak. “We love working with these young men and women and seeing the smiles on their faces when they arrive each week.”

Classroom 8 students have been a part of the Newtown Square Anytime Fitness family since its opening in March 2015. Melmark Senior ABA Counselor, Sammy Hundeyin, says the trips have become a highly anticipated part of the students’ school experience. “Our students look forward to coming to Anytime Fitness each week,” said Hundeyin. “It gives them the opportunity to get out of their routine, to interact with their community and to exercise.” Hundeyin says Ryan, in particular, finds the trips especially enjoyable. ”Ryan loves his music, but obviously, he cannot listen to music in the classroom unless he is on break. At the gym, he loves to wear his headphones, listen to Taylor Swift and walk. It’s truly a rewarding experience for him.”

Anytime Fitness is a longtime friend to Melmark. Students from other classrooms enjoy similar activities at the gym’s Exton location.

Ryan listening to music as gym manager, Ashley Shivak, helps him maintain a healthy and safe pace on the treadmill

Amanda walking on the treadmill as her staff helps adjust settings on the machine

Spirit WeekCelebrating our Individuality

Clients and staff are showing their Melmark Spirit by participating in Spirit Weeks. Below are winners from the two previous Spirit Week events. The three clients and three staff who had the most creative attire on each day received a $25 Wawa Gift Card.

Winners - 80s Day

Josh Christian Matthew Amelia Kaitlynne Lauren

Winners - Hawaiian Day

Arron Kirsten Karen Ellen Naomi Rachel

Congratulations to our winners so far, and thanks

for showing your Melmark Spirit!

$25

Melmark LiveEmployee Talent Show

Thank you to each employee who participated in Melmark Live, an employee talent show. We saw some amazing acts, ranging from dancing and singing to baton twirling during this event. Below are photos of the various performances, as well as pictures of our winners.

John Deaton performing “Overwhelmed”

Augusta Kamara singing “His Eye is on the Sparrow”

Sue DelPrato twirling the batons to“Hawaii Five-O”

Kaitlin Peterson singing“At Last”

Alex Petion singing an A Cappella Medley

Eddie Koroma and his dance partner, Jo-Jo, on stage

Classroom 4’s Cheer

Congratulations to everyone who

shared your talent during

Melmark Live!

EMPLOYEE NAME POSITION DEPARTMEMT

Maria Abramowicz ABA Counselor, Education School ProgramTanasia Banks ABA Counselor, Education School ProgramTeah Brewer Vocational Workshop Assistant Vocational ProgramSthephanie Chara Trujillo Residential Aide-Children's RTF Intern MagellanJeremy Cooper Human Resources Assistant Human ResourcesCourtney Durham Residential Aide, Adult Services ICF HomesThais Farrell ABA Counselor, Education School ProgramShamyra Johnson Residential Aide, Adult Services Residential HomesN`fagie Kamara Clinical Associate RTF MagellanJerome Klah ABA Counselor, Residential Residential HomesAbigail Markovich ABA Counselor, Education School ProgramShea McCormick Clinical Associate¸ Education RTF School ProgramAl-Jathiyah Muhammad Residential Aide, Children MagellanMone`t Nelson ABA Counselor, Education School ProgramKellie O`Rourke Instructional Assistant Meadows ProgramAndrew Ostroski Aquatics Specialist AquaticBrittany Pope Clinical Associate¸ Education RTF School ProgramTweh Quioh Program Manager Adult Services ICF HomesNate Roundtree ABA Counselor, Education School ProgramKevin Sigler Program Manager, Adult Services ICF HomesTamar Smith Behavior Analyst Clinical

Gabriella Spadea Program Manager, Adult Services AdministrationBrielle Spera ABA Counselor, Education School ProgramDonya Stewart Clinical Associate, Education RTF School ProgramMoses Swaray Residential Aide, Children MagellanCiera Taylor ABA Counselor, Education School ProgramJimiera Thomas Environmental Services Attenda FacilitiesMarcia Zahon ABA Counselor, Residential Residential Homes

CONGRATULATIONS, NEW HIRES!

EMPLOYEE NAME POSITION DEPARTMENT HIRE DATE

Dara Baugh Residential Aide Adult Campus Residential 2/23/2015

Pewee Baysah Behavior Technician Adult Clinical Services 2/9/2015

Katline Bazile Clinical Associate Education RTF 2/9/2015

Mary Boyce Staff Developmental Associate Corporate 2/12/2015

Lydia Bunda ABA Counselor Children’s Residential 2/9/2015

Danielle Buzzelli Clinical Associate Education RTF 2/9/2015

Asa Carr Health Services Specialist Adult Community Residential 2/23/2015

Varney Foman Clinical Associate RTF Children’s RTF 2/23/2015

Annmarie Freeman Licensed Practical Nurse Health Care 2/23/2015

Shytia Howard Residential Aide Adult Campus Residential 2/9/2015

Kenneth Nkrumah Residential Aide Adult Campus Residential 2/23/2015

Peter Otieno Residential Aide Children’s Residential 2/9/2015

Britney Stewart Residential Aide Adult Campus Residential 2/9/2015

Heidi Stroh Equine Aide Rehabilitation Services 2/23/2015

Jennifer Tavares ABA Counselor Education 2/9/2015

Marguerite Wainwright Residential Aide Adult Campus Residential 2/23/2015

STAFF REACHING 90 DAYS OF EMPLOYMENT

The Melmark School Traveling Art Show

Stop by to check out the beautiful artwork by Melmark students!

The Melmark Traveling Art Show is now on display at:

The Kimmel Center for Performing Arts

300 S Broad Street, Philadelphia

The Joybells Perform at 25th Anniversary of The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Saturday, July 25, 2015

11:00 a.m. Celebration at Dilworth Plaza (Philadelphia City Hall) and march to the National Constitution Center

2:00 p.m. Performances at the National Constitution Center(Joybells’ performance at approximately 2:45 p.m.)

Monday, October 5, 2015

Waynesborough Country ClubSt. Davids Golf Club

Gulph Mills Golf Club

www.schoemakerclassic.com