SHOUT OUTS!!
THANKS TO ALL THE GREAT STAFF FOR THEIR HARD WORK FOR OUR CARF CERTIFICATION. EXCELLENT SURVEY!
I would like the opportunity to thank everyone who helped make the Progress Center what it has become for the clients who attend our day programming. We have all worked hard this last year to make TPC a very happening place and have enriched the lives of all the people we serve. We have a wonderful team to support them with whatever they chose to do with their lives and to help them become a viable part of the community of Oxford Hills. Everyone keep up the good work.
I also want to thank my co-leader for her patience as I learn to be her right hand woman and all the new responsibilities of my new job
Mary A.
I would like to send a big shout out to the staff at Day Program. For having patience with me as I learn my new job as your Supervisor. For always stepping up to the plate, often without being asked, to provide excellent service to our guys and incorporating other team members into your groups to provide them services when the need arises. For smiling through all the changes and supporting each other and making transitions as gentle as possible for our guys. Thank you for the times you ask if there is anything else you can do to help on any given day, and for being supportive of Mary and I as we trek through this change together. Good teams need good team players. I think I have a super team!!
Kathy B.
I would like to thank all the people that supported the PC Crafters by buying our products. It means alot lot to Greg and Bruce because they are so proud of what they make. I would also like to give a shout out to Kathy Brown for all she has had to put up with while Stacy has been out. You have done a great job Kathy. I would like to say thanks to Greg and Bruce for doing a great job and am looking forward to making new projects together. Thanks Fred
Dan: thank you for removing air conditioners for the Spring Street home, when maintenance was tied up. -Kristin
Shonna, Erlene, and Sarah: Thank you all for your hard work and commitment, as you have all taken on new positions in the past few months.
You ladies are doing a fabulous job! -Kristin
Priscilla: Thank you for going to the Center during shut down to assist in getting someone's belongings from that were left behind. Your ongoing dedication to TPC never ceases to amaze us! -Kristin
Deb, Laurie, and Terry: Kudos to all the challenging, but rewarding work that we have taken on this past year. We have had a successful year in so many ways and I look forward to the year ahead of us. Thank you all for your ongoing support! -Kristin
Mike: for always been there to do whatever it is we need! Thanks so much.-Kristin
Fred C, Greg, and Bruce: Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to make a special toolbox for someone we support! -Kristin
Fred..thanks for all the work you do beyond and above the call of duty. Your dedication and commitment to the people we serve is uplifting. Thanks Deb
I want to say Thank You to you....the staff of The ProgressCenter for making it a pleasurefor me to come to work every day.To those of you who directlysupport our folks....you are truly amazing and I admire you for your dedication and caring! For thoseof you in support rolls.... your support, help, and guidance have enabled The Progress Center to grow and become the great placethat it is today...you are awesome! To the Board of Directors, I want to thank you for helpingus focus on the big picture and what's truly important. Deb, youare not only my boss but my mentor. I truly appreciate the opportunity to learn from andwork with you. Priscilla B. I'd like to give a shout out to Kathy Brown for stepping in to cover for me while I was out recovering from surgery. Stacy H.I'd like to give a shout out to CESstaff for hanging in there through even more changes to our program and especially for working together and being supportive to the team. Stacy H.
Thank you Mike for continuing to make the cooperative a big part of our lives.
DebPriscilla thanks for your loyalty to the Progress Center and our mission. Deb Congrats to Amanda Skillings and her new Baby Boy! Stacy BBrenda and Linda, you have both been doing a wonderful job at the Key Bank location, keep up the good work....Stacy BKathy Brown....You havedone an excellent job helpingme out with the CES side while Stacy H has been out. You are truly a team player and great co-worker! Stacy BCES Teams: You all have been doing a great job with all of the changes. We understand that changes can be difficult at times, but you have all pulled together and are getting through this as a team! Keep up the great work! Stacy B Thanks to Nancy and her crew for picking up baked goods in Sumner and in town here this fall. Mike T. Thanks to Fred, Larry, Erwin and everyone else who helped move the refrigerators into the co-op room. Mike T. Jenny, thanks for cleaning out the former Garden Room, just so I could fill it up again. Mike T. Laurie, thanks for the very educational poster. It shows me what I have to do during the day. Mike T. To the Day Program girls: Thank you for all your hard work and for pitching in to take CES clients when we have had staff call outs and for working like a team Mary A I'd like to thank everyonewho helped make the Christmas Party such a fun event. A special "thank you"to Liz for a wonderful meal and to all who contributeddesserts....they were yummy. Priscilla B To those who help with the Community Meals....your dedication and hard work is greatly appreciated. Togetherwe can make a difference in the lives of many. Priscilla B. A special "Thank You" goes tothe Tina Ruhland and BeckyToothaker from Norway Savings Bank for so generously giving their time to help at the communitydinners. Also, thank you goes to Donna Kennison for helping out too. Priscilla B. I have a special thank you for Deb Anthony for keeping usinformed of the magnitude of thebudget cuts and how they mayaffect The Progress Center, the clients, and the staff. Allowing the staff and clientsto offer input on ways to save money, as well as waysto make money, is something I really appreciate. I also would like to thank Jean Record and Ron Raymond fortaking the time to attend theBudget Meeting and to Jean for joining one of the committees. Priscilla B. I can not thank Jean Record enough for her help and participation in the activities at The Progress Center. Hersmile and willingness to help wherever needed is appreciatedby many, especially me. Priscilla B. A BIG Thank-you from KJH Stafffor the Holiday gift cards to Walmart !To all the staff at KJH, Thank-youso much for all the hard work you have done, we have really madeKJH a great place for the residents and fun place to work. I know changes are not always easybut you guys have done agreat job. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, Shonna
Kristin thanks for being a wonderful leader and making all the work of our residential programs seem easy. Deb
Erlene thanks for sharing your wonderful stories of good acts in our field. You keep all of us on target. Deb
Laurie thanks for coming over to the admin building despite our limited space and the funny little office. Deb
Pat V. You are the best. Thanks for the focus and the attention to detail. Deb
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| Greetings!
Here we are in 2009. I send this newsletter out with great enthusiasm for our collective future. A future built upon the gifts that each of you brings to our community.
I look back at 2008 and I am amazed at the work that all of us have done together. Supporting people to live life in a meaningful and purposeful way carries a heavy burden. Being part of difficult decisions, the times we are only able to witness someone's pain with little to offer but our presence. We carry that part of this work in our hearts everyday. We do this because of the wonderful moments; the joy of someone finding a friend, sharing a good meal or dancing away a night of celebration. These are the moments when we sit back and say "this is why I do this". We are a team with heart, above all else there is a huge amount of caring that drives us all to work harder, reach further and remain focused.
As we face a very difficult time ahead, amidst an economic crisis of historic proportions, I find great comfort in the memories of the last year. This team of believers, this team of great heart will surely find the will and the way to continue to improve services and make the founding families of the Progress Center well pleased with our work.
Happy New Year,
Deb Anthony
Executive Director
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Christmas Party FUN...
If you missed the Consumer, Staff, Board Member Christmas Party you really missed a good time. In spite of the weather approximately 80 people were in attendance. Liz B. prepared a wonderful meal and the dessert table overflowed with luscious goodies. Everyone, young and old alike, danced to the music of Tom's Music Express. Clyde serenaded us while others, including Seth and Rusty, entertained us with their dancing talent. Betty L, Betty G, Greg, and Floyd are just a few of those who kicked up their heels and kept the dance floor hopping. Deb Anthony showed us her talent extends to the dance floor as well as being our Executive Director. A wonderful time was had by all!
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Oxford Hills Food Coop
A Project of the Progress Center
The co-operative is constantly working to offer our co-op customers a fresh alternative. Last week the Co-op started purchasing fresh produce from Native Maine Produce in Westbrook. They handle all types of items from growers in Maine and the U.S.
The 2009 growing season is just months away. Planning has already begun to make the upcoming year bigger and better. Since the 2008 season was the first for the co-operative, we were interested to talk to our customers and suppliers as they discussed their questions and concerns. A survey is underway to collect more information. A dinner is planned for this month on January 22 (snow date 1.29) for our CSA customers and farmers. This will give both an opportunity to meet. It is exciting to bring these consumers and producers together for a night of celebration.
The cost of food is always going up and the co-op is constantly looking for ways to pass savings on to the customer. The Progress Center is teaming up with the new co-op program at the Charlotte White Center in Dover Foxcroft to explore purchasing products together to save money. Both co-ops will be able to expand the supplier base from the Oxford Hills across the state to Dover Foxcroft.
The co-op has also been involved with the possibility of using 3 acres of farm land to help start a community garden off of Maple St. here in Norway. It would be a great project for our people to get a chance to work along side others in the community interested in local agriculture.
Please contact Mike at 743-8049 ext. 209 or by email at coopcoord@megalink.net if you are interested in signing up for the 2009 CSA season, would like to be added to the co-operative mailing list, or if you have questions about the co-op. Don't forget that Direct Order is all year long, sign up for our weekly updates with Mike.
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Happenings at TPC
Great Stuff ...Join US for some great fun!
Health and Wellness Nights
Tuesday and Thursday Nights at Cottage Street are health and wellness nights. Come join us from 3-7. Each night we plan and cook a great healthy meal: sometimes we have theme nights like foods around the world, around the country or seasonal. You will have time with Ben, a certified trainer to learn some great moves for keeping your mind and body healthy...mystery walks, stretching for health or visits to the local fitness center.
Snow Shoe Mania
Tis the season for snow shoes. Each Tuesday and Thursday we have snow shoe hikes, meet us at Cottage Street by 8:30 and join the fun. On Tuesdays we walk the local Oxford Hill Trails to help keep them open and clear for all members of our community. On Thursdays Ben plans a mystery snow shoe hike. Come out and enjoy winter, practice for the winter special Olympics or spend time with friends.
Massages (they are Good For you!!) Available at TPC each week. Call ahead for time and place.
JUST A REMINDER: Massages are available on Tuesday afternoons starting at 1:00 in the upstairs staff lounge at the Center on Cottage Street. By appointment only 10 minute massage, $10.00 and you can use your Health Savings account. The sign up list is on the bulletin board in the hall outside of the staff lounge upstairs.
What is Massage? "the systematic manual or mechanical manipulations of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of promoting circulation of the blood and lymph, relaxation of the muscles, myofascia, tendons and ligaments." Massage is also extremely effective and beneficial in treating chronic pain and stress, and in the restoration of metabolic balance, blood pressure reduction, and many other proven medical benefits. How does massage work for the body? The positive influence of massage begins with its influence on the muscular tissues of the body. Skillful manipulation of the muscles assists in circulation of the blood and lymphatic fluids, improves the performance of the lungs and skin, and stimulates the organs of digestion.As muscle tone improves, so do the nerves that supply them, all the way to the spinal cord, and the brain. Whole person health can be positively impacted by a professionally applied massage program. Who benefits from massage? Absolutely everyone! Although there are contraindications to massage (things that tell you not to massage or what type of massage to perform)Some of these are: drug or alcohol abusers, varicose veins, osteoporosis. these are just to name a few. Please be sure to check with your doctor before receiving a massage if you are ill.
Oxford Church Lunch and Craft DaysOnce a month join us at the Oxford Congregational Church for a great home cooked lunch and craft time. Last month all the participants made wonderful Christmas wreathes while Manda and her team made wonderful home made beef stew. It is relaxing and fun. Call Mary A. for times and dates. 743-8049. Community Suppers  The third Thursday of every month at the Norway Unitarian Church the Progress Center offers Community Suppers for people in the greater Oxford Hills area. These suppers are cooked by Liz and Erlene and many folks from TPC. People who attend are only asked for a donation. If someone cannot afford a donation they may eat for free. This is part of the agency "giving back" program. Several of the people we support volunteer at this meal and over 200 people have joined us since November. If you would like more information call Priscilla B. at 743-8049 ext 233.
Hope Group Meetings Twice a month Hope Group Meetings facilitated by Dr. Hamilton are open to all members of the Progress Center Family. These meetings are on Mondays from 2-4. If you are interested please call Priscilla at 743-8049 ext 233.
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Budget Groups
The Progress Center family addresses budget cuts!
This December two sub committees formed after a meeting of family,friends and employees of the Progress Center to address the budget cuts in our funding. In the past year we have seen a 20% cut in day service funding statewide and a 10% cut in residential services. The net impact on TPC is a 10% cut in our funding.
These cuts have been significant and the need for action is immediate. These two groups have very different missions to address the economic short fall. The "Cuts" group will look at ways to make cuts in our budget over the next months to protect our financial stability.
The "Revenue" group is looking at ways that we can raise money to offset the loss of income. If you are interested in participating in either of these groups contact Priscilla Burnette at 743-8049 ext 233 or email her at PriscillaBurnette@progresscentermaine.org.
Some ideas that have begun to surface are:
Cuts:
Elimination of personal days annual cost savings of $17,500.
Reduction of full time hours to 36 for all employees who have the flexibility in schedule to cut from 40 to 36. Cost savings annually $50,000.
Employees who are able to reduce hours voluntarily to part time doing so. We have had a few volunteers at this time the savings is $10,000.
Revenue:
Considering a solar panel program to teach people how to build solar panels for their personal use. Income potential is still uncertain.
Increasing the wood working program to include more competitive sales. Under research.
Increasing capacity in programs which are most profitable. Currently ROI (return on investment) calculations are being done.
Increase fund raising. Move from 10,000 last year in stand alone fund raising to $30,000 with two events.
These are great ideas. Come join us on Monday January 12, 2pm for more on these programs. (meeting in the Break Room at 35 Cottage St, Norway, Maine)
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Admin News
What curious folks want to know....
It appears that all of the building and furniture rearranging is finished, finally. Thank You goes out to everyone who helped with what seemed like the never ending moving of desks and office furniture.
We were sorry to see Erwin leave our midst but know that his new office is much bigger than the "corner office" he had here.
Welcome Sarah and Laurie. We are glad to have you here. Sarah is our new part-time receptionist and her smile brightens our days. Laurie has changed offices.....again. This time she is in the corner office that was Erwin's transportation office.
We are all having second thoughts about our winter window decorations. As soon as I put the snowflakes in the windows there were snowflakes in the air. Do you think that if I put tulips in the windows Spring will come faster?
Oh yes and Pat Verrill is back in our finance office helping to recoup the thousands of dollars due us through adjustment process. These are dollars due from 2005, 2006 and 2007. Did you know that Pat is an organic farmer during the summer months. We keep trying to get her to stay but come April she heads for her farm.
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Quote Corner
A new tradition of sharing quotes on our web site led to this part of our news letter. Feel free to share a favorite quote for our next news letter.
"I may not be able to change my mind, but I
can change my attitude give me about
five minutes..." Earl Nightingale
Andrew Carnegie has stated: "Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results."
"When the tree withers and the leaves fall, what does that mean?
It means the golden wind is revealing itself."
"If you want others to be happy practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." Dalai Lama
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Hope Group
Welcome Dr. Hamilton to our TPC Family.
HOPE Supportive Groups are for people who want to feel better about their lives. They support hope, the key to the discovery of meaning, value and purpose in life. Hopes promise of possibility replaces fear and opens the heart to intention, truth, and love. HOPE groups help people build successful lives...
and heal.
We are so blessed to have Dr. Hamilton and the Hope group office in our Cottage Street building. If you are interested in more information regarding Hope Groups call or stop by.
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Deb Anthony
The Progress Center |
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