If you would like to help support the
"LIFE Survivors"
and other athletic initiatives at LIFE,
please send a check made out to
The
LIFE Athletic Fund, 550 Lincoln Road Extension,
Hyannis, MA 02601
The
mission of LIFE, working in collaboration with families, is to assist residents
to develop the skills to function as independently as possible, and to provide
supports to assist them in attaining their maximum level of independence, self
fulfillment and happiness. Our commitment is life-long, and encompasses the
personal, social, and employment needs of LIFE residents.
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CONNECT TO US ON FACEBOOK
LIFE
BOARD
OF TRUSTEES
William
G. McKelvey, Chairperson
JoAnn
Simons,
Vice Chairperson
Peter
Capernaros, Secretary
Trustees:
Peter
Bowman
Pamela
Dempsey
Jill
Edelson
Nancy
Jones
David
Leary
Michael
Lenehan
Karen
Megathlin
Donald
Moore
Joseph
Reardon
Susan
Reilly
Stephen
Rothenberg
Kathy
Titus
ABOUT LIFE...
Living Independently Forever, Inc., is a non profit
organization that has served adults with learning disabilities within its
condomium communities on Cape Cod, Massachusetts for sixteen years. Residents
have joined the LIFE community from many areas of our country and beyond.
LIFE's professional staff is dedicated to the goal of encouraging each
resident's aspirations, strengths and abilities.
LIFE provides support and resources in the areas of vocation, education,
social/community involvement and daily living. LIFE is a thriving community,
whose residents live full and productive lives.
AT LIFE... Residents
own or share a condominium within LIFE's condominium communities which
offer recreation facilities and state of the art fitness centers in
Hyannis and Mashpee on Cape Cod, MA. LIFE's professional staff provide responsive support services appropriate to each individual resident. For more information about LIFE, please call Jim Godsill, Acting Director at 508-790-3600 or email Jim
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JULY, 2010
Once in a Lifetime...
Back row: Mike, Matt C., Corinne, Chris, Caroline, Trey, Matt K., Kerry; Front Row: Nancy, Amanda, Ian, Maureen
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Earlier this year, the "LIFE Survivors" was honored to be
the only basketball team chosen to represent Massachusetts in the Special
Olympics 2010 National Games in Nebraska.
The past few months have included a lot of anticipation and practice,
practice, practice. The time to
show their skills and talents is almost upon them- they depart for Nebraska to
compete in the Games on July 16. LIFE's Fitness
Director, Ian Saarmann, is understandably proud of the team. "LIFE Survivors" is
a "unified team" in that it is comprised of Special Olympians and other members of the community,
including two LIFE staff members.
Team members are: Matt Klompus, Trey Marabella, Amanda
McKelvey, Mike Shapiro and Chris Sturz (LIFE residents); Ian Saarmann and
Corinne Wickel (LIFE staff members); Matt Cronin, Kerry Gilroy and Caroline
Kokkins (Community members). "This is an incredible
honor" said Ian, "and the progress our team has accomplished is impressive." Ian works closely to mentor the team with Special Olympics
coaches Maureen McNamara and Nancy Walsh. Maureen and Nancy are very dedicated
individuals who volunteer their time and energy. Both love sports and the Special Olympics cause. Maureen, Head Coach, was inducted into the Massachusetts Special Olympics Hall of
Fame in 2000. "We feel that we're
prepared to perform very well in Nebraska and would like to thank everyone who
has donated to our team's effort", said Ian. "This is a once in a lifetime
experience for us."
The entire
LIFE community extends congratulations to the team and will be cheering back home at every basket, defensive move,
rebound and three point shot!
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| "Wagging Tails" Bring Happiness to LIFE...
Jean Wise and canine friend  | | The belief that a dog is man's best friend has been
getting some impressive scientific acknowledgement. According to Gina Hayes,
founder and director of the Cape Cod Therapy Dog Program, the American Medical
Association has endorsed the fact that the unconditional affection and
acceptance which dogs communicate, can reduce blood pressure, provide
stress relief, and contribute to a person's sense of general well-being. Gina and her volunteers are now
regularly bringing their specially trained "therapy" dogs to both the Hyannis
and Mashpee LIFE campuses to visit with LIFE's residents. Hyannis LIFE resident, Jean Wise, looks forward to
the canine visits. "They are so much fun to be around and they make me smile",
she said. "I can't believe how well behaved and lovable they are. I have never really been a "dog person" before, but now I see what great friends they can be." Gina has been involved in the pet
therapy field since the 70's. In
the 90's she became an evaluator in Therapy Dogs International. "I am pleased to see how successful our relationship with LIFE has been.
The residents are always so happy to see us." For more information about
pet therapy, contact Gina Hayes at 508-274-0610
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| That Perfect Job...
| Alexis Ackerley nurtures a rescued kitten  |
Having a job that is perfect for you is a wonderful
thing. Alexis Ackerley, of Hyannis
certainly agrees. Alexis, who has
resided at LIFE since last October, believes that she has found the perfect job
for her. She is a an assistant at
The New England Society for Abandoned Animals in Centerville. "My job includes
cleaning and organizing but my favorite part is playing with the cats and
kittens. I just love it", she said. "The cats are very playful and one day
one of the larger cats jumped up and turned off the light switch. That was
pretty funny and really surprised us. It's a very interesting place to
work." Deborah Doe, the
organization's founder said, "Alexis does such a great job. We rescue a lot of
abandoned kittens and socialization is very important to their development into
emotionally healthy cats. Alexis
loves giving the kittens loving attention. It has worked out extremely well." Congratulations Alexis for being such a valuable and caring
employee!
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| Interview with LIFE Resident, Austin Keane
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Austin Keane has been a resident at LIFE for eleven years. Before moving to LIFE, he attended the
Riverview School and Riverview's GROW program. He works two jobs and has a busy social life, but made time
to be the subject of our e letter resident interview.
What do you like most about being at LIFE?
"I love having my independence, making my own money and
being self-sufficient. I am a Stock Associate at Pottery Barn and a Development
Assistant at Riverview school. At Riverview, I help with alumni communications
and with their annual gala event."
What do you like to do when you're not working?
"I like to golf swim and bike. And I love keeping up with
news events."
Do you read newspapers?
"I actually get most of the news from the internet. And
I've just started to "tweet" on Twitter."
That is really interesting. How many people do you
"follow" on Twitter and how do you decide on who to follow?
"I follow about 60 people and I follow them because they
have similar interests to mine. My
brother works for an internet management company and he introduced me to Twitter. I really like it."
What kind of music do you like?
"My favorite musicians are Carole King, James Taylor and
Neil Diamond. One of my favorite songs is Carole King's "Up On The Roof". It's a great song and has been performed by both Carole King and James Taylor."
What makes you happy?
"I really love spending time with my nieces and nephews
when I visit my family in Philadelphia. I always have a great time!"
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Interview with LIFE Staff Member, Lin White
Lin is often the first staff member you will see
when entering LIFE's Hyannis reception building. She is LIFE's Hyannis
office manager and administrative assistant. She also coordinates Human
Resources at LIFE. We are happy to introduce you to Lin in this edition of
"Connect to LIFE".
What is most interesting to you about
working at LIFE?
"Getting to know the residents at LIFE - at
this point I am better acquainted with the Hyannis people, but slowly getting
more familiar with Mashpee folks, too.
I enjoy working with other staff, and like the purpose and mission of
LIFE."
What are your favorite pastimes, hobbies?
"Gardening, reading, walking the beaches and
trails on the Cape and hiking in New Hampshire."
What is your favorite type of music? Musicians?
"Classic rock, blues, gospel. I like the Beatles, James Taylor, Etta
James and Billie Holiday."
What is the most interesting place you have travelled
to/or lived in?
"I love Oregon.
My sister lives in Portland, and I have visited several times, and
explored the mountains, the coast, and the high desert in Eastern Oregon."
What is something that you have always wanted to achieve
or accomplish?
"I would like to spend more time traveling and exploring
new places. I love to visit
museums, and learn about the history of places. Even when I can't travel very far, I like to visit new
places on the Cape and around New England."
What makes you happy?
"Being with my family and friends, enjoying
nature - there is nothing like a sunrise or sunset over the ocean to lift
spirits."
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