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LIFE BOARD OF TRUSTEES William G. McKelvey, Chairperson
JoAnn Simons, Vice Chairperson
Peter Capernaros, Secretary
Trustees: Jody Bellows Peter Bowman Pamela Dempsey Jill Edelson Nancy Jones David Leary Karen Megathlin Joseph Reardon Stephen Rothenberg Kathy Titus Dick Weir
ABOUT LIFE... Living Independently Forever, Inc., is a non profit organization that has served adults with learning disabilities within its condominium communities on Cape Cod, Massachusetts since 1993. 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.
LIFE OFFERS:
FLEXIBLE SECURE OPTIONSAt LIFE,Residents own or share a condo within LIFE's condominium communities on lovely Cape Cod, or have the option to live in a nearby condo and receive LIFE's Supported Independent Living Services. Our communities offer recreation facilities and state of the art fitness centers. LIFE's professional staff provide support services appropriate to each individual resident. For more information about LIFE, please call Diane Enochs, Executive Director at 508-790-3600 or email Diane
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March, 2012
"Aligning the Stars" Employer Appreciation Event
On March 1, LIFE held its annual Employer Appreciation Event at the lovely Willowbend Country Club in Mashpee, Cape Cod. The event was themed
"Aligning the Stars" and each employer was presented with a "made-on-Cape Cod" pewter starfish memento of the occasion. It was a festive evening and
smiles were in abundance as residents treated their employers to an
evening of tribute for their commitment to worksite diversity. LIFE residents are now employed by sixty-nine organizations and businesses on Cape Cod.
Highlights of the evening:
...Wendi Smith, a long-time employer of LIFE residents, eloquently spoke about
the positive spirit that her dedicated LIFE team have brought to her business.
...Hal Polland read Loren Eisley's "Starfish Story" to a hushed audience.
...And resident, Elisabeth Bowman, presented a personally-composed and moving statement of appreciation.
"It was a lovely evening said "Josie L'Etoile, Director of Employment Services at LIFE. "The gathering was our way of noting the truly important role the
employers play in our lives. Our employers have become part of the fabric of the LIFE family."
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Silver and Bronze Winners ...
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LIFE Staffer and Special Olympics Coach, Corinne Wickel, with The LIFE Force
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At LIFE, we believe that it's how you play the game that really matters, but
we have to say that we were really thrilled when each of our three LIFE Special Olympics Basketball Teams brought home winning medals.
The "LIFE Changers" and the "LIFE Savers" both brought home the Bronze and in a
down-to-the-wire nail-biter, the LIFE Force brought home the Silver. Congratulations to all our teams for their drive to excellence.
And now, we will treat you to a play by play description of those last few
exciting minutes of the "LIFE Force" winning game, penned by "LIFE Force" team member, Trey Marabella:
"There was a little less than five minutes to go. I wasn't really sure that we
were going to win. We kept missing shots - we were making a lot of rim shots,
I don't know if you'd call it luck or what, but I just threw the ball up in the air
and we made a basket and took the lead after trailing for most of the game. The score was then 26 to 24. Then Amanda McKelvey had the ball and made a jump
shot. Boy, did that surprise our team. It was then 28 to 24. Then to top things off,
Mike Shapiro made a three-pointer right at the buzzer to close the game out. I
have to say that this was the tensest and most nerve-wracking game I have ever
been part of. It made us all feel fabulous to win, but gosh were we glad it was
over. It was a great total team effort! Thanks to Life Force Basketball Head Coach,
Corrine Wickel, for coaching our team in another great and memorable season."
Ian Saarmann, LIFE's Fitness Director, would like to thank the following LIFE staffers for joining in the effort: Jim Godsill, Jamie Schuh and Lindsey Stone.
And special appreciation goes out to our Special Olympics coaches: Terry McMahon,
Maureen (Moe) McNamara and Nancy Walsh.
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Running with LIFE .... Our Upcoming 5K !
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Tara, Liz and Rachelle, gearing up for our 5K
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Our fitness gyms are buzzing with activity these days, as our residents gear up
to do their very best at our 3rd Annual "Lovin' LIFE" 5K Run/Walk on Sunday,
April 29 in Mashpee. Ian Saarmann, LIFE's Fitness Director, says: " I am so
excited about this year's 5K. Our residents are really pulling out all the stops in preparing for this one. We've been walking, running, biking, swimming and
working out in our gyms to be in the best possible condition for our run." Ian continued " The 5K terrain is a runners dream in that it is nice, flat terrain and
our route loops through a great Cape Cod neighborhood near New Seabury in Mashpee." The 5K begins at 9 a.m. and all details are available here. Awards
will be given in all age categories. The "Lovin' LIFE" 5K will be followed by a
fun block party at the LIFE condominium community in Mashpee. We'll be celebrating at the party with dancing to DJ tunes and a Cape Cod spring picnic. Please email Ian with any questions about the 5K.
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Self-expression at LIFE ...
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Creative discovery with Tessa, Robert, Kevin and Jake
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On a recent Tuesday in Mashpee, three LIFE resident artists were totally
immersed in a creative project using a "resist" process to create luminescently layered paintings. "Look at this, Tessa", said Robert Wetzler "I want to keep the surface simple like this and use the layer technique to create the sun." Robert was working on a Bermuda sunset image, a memory of his trip there. Tessa D'Agostino, a Cape Cod professional artist and teacher, gave Rob a few pointers about how to achieve the effect he was seeking that resulted in a glowing sun image with a
definite tropical feeling. When asked about art instruction, Tessa explained that her goals were to create an environment "for each person to practice appreciation for
their talents and who they are by putting that appreciation in their artwork. Art is
a tool for self identification", she said, "and a great way to share with peers and be inspired by them. I really try to introduce new materials and techniques in my classes", she continued. "There's really no right or wrong way to create art and its
a passion of mine to communicate that to my students". Tessa's classes are an enriching experience for LIFE's resident artists and will continue to be held weekly.
Admiring his finished painting, Robert was clearly pleased. " It's freeing", he said.
"It's like gardening - you plant some creative seeds and you are constantly
surprised about what blossoms." Well stated, Robert!
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Welcome, Cameo....
The LIFE Community extends a warm welcome to Cameo Hill, who has served as a Vocational Counselor at LIFE in Hyannis since February 1. She brings expertise from many years working in the field of Human Services. Highlights from our "chat" with Cameo... What do you like most about being at LIFE? "That's an easy one: the LIFE residents. I love their spirit, the way they speak about their families, their camaraderie and caring for one another, their gentleness, the way they take every challenge in stride... I could go on and on... this is a wonderful community and I learn something new and inspiring every day. What do you enjoy doing when you are not working? " I have many hobbies. I am passionate about photography. I love Yoga, and doing anything outdoors. I often joke that I raised my children in the wild because we spent so much time enjoying hiking, beach walks and just enjoying nature on Cape Cod. I also am an avid reader and I love music". So, can you recommend a favorite book to us? "I would have to say "Gift From the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh. I have re-read it at many phases of my life, and each time, it has taught me a new lesson." Is there anything else you would like us to know? "Actually, yes. I am passionate about the rescue dog cause and I have been a "foster mom" to several dogs. I really enjoy my own two dogs. One is a Cavalier King Charles pure-breed and the other is, well...I like to refer to him as my "Heinz 57 Variety" dog ;)." |
| Cinnamon's Fitness Tip: Running Can Be Good :)
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I am Cinnamon, LIFE's Official Fitness Mascot
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Why running is good...� It doesn't require special equipment (except some quality shoes). � You can do it just about anytime and anywhere. � It's high impact, which helps build strong bones and connective tissue. � It gets your heart rate up more quickly than low or no impact exercise. � It helps you burn serious calories, especially if you add hills and sprints. (Oh....and if running is not for you, walking is good too.) P.S. I run a lot! - Love, Cinnamon
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