New Orleans

I have had the pleasure of many visits to New Orleans (pre-Katrina) and one visit about 6 months after the hurricane. Nothing can prepare you for what that city went through. Words often failed me when I tried to describe the sight and  the smell of her neighborhoods in the spring of 2006. I hope Louisiana and the other coastal communities withstand the forces of nature coming for them. Memories can sneak back up on you, we see this with some the children and adults we care for. Be safe, take care, find people you trust and that can help you through this crisis. I will be thinking of you.

Submitted by:

Chris Gallant

Musician Denya Levine Performs at Latham

Musician Denya Levine was on campus yesterday to perform. Denya, who has been a professional musician on Cape Cod for the last thirty years, came with her fiddle, ukulele and bags of percussion instruments for the kids to play. The song list ran the gamut from “Yellow Submarine”, “Country Road” and a series of Irish Jigs. Students enjoyed the music and also became part of the show as they kept the beat on tambourines and regularly got up to dance. 

Denya closed the hour long concert with a short meditation that helped the students to transition in an energized, yet peaceful, from of mind. The show was such a success we are arranging for another visit in a month or two. 

Submitted by:

Tim Vaughan

Residential Director

"Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." 

~Berthold Auerbach

Designing a Sensory Diet

Latham is wrapping up a consult with a very experienced OT from Washington State.  Marylee Chamberlain from LaConner, WA has spent the last 2 weeks at Latham with the purpose of helping us design a state of the art Sensory Diet to meet the needs of the PWS students at Latham.  She is in the process of reporting on her findings and recommendations but early indications are that she is on to some very surprising observations and interventions.  

The students have enthusiastically participated in her assessments, some with an eye to becoming astronauts as some of the exercises parallel astronaut preparedness programs.  It is clear that our new playground has elements that will be helpful in implementing her recommendations, that are designed to help their brains integrate more of their sensory experiences and improve their overall functioning.   

We are looking forward to working with Ms. Chamberlain on an ongoing basis  as part of our stable of experts in the many fields that play a role in our understanding of PWS and in our interventions and supports with this complex population.

Submitted by:

Jonathan Smith

Upcoming Circle of Courage Training

Mark Freado, President of Reclaiming Youth International, will be coming to conduct a RAP (Response Abilities Pathways) training at Latham on August 28th and 29th.  RAP training is part of the Circle of Courage model that Latham’s Children’s program has been implementing.

The Circle of Courage is a model focused on the four values of Belonging, Mastery, Independence and Generosity. The main belief of the model is that creating a community based on shared values is integral for individuals and the overall group to be healthy and happy. Mark Freado visited this past spring to lead the first training which was attended by thirty Latham staff from all departments.
There will be one more training next year. All trainings have been made possible by the generous support of the Tower Foundation.  

Submitted by:
Tim Vaughan
Residential Director

TIP of the WEEK: Back to School

A new year brings new opportunities to succeed but also brings new challenges. Changes in routines, expectations and environments can be so difficult for our kids but here are some ways to make the transition a little smoother.

Start their new routine ahead of time. If your child is used to waking up at 8am but getting to school on time will require her to get up at 6am, start waking her up at 6am a week or two in advance.
Back to school brings back to school clothes which can be challenging for kids with PWS. Favorite summer clothes will have to go away and be replaced with new, clean and unfamiliar attire. Let them wear their new clothes before that first week of school. The sensation of tags and stiff material can be unbearable for them. Cut the tags and wash the clothes several times before introducing them.

Ask for permission to enter the school and classroom before the first day. Do dry runs to and from school, especially if the school and/or classroom will be different than last year. Let your child sit at her desk, explore the environment and find the bathroom, lunch room and nurses office before the predictably hectic first day.

Write down your child's likes and dislikes for the teacher and aide. They have many children to care for and having this information written down will help them to remember what works best for your child. If you can't arrange for your child to meet their new teacher ahead of time at least have pictures for them to look at. Pictures or even better, a play date with their new classmates will take some of the pressure off of the first day.  The less surprises the better!

Let your child know your expectations ahead of time. The best intentions do not always mean that everyone will get it right all of the time. Let your child know that you have told the school staff about their needs but if the teacher or aide forgets that does not mean that it is ok to react badly. This may not work the first time or every time but making your expectations clear will help them manage the inevitable mistake.

Always remember that we are here to help if you need advice or are running into problems with your child's school. Children with PWS need extremely dedicated, knowledgeable and experienced teachers and aides. We can help if you need it. We get it.

Submitted by:
Patrice Carroll
Manager of PWS Services

Latham Butterflies

 

Today I parked my car in a different spot and saw the flutter of many butterflies on this impressive plant known as the “butterfly bush." It is aptly named given the multitude of wings, either stationary or flying, amongst the purple flowers. It seemed so appropriate to see these today. 

Latham is saying congratulations and well done to two students leaving our campus as their journey towards adulthood continues.  I will think of them every time a butterfly crosses my vision path. Good luck and safe travels ladies!

Submitted by,

Chris Gallant

Latham Volunteers and Donors Share Hope and Support at Recent Events

Latham Centers was blessed with an outpouring of  community support over recent days with three back to back events showcasing a shared commitment to the children and adults with complex special needs who call Latham home.

On Sunday, August 12th, ten dedicated amateur volunteer runners successfully ran in the 40th running of the Falmouth Road Race to benefit Latham Special Olympic programs. Despite challenging heat and humidity, the runners stood tall amongst 12,000 registered entrants. 

Of the ten individuals, five are Latham employees, another was a Latham student, and the remaining four were generous, community-minded Latham supporters. Together, they raised a combined $10,000 with many new Latham donors sponsoring their run on www.crowdrise.com/TeamLathamTen.

Please join Latham in thanking and congratulating the members of Team Latham Ten. 

Pictured (top left) are Team Members Jeremiah Nickerson (l), Science Teacher at Latham School with Gerry Pouliot, Assistant Principal of Latham School, celebrating the completion of the race.

Next—on Monday afternoon August 13—Latham Centers officially dedicated the Tim Semple Memorial Playground on the campus of Latham School. Tim Semple worked for Latham Centers for 14 years until his death in 2010 and served as our much appreciated Maintenance Director for 11 of those years. During his tenure, Tim launched a vocational maintenance program for our students as they learned new skills working alongside his crew. Tim also played Santa Claus on campus for many years, bringing excitement and laughter as he entertained the children and handed out a special gift to each student.  Many members of the Semple family attended the playground dedication, funded by numerous generous foundations and private donor support.

Pictured are Chip Semple (right), brother of Tim Semple, helping to unveil the playground sign with Latham Centers Board Chair Kathryn Earle.


And finally, on Monday evening August 13, some 60 Latham supporters gathered at the Second Annual Donor Appreication Event sponsored by Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster overlooking Cape Cod Bay.

Attendees were welcomed by Robert R. Newman (pictured left), President of Corcoran Jennison Hospitality Company and General Manager of Ocean Edge and member of the Latham Centers Board of Directors. Keith W. Bradley of Chatham was also recognized for his ongoing service to the Latham board of directors and “pinned” as the newest member of the Latham Legacy Circle for planned gifts and bequests.

Latham ended its fiscal year on a positive note with an estimeated 20% increase in donor support over the previous fiscal year. For more information about Ways to Give to Latham and the Latham Legacy Circle
Click HERE.



Submitted by:
Gerry Desautels
Latham Centers VP of Development & Community Outreach

TIP of the WEEK: On the Lighter Side

I have gotten many requests to post more low calorie/low fat summer treats and as we are right in the middle of the dog days of summer, I thought now would be a good time.
We have had one of the hottest summers on record and these cool summer treats will help to beat the heat!

Frozen Fruit Tart

Buy or make a graham cracker crust.
In a 9 inch pan bake crust for 10 minutes.
While the crust is baking let light or sugar free vanilla ice cream and mango sorbet soften on the counter.
Spoon a layer of ice cream in pan followed by a layer of sorbet. Repeat several times.
Put pan in freezer overnight.
Place the tart on a plate and arrange fruits on the top- nectarines, kiwi, mango- anything will work!
This is a light but very refreshing treat.

Flat Bread with Fruit
This one is easy and really good!

Roll out store bought pizza dough into an oval shape and brush with olive oil.
Bake for 10 minutes.
Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Cover generously with berries and cook for another 10 minutes.
If you really want to make it a special, occasional treat sprinkle some confectionery sugar on top.

Grilled Nectarines
Don't knock this one until you try it. It's amazing!

Spray one side of sliced nectarines with non stick cooking spray.
Place directly on grill until slightly charred (no more that 2 minutes).
Place in a bowl with strawberries and fresh ginger. You won't regret it!

And finally something for the grown ups

Drunken Strawberries

In a saucepan heat 2 cups of port wine, 1 cup of sugar and a cinnamon stick on medium heat for 10 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes.
Melt dark chocolate in the microwave or in a sauce pan.
Place wax paper on a cookie sheet.
Dip strawberries into melted chocolate one at a time and place on wax paper. Place in fridge for at least 15 minutes.
Drizzle berries with port syrup and serve immediately. This recipe is also great with figs. Enjoy!

Feel free to send in your own recipes and as always keep the requests coming!

Submitted by,
Patrice Carroll
Manager of PWS Services

Latham Centers Elects Jeni A. Landers, David J. Lofstrom and Octavia Ossola to Expanding Board of Directors

Latham Centers, Inc.,announced today the election of Jeni A. Landers of Dennis, David J. Lofstrom of Kingston, and Octavia Ossola of Brewster to its Board of Directors.  Each will initially serve three-year terms on Latham’s community-based board.  The three individuals join the volunteer board on the heels of a newly-adopted Strategic Plan for the growing international agency.

Jeni A. Landers, Esquire is an associate with the firm of Wynn and Wynn in Hyannis and is a graduate of Smith College and Northeastern University School of Law. She concentrates her practice in civil litigation, family law, personal injury, and criminal defense. Attorney Landers is a member of the Barnstable County Bar Association and is a recipient of the Cape and Plymouth Business Magazine's 2012 40 Under 40 Awards.  She also currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Cape Cod Young Professionals and the Smith College Club of Cape Cod while volunteering with several other Cape nonprofits.

 

David J. Lofstrom is Vice President, of U.S. Commercial Sales and Product Development for TD Insurance. Based in Boston, Mr. Lofstrom is responsible for growing the commercial property and casualty and employee benefits lines of business across TD Insurance’s footprint from Maine to Florida. He also serves on the Town of Kingston Finance Committee and is a volunteer youth baseball and basketball coach in his community. A native of Brewster, Mass., Mr. Lofstrom received an MBA from Suffolk University and an undergraduate degree from Westfield (Mass.) State University.

 

Octavia Ossola was a licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 40 years of experience working with children in residential settings. Ms. Ossola retired in 2004 from her role as Program Director of Latham School. Prior to Latham Centers, she served in varying professional capacities at the Home for Little Wanderers. Ms. Ossola is very active in the town of Brewster and most recently served as the Chair of the Capital Campaign Committee for the renovation of the Brewster Unitarian Meeting House.  She holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Boston University.

Submitted by:

Gerry Desautels

VP of Development and Community Outreach

Tropical New York

As an avid Red Sox fan, this pains me to say….New York City is a pretty cool place. Actually, cool is a poor descriptor of my recent visit to the large city south of us.  It was 91 degrees at 8pm on a return walk to my hotel from dinner. I was there for business; Latham Centers is accredited by the Council on Accreditation and this was its’ tri-annual  conference. I think I might have just made up that word—COA hosts their conference every three years.  Latham is committed to the standards of the COA and we believe our programming supports our mission to compassionately and creatively help children and adults with complex special needs, including Prader-Willi Syndrome lead meaningful, abundant lives. Being a child care worker at Latham is still the best job I have ever had.

It was so unbearably hot and humid in NYC that I thought my flip flops were melting to the sidewalks. Yet each service person I came into contact with was friendly and polite. Now, I grew up in the ‘burbs across the river. I am fairly savvy when it comes to dealing with “city” people. I am not sure why I was so unprepared for the civility that was shown me, but I was. From the busboy clearing my table to the chambermaid at the hotel to the Amtrak employee on the train to and from the city; everyone was nice. It made my time there in that miserable heat less of a hassle.

So, thank you to those people doing the really hard jobs: from the waitresses, housekeepers, direct care workers and nurses to the parents, teachers, counselors, mass transit, safety and emergency personnel. To everyone trying their best in trying circumstances. Thank you, it is appreciated.

Submitted by:
Chris Gallant

"Don't be yourself - be someone a little nicer." 

~Mignon McLaughlin