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Melmark Dedicates the Ronald McDonald Fitness RoomBerwyn, June 14, 2008 – Thanks to a generous grant from Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region, Inc., Melmark has opened a new fitness room in its renovated Center for Wellness and Learning. On June 14, 2008, the children and adults served by Melmark, their families, friends and staff members welcomed officials from Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region, Inc. to a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony on Melmark’s Berwyn campus. “On behalf of the Melmark community, I thank Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region, Inc. for supporting a program that will directly improve the health and well being of those we serve,” said Joanne Gillis-Donovan, PhD, President and CEO of Melmark. “ We are also grateful to McDonald’s Jack Niggeman and the Newtown Square McDonald’s. Their partnership has been invaluable in the development of our vocational programs. These programs allow our young adults to become contributing members of the community.” The dedication took place during the Melmark Spring Festival, a day of celebration when Melmark welcomes families, friends and local community members to its campus. In addition to the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the day included a performance of My Fair Lady by the Melmark Players; a Mexican Fiesta with an authentic Mariachi band and delicious Mexican food; and family entertainment that included horse-drawn carriage rides, a Moon Bounce and the Big Kahuna water slide. Check Presentation: (L to R) Gene Kimble, Director of Operations, Delmac Management Corporation, Marlene Weinberg, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philadelphia Region, Inc., Joanne Gillis-Donovan, PhD, President and CEO, Melmark Standing by the plaque (L to R) Ellen Donohoe, Vice President for Advancement, Melmark; Joanne Gillis-Donovan, PhD, President and CEO, Melmark; Marlene Weinberg; Gene Kimble. Melmark Legislative Outreach Welcomes Representative Daylin LeachToday, Dr. Joanne Gillis-Donovan welcomedRepresentative Daylin Leach on his first visit of Melmark. “The diverse needs of Pennsylvanians with disabilities cannot be met without the understanding and support of our legislature. We always welcome members of the House and Senate who seek to learn more about people with special needs and service providers like us. My staff and I are pleased to have this opportunity to brief you on the key issues facing children and adults with disabilities, here at Melmark and throughout our state,” said Dr. Gillis-Donovan. Dr. Gillis-Donovan, an avid advocate on behalf of individuals with disabilities, noted that she was particularly thankful for Representative Leach’s support of House Bill 1150 (autism services coverage), introduced by Dennis O’Brien, Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and of House Bill 2241(Cost of Living Adjustment) introduced by Representative Barbara McIlvaine Smith of Chester County. “ I am moved by the obvious commitment of the Melmark staff and I am grateful for the opportunity to gain a more holistic understanding of the work that takes place on this campus.” Said Representative Leach. Discussions focused on current legislatives issues impacting the health care providers and the welfare of their clients. A comprehensive tour of the 80-acre campus followed the meeting.
Mary Pat Tomei, Legislative Aide, Chris Tabakin, Melmark Director of Quality Assurance, Dr. George P. Linke, Jr., Melmark Executive Vice President and COO, Representative Daylin Leach, Dr. Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Melmark President and CEO, Dr. Stephen C. Luce, Melmark Vice President of Clinical Programming, Training and Research Melmark and Best BuddiesDid you know that Melmark students danced to “Greased Lighting” at the 13 th annual Best Buddies Talent Show in the Hobson C. Wagner Memorial Auditorium this month? The show brought together over 175 Best Buddies from area schools that included Melmark, Owen J. Roberts, Octorara, West Chester East, Haverford and Unionville. Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bettering the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for on-on-one friendships and integrated employment. The Melmark were proud to wear the “Have Kerrage” T-shirts in honor of Conestoga senior Ryan Kerr who recently died of cancer.
Autism Month: Melmark Partners With Barnes and Noble to reach communityAt the invitation of Chris Broome, Community Relations Manager for Barnes and Noble, the booksellers in Plymouth Meeting, Melmark staged an art exhibit and a public education lecture designed to heighten community awareness about autism. Entitled: “Characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorder”, the 90 minute-presentation was led by Jennifer Copeland, MS, BCBA, Assistant Director of Pediatric Clinical Programs, Melmark. The interactive program provided comprehensive information about the Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), such as Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Rett’s Disorder and Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and it encouraged questions and comments from an audience eager to gain better understanding and guidance. “The impact of PDD is staggering. To the social/emotional toll is added the financial burden of autism. Currently, the lifetime cost of caring for a child with autism ranges from $3.5 million to $5 million,” said Ms. Copeland, citing statistics from the Autism Society of America. Consequently, Melmark supports Pennsylvania House Bill 1150, legislation introduced by Dennis O’Brien, Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, that requires health insurance companies to provide fair and equitable treatment coverage for people with autism. To inquire about Melmark free lectures and presentations about autism, contact program coordinator Michael Donovan at michaeldonovan@melmark.org. High Tea At MelmarkThe Meadows at Melmark is an innovative, work-centered program for adults with mild-to-moderate disabilities. To usher in the fall season, a small group of dedicated Melmark volunteers organized a proper high tea for the Meadows residents. Proper etiquette and the discovery of traditional tea delicacies were presented to a group of young adults who gathered in the Tearoom at the Meadows. “Culture and refinement are taught at Melmark because they are an integral part of the full range an social and recreational activities offered at The Meadows, “ said Louise Elkins, a seasoned Melmark volunteer and hostess of the high tea. Fine linens dressed the tables and a wide variety of home made tea sandwiches, jams and lemon curd awaited an enthusiastic group of 24 residents. Many in attendance had never tasted cucumber sandwiches or fresh-out-of-the-oven blueberry, cranberry and cinnamon scones with clotted cream. Chamber music was provided Nancy Kauffman and two of her friends who are members of the Delaware County Symphony Orchestra. The trio who performed on flute, violin and cello played a light selection of classical music and popular melodies. Guests were spellbound and savored the afternoon. “Our staff and volunteers go the extra mile to insure that our students and residents enjoy a full life. This experience exemplifies the values and high standards of Melmark.” Said Cyndie Martin, Director of Corporate and Community Affairs at Melmark.
Dr. Stephen C. Luce Honored by Marietta CollegeStephen C. Luce, Ph.D., Vice President of Clinical Programming, Training and Research at Melmark just received the 2007 Distinguished Alumnus Award from Marietta College, Marietta, Ohio. During the Alumni Convocation, Dr. Luce addressed his fellow alumni, faculty, families and students gathered at the McDonough Leadership Center Auditorium, opening his remarks with heartfelt thanks. “ I am grateful for the honor and thrilled to be back on campus for homecoming weekend. Marietta holds a special place in my heart in part because I was fortunate to row for four years under the leadership of Coach Ralph Lindamood and my three years in the varsity squad were memorable.” He said. Dr. Luce now resides in Berwyn and is a member of Fairmount Rowing Association in Philadelphia. A highly respected psychologist and leading behavior scientist, Dr. Luce attended Marietta College where he received his A.B., Psychology, in 1972. He later received a M.A. in Education from the Division of Exceptional Children at the University of Georgia and a doctorate in Developmental and Child Psychology from the University of Kansas Dr. Luce has spent much of his career as a teacher and psychologist working with children with developmental disabilities and/or behavior disorders. Prior to joining Melmark, Dr. Luce served as Executive Director of the Sonia Shankman Orthogenic School and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Chicago and held senior positions at Bancroft NeuroHealth, New Jersey, and The May Institute, Massachusetts. Dr. Luce has expertise in Developmental and Child Psychology, 23 years clinical experience and over 35 publications on behavioral programs for students with developmental disabilities and related staff training. He is a licensed psychologist, and Board Certified Behavior Analyst.
ETHEL SERGEANT CLARK SMITH MEMORIAL FUND AWARDS MELMARK Melmark welcomed Mrs. William Bricker, a member of the Board of Directors of the Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund on the occasion of her visit of the renovated multipurpose center. The extensive work on the structure was made possible in part thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund recently received by Melmark. “This is the second installment of a $50,000 grant awarded for the renovation and expansion of our 35-year old multipurpose center. We are grateful to the Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith Memorial Fund because its support is key to enhancing the lives of our clients. This is where we deliver recreational, therapeutic, cultural and social programs to those we serve and to our immediate community,” said Dr. Francis X. Baird, Director of Foundations Relations at Melmark. Ethel Sergeant Clark was born into a prominent Philadelphia family in 1885. She married H. Harrison Smith, a Philadelphia attorney. Although the couple never had children, Mrs. Smith displayed a loving interest in children that guided her philanthropic work. After her husband’s death, Mrs. Smith chose to utilize her wealth to benefit Delaware County through charitable grants. The Ethel Sergeant Clark Smith was created in 1977 to enhance the quality of life of Delaware County residents. Wachovia Trust stewards the Fund. “The multipurpose center houses our Melmark Theatre and vital sports programs. It is the ideal venue for performances by our hand bell choir the Joybells, dances, parent/children events, and a wide variety of socials. This is where each seasonal celebration finds residents, their staff and families sharing terrific food and good cheer. The grant gave the multipurpose center a face lift and so many more usage options.” Said Cyndie Martin, Melmark Director of Corporate and Community Affairs.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER SUPPORTS MELMARK The Melmark Traveling Art Show received a warm welcome at the Newtown Square Library, thanks to Dorothy Elicker, Art Show Coordinator and member of the Friends of Newtown Square Public Library, a very active volunteer group. Dorothy Elicker arranged for the Melmark Traveling Show kick-off with a grand opening night cocktail party. Many members of the Friends of the Library greeted the Melmark artists, welcomed members of their families and dialogued with the Melmark staff. The congenial gathering lasted late into the evening to the delight of all. At the close of the 2007 Traveling Art Show schedule, Dorothy Elicker invited Melmark back to the Newtown Square Library to help celebrate the holidays. A selection of 18 pieces created by the students and residents of Melmark graced the walls of the library. As a token of Melmark’s gratitude for her leadership and support, Dorothy Elicker was presented with a lovely needlepoint cushion created by Meadows Guilders. “How delighted I was to receive the gift, ” Dorothy wrote, adding, “ The cushion from the Meadows is on a desk in the front of the library and looks very colorful, filled with good thoughts. Every one at Melmark has enriched my life.” ..and Melmark is richer for Dorothy’s friendship! Melmark Welcomes Bristol-Myers Squibb Volunteers for a Day Of CaringMelmark welcomed 20 volunteers from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company for a Day Of Caring, an event sponsored by the pharmaceutical company for Melmark Vocational Program. The volunteers joined the Melmark children and young adults in activities that included management of the school breakfast cart, planting and landscaping and van detailing. As always, the highly anticipated visit brought much fun and good fellowship. “Bristol-Myers Squibb is dedicated to being a force for positive change around the world and we see our Melmark visit as an opportunity to give back to our community.” says Charles Roseboro, Bristol-Myers Squibb District Business Manager. “Melmark opens the eyes of our guests to the world of disabilities. The partnership created between our corporate volunteers and the Melmark staff gives our clients a unique educational and recreational opportunity. Melmark strives to provide the most sophisticated, effective, research-based, educational, vocational, clinical and residential services in an environment of love care and respect. This cooperative program epitomizes our mission.” Said Cyndie Martin, Director of Corporate and Community Affairs.
Melmark Welcomes Back The Amerikids®
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