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Once Again Melmark Is Recognized As One of Pennsylvania's Best Employers.

For the second consecutive year, Melmark won recognition as one of Pennsylvania’s best places where to work. The award ceremony was held at the Hershey Lodge in Harrisburg.

The recognition comes as the outcome of a statewide survey and awards program designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Pennsylvania, thus benefiting the state’s economy, its workforce and businesses. This program is a public/private partnership of Team Pennsylvania Foundation, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, and the Central Penn Business Journal.

“The employees of Melmark strive to develop the intellectual, emotional, social and physical aspects of each individual entrusted in their care. They do so with dedication, professionalism and dignity. The survey showed that they enjoy their work, love the family-like feeling and appreciate the education, training and diverse benefits they receive. On behalf of our staff, I am proud to receive the 2007 award,” said Dr. Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Melmark President and CEO.

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 kicked 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 Santa’s Brigade

On Thursday, December 13, Santa’s Brigade arrived on Campus to deliver Santas’ sacks full of gifts. Santa’s Brigade was founded i n 1996 by Radnor resident Louisa McDonald, a former Community Relations Director for Sovereign Bank. It is a volunteer group whose purpose is to provide Christmas presents for local charitable organizations. Scores of local companies help provide hundreds of gifts to benefit selected regional charitable organizations. Melmark, one of Santa’s Brigade’s recipient organizations, welcomed the gifts delivery with cheers and songs.

This year Ms. McDonald recruited volunteers from 40 local companies to help her provide 1,543 Christmas gifts to benefit 14 regional charitable organizations. “Each holiday season, we bring a little cheer to children and adults whose difficult circumstances do not allow for holiday gifts,” McDonald says.

According to McDonald, Santa’s Brigade “is a unique program that matches caring employees with groups whose clients’ needs are both emotional and financial. Our mission is to deliver smiles, hope, and the magic of the Christmas spirit.”

Melmark provides residential, educational, vocational and therapeutic services for adults and children with developmental disabilities, Autism spectrum disorder, acquired brain injuries, and other neurological and genetic disorders. www.melmark.org

Melmark Traveling Art Show Returns to Newtown Public Library

Recognized for its creative and therapeutic art programs, Melmark is presenting its 6th Traveling Art Show on Monday, December 3 at the Newtown Public Library in Newtown Square, PA.

“ We are thrilled to be invited back at the Newtown Square Public Library. Our first opening last year was received with such enthusiasm by the community that when Mrs. Dorothy Elicker, Coordinator of Art Shows at the Newtown Square Public Library invited us back, we gladly accepted,” says Melmark art teacher Jim Sekula. Under his tutelage, children and young adults create magnificent collages and some intriguing paintings. Each month, a new selection will be displayed in different venues throughout this year.

The exhibit will be open to the public during regular library hours starting December 3 through December 15, 2007.

“We are grateful to the Board of the Newtown Public Library for hosting this art exhibit. Because people with developmental disabilities are often overlooked, we strive to give those entrusted in our care the tools they need to be seen and heard in our community. Art is a powerful means of expression and knows no disability,” Says Cyndie Martin, Melmark Director of Corporate and Community Affairs.

Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., Melmark's President and CEO (center in aqua blazer), and Nicole Chabat (next to her, left of the screen) Director of Public Relations with members of the Board of the Newtown Public Library.

Dr. Stephen C. Luce Honored by Marietta College

Stephen 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.

Stephen C. Luce, Ph.D. receives the 2007 Distinguished Alumnus Award presented by Elizabeth Mard, President of the Marietta College Alumni Association. Marietta College, Marietta, Ohio, Saturday, October 20, 2007

Melmark Joybells Perform At Moravian Village

This month,the Melmark Joybells performed in the beautiful Moravian Village of Bethlehem. The highly touted handbell choir was founded at Melmark over thirty years ago.

The Melmark Joybells do not read music, and thus are both taught and conducted by hand signs. Their gleaming instruments are 5-octave Schulmerich handbells and silver melody bells, Suzuki tone chimes, and percussion. Their varied repertoire includes sacred and secular music. They are consummate recitalists who have performed on television, for Pennsylvania Governors’ Inaugurations, twice with the Brass Ensemble of the Philadelphia Orchestra, and three times at the White House.

“We were honored to be invited by Sue Lorenzetti, Activities Director for Moravian Village, and each one of us is pleased to perform for the first time in such a lovely setting,” said Sue Graves, Director of the Melmark Joybells.

The Joybells on their way to another performance!

Melmark Welcomes Bristol-Myers Squibb Volunteers for a Day Of Caring

Melmark 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.

High Tea At Melmark

The 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.

Melmark Welcomes Back The Amerikids®

Once again, Melmark, welcomed the West Chester based Amerikids ® back on campus for an evening of fun, food and fellowship.

For over a decade, The Amerikids® have visited Melmark, bringing their award-winning fusion of education, drama and infectious fun to the children and adults who thrive at Melmark. Melmark residents and the Amerikids® enjoyed a pizza party in the newly renovated Gymnasium. Then, residents from The Lodge, Tower House and Dixon House hosted a concert.

The programs presented by Amerikids® attempt to enrich the human spirit. They are aimed at entertaining audiences while enlightening kids of all ages and promoting cultural awareness. Parents, siblings and staff members are an integral part of the fun night at Melmark.

“All our children and young adults interact and cement unique friendship. The Amerikids® share their music, their joy and their enthusiasm with our students and residents while Melmark opens their eyes to the world of disabilities. It is a heartwarming event.” Said Cyndie Martin, Director of Corporate and Community Affairs at Melmark.

The Hubert JP Schoemaker Classic will take place on October 22, 2007 to benefit Melmark.

Melmark's handsome hero, Marc D. with (L to R) Denny Wilson, President and CEO Cytokine PharmaSciences, Inc; Dr. Joanne Gillis-Donovan, President and CEO Melmark; and Mickey Flynn, President of the Pennsylvania Biotechnology Association

Melmark Welcomes Scott Huston,
Executive Director of the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust

Since 1966, the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust has showed interest in Melmark and, through the years, has generously funded a variety of projects. T he Stewart Huston Charitable Trust was created in 1989 under the Will of James Stewart Huston (1898-1971), a Coatesville native and former vice president and secretary of the board of Lukens Steel Company .

Scott Huston toured Melmark with Fran Baird, Director of Foundations Relations and discussed the philanthropic goals of the Stewart Huston Charitable Trust and The Huston Foundation.

Melmark's 2nd Annual Employee Heritage Festival

Celebrating its dedicated and internationally diverse staff, Melmark sponsored its second annual Heritage Festival on September 14 and 5. The two-day event, planned and directed by Melmark’s staff, highlighted the unique talents, contributions and cultural assets of Melmark’s 600 employees, who collectively represent over 42 countries.

“We are very proud of this employee-driven event”, said Andrew Ward, executive director of Human Resources. “The Heritage Festival included activities for our staff and for the clients we serve, including a colorful display of 42 large international flags encircling our entrance drive; an international fashion show, staff soccer games, an international food buffet, and dance and music events.”

Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of Melmark said, “As an organization, we recognize that the success of Melmark continues to rest on the talents and dedication of our staff. The Heritage Festival gives us the opportunity to learn a little bit more about each other’s cultural background. It also provides a unique educational opportunity for our clients. We see the international diversity of our staff as a definite asset for Melmark and for those we serve.”

The photo below tells the story:

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.

MISS AMERICA CONTESTANTS MAKE A SPLASH AT MELMARK

This month, and for seventh year in a row, Melmark welcomed four 2007 Miss America Pageant contestants. Ongoing work in the new multi-purpose center forced Cyndie Martin to search for a new venue and to “re-think” the format of the popular visit. A pool party and luncheon seemed ideal under the circumstances! So, under the leadership of former Miss Maine, Valerie Crooker Clemens, the delegates of the Miss America Pageant gladly accepted the invitation and joined the adult residents of Melmark for good food and some aquatic fun.

“Children of all ages love to spend a summer day at the pool. The talented young women of the Miss America Pageant volunteered their time to bring fun and great companionship to the young adults who attend Melmark. They love it and it was great fun,” says Cyndie Martin, Melmark Director of Corporate and Community Affairs.

Valerie C. Clemens introduced Miss Maine, Tara Allain, Miss Pennsylvania, Rachel Marie Brooks, Miss Rhode Island Ashley Bickford and Miss Virgin Islands, Janeisha John as they stepped out of the pool cabana, clad in their glamorous swimsuit and tiaras. Soon sashes and crown were put away as everyone jumped in the refreshing water and enjoyed the many aquatic games and swim races. Then, contestants and residents shared a delicious al fresco meal poolside. The Melmark residents delighted in the photo opportunities and autograph session.

Melmark honors the invaluable contribution of community support as exemplified by the Miss America Pageant, one of the nation's leading achievement programs and the world's largest provider of scholarship assistance for young women.

Rumor has it that the 2007 luncheon and pool party with the lovely Miss America contestants was so successful that it may become an annual summer event…stay tuned.

Melmark Delegation Attends Autism Legislation Ceremony

Melmark’s residents, staff, and leadership recently traveled to Harrisburg to join Speaker of the House Dennis O’Brien as he introduced House Bill 1150 which will require health insurance companies to provide fair and equitable treatment coverage for people with autism.

As part of this legislative event, Speaker O’Brien also signed House Resolution 2, which recognized April as being Autism Awareness Month. The Center for Disease Control now estimates that 1 in 150 children in America has an autism spectrum disorder.

Presently in Pennsylvania, many health insurance companies do not extend coverage for autism-related treatments. Under Speaker O’Brien’s proposed legislation, private health insurance companies would be required to provide up to $3,000 per month in coverage for autism-related services.

“It’s a new day for autism in Pennsylvania,” O’Brien said. “For many years, people with this disease felt they must suffer in silence. That’s no longer true. Because of the work of many people and some terrific organizations, we’ve reached a tipping point where America recognizes that autism is not going away and it’s not staying silent.”  Speaker O’Brien is joined by Senator Jane Orie ( 40 th District-R) who is sponsoring a similar bill in the Senate.

Joanne Gillis-Donovan, President and CEO of Melmark, strongly supports Speaker O’Brien’s initiative.

“Everyday we work with families deeply impacted by the effects of autism upon their loved ones and other family members. This legislation will support families and allow providers to treat and address this condition earlier and more effectively. With such help we can make ignificant long-term improvement in the lives of those affected by autism.” Melmark is a Berwyn-based, not-for-profit provider of programs and services for children and adults with a developmental disability, acquired brain injury, and other neurological and genetic disorders. Dr. Donovan noted that approximately 30 percent of those children and adults served by Melmark have been diagnosed with autism.

Thirty-five Melmark representatives were among the crowd of over 200 supporters of this bill, that also included Bob and Suzanne Wright, co-founders of the national advocacy group Autism Speaks; Jon Shestack, founder of Cure Autism Now; Public Welfare Secretary Estelle Richman; and Joe Pantoliano, actor and autism advocate

http://www.autismspeaks.org/inthenews/index.php

MELMARK PSYCHOLOGIST TO SPEAK AT THE 10TH ANNUAL CONNECTIONS CONFERENCE ON THE MAIN LINE

Berwyn, Pennsylvania, March 30, 2007 - Stephen C. Luce, Ph.D., Melmark Vice President for Clinical Programming, Training and Research will speak on “Shaping Social Skills in Youth With Problem Behaviors” on Saturday, March 31 at the Tenth Annual Collage Connections Conference. The one-day program will take place at Messiah Church, 100 Media Road in Newtown Square.

Dr. Luce is a Clinical Professor of Psychology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and a practicing licensed psychologist at Melmark. Nancy Kauffman, Director of the Collage Program, looks forward to Dr. Luce’s participation in the 2007 Connections Conference of Occupational Therapy because “Everyone is interested in research and theory,” she says. “The audience especially loves to listen to Dr. Luce’s treatment techniques and his practical suggestions.” (Further information about Collage may be obtained at 610 356 7355.)

“For the past nine year, health professionals and parents have dialogued about research findings, strategic interventions and effective techniques in the field of behavior management. I am particularly pleased to participate in this 10 th conference because its format imparts skills development for professionals, care givers and parents,” says Dr. Luce. Dr. Luce is he author of many articles and publications about the effective support of children with behavior disorders and about autism spectrum disorders. A complete list of his work can be obtained at www.melmark.org