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Life Sciences and Business Community Support Individuals with Special Needs Golf Classic Honors Biotechnology Pioneer, Hubert J.P. Schoemaker
On Monday, September 20, 2010, join the Philadelphia life sciences and business community for the Fifth Annual Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic with Title Sponsor, Cephalon. The event, which benefits Melmark, honors the late Hubert J.P. Schoemaker, leader and advocate in the region’s life sciences community. Schoemaker, whose eldest daughter has lived at Melmark since 1982, dedicated his life to giving back to the community, especially to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
In addition to Cephalon, Accenture and Oracle Health Sciences are this year’s Co-Presenting Sponsors.
Melmark is the Berwyn-based, non-profit organization that provides residential, educational, vocational and therapeutic services for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders, developmental and intellectual disabilities, acquired brain injuries and other neurological and genetic disorders. Estimated proceeds from this year’s Classic are expected to bring total donations from this five-year event to over $2 million. For more information, visit www.schoemakerclassic.com
The Schoemaker Classic includes a day of golf on one of three premier golf courses: Waynesborough Country Club, The ACE Club and St. Davids Golf Club. Golf is followed by a cocktail reception, silent auction and dinner with a live auction at Waynesborough. This event has quickly emerged as the major charity event for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
Founded in 2006 by Lee Ahrensdorf, President of Ahrensdorf and Associates, the Schoemaker Classic keeps Hubert’s compassion for individuals with developmental disabilities alive. “It is with great pride that each of us on the Schoemaker Classic Advisory Board continues with Hubert’s work in support of children and adults with developmental disabilities,” said Ahrensdorf. “We are thrilled to see this event grow with strong corporate support from the region’s life sciences community.”
Co-chairs Laura Liotta, President of Sam Brown, Inc. Corporate Communications, Shawn P. O’Brien, President and CEO of AltheRx Pharmaceuticals and Denny Willson, President and CEO of Cytokine PharmaSciences, Inc. all agree with Ahrensdorf. “Hubert was such an inspirational man, both in work and in his family life,” said Willson. “We feel honored to raise funds in Hubert’s name for Melmark, an organization so well known in the community for making a difference in people’s lives.”
“We are extremely grateful for the dedicated support our organization continues to receive from Hubert’s family, friends and colleagues,” said Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., President and CEO of Melmark. “The Schoemaker Classic truly makes a difference for our students and adults.”
In addition to Title Sponsor, Cephalon and Co-Presenting Sponsors Accenture and Oracle Health Sciences, other major sponsors of the Schoemaker Classic include Radnor Benefits Group, Olson Research Group, ACE USA, Devon Hill BMW, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Inc., BioClinica, Cytokine PharmaSciences, Inc., C. Raymond Davis and Sons, Inc., Pennsylvania Biotechnology Association and Pilot Freight Services.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To learn more, contact Ellen Donohoe at 610-325-4996 or visit www.schoemakerclassic.com.
Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic
Monday, September 20, 2010
Waynesborough Country Club, 440 Darby-Paoli Road in Paoli (10:00 a.m. start)
*Cocktail reception and dinner follow tournament
The ACE Club, Ridge Pike and Manor Road in Lafayette Hill (8:00 a.m. start)
St. Davids Golf Club, 845 Radnor Street Road in Wayne (10:00 a.m. start)
The Melmark Joybells in New York City
The Melmark Joybells are ringing with excitement after a recent performance in New York City. Valerie, Janet, Lisa, Marc, Meg, Patrick, Ronnie, Anne, David, Cindy, Bill, Joy and Doug performed at St. Malachy’s Roman Catholic Church this month.
St. Malachy’s, also known as “The Actors’ Chapel”, is located on 49 th and Broadway and was founded in 1902. Joybells Director, Sue Graves, says performing at this historic New York City landmark was an honor for all members of the bell choir. “Everyone was so excited about this concert. We met at 5:15 a.m. at Melmark and had a full schedule ahead of us. Despite the early ‘crew call’, all of our performers gave a stunning performance. We’re very proud of them.”
Sue Graves and Joyce Klinck led the bell choir before an audience which included church members at St. Malachy’s, New York City residents, Brother Joe Payne’s second grade class and Melmark family members and friends.
After the concert, the Joybells enjoyed lunch at John’s Pizzeria and a matinee showing of “Mary Poppins”, which Sue Graves says the performers absolutely loved. “It was fantastic! Everyone was dancing in their seats!”
The Joybells would like to thank Gary Burgwald, the Joybells’ tour bus driver, chaperones Becky Burgwald and Lisa DiDomenico as well as the trip’s hosts, Clay and Garrett Kirk, Jeanine Ward and Brother Joe Payne.
Delaware County Special Olympics
The winning moment was precious: as Molly M. reached the end of her last lap of the 100-yard Medley Relay, she touched the pool’s wall then immediately threw her arms around her teammate, Marc D. The two shared a touching celebratory hug that, in one moment, demonstrated the multiple ways being part of Melmark’s Special Olympic Team impacts an individual’s life.
Melmark swimmers train year-round to maintain fitness and socialization goals and to develop a sense of pride and self worth. Team values are taught and encouraged such as supporting each other and the value of work and practice toward a common goal. The Melmark Swim Team is made up of youth and adult swimmers ages 14-60. Melmark has three different practice groups that meet weekly and sometimes combine to practice together.
Recently, the Melmark Swim Team participated in the Delaware County Special Olympics Swim Meet at Radnor High School. Competing alongside teams from Upper Darby High School and Delaware County Middle School, Melmark’s swimmers won many 1 st and 2 nd place awards in all four competitive strokes.
Newcomers to the swim team this year, Alyssa C., Sarah W., and Megan P. performed very well, winning awards in both freestyle and backstroke events. Melmark entered two freestyle relay teams that finished 2 nd and 3 rd in their events, and our medley relay team of Molly M., Marc D., Ron G. and Meg G. took first place at the meet. Freestyler/breaststroker Marc D. also took three first place ribbons in his individual events and relay. Backstrokers Robert N. and Brian G. got out of their wheelchairs and had incredible performances swimming their best times of the season in the 25-yard backstroke event. Backstroker, Ron G. won first place awards in both the backstroke and 100-yard Medley Relay events.
Congratulations to the entire Melmark swim team for a wonderful competitive season.
All Aboard!
Melmark Ads Featured at SEPTA Stations
The next time you hop on a train at your hometown SEPTA station, look around. You may see some of our Melmark family members. Currently, Melmark is participating in an advertising campaign that includes posters at Regional Train Stations like the R5 stop in Ardmore, the Regional Rail Station in Paoli and others. The ads, which were designed to increase awareness of admissions opportunities, feature Jeff E. and other members of Melmark’s Adult Programs.
Chicken Dances, Project Runway & Bling
Diverse Performances at the 2010 Talent Show
Parents, siblings, faculty and staff watched from the audience in the Multi-Purpose Center as students took center stage, performing, on Talent Show Day, an array of acts including a solo rendition of “Rhinestone Cowboy” by Wilfredo S., a fashion show by Classroom 11 and a boys-girls dance competition by Classroom 8. The boys and girls tied despite the ladies’ blinged-out efforts to out-dance the guys to Beyonce’s “Single Lady”. Melmark Music Teacher, Justin King emceed the talent show, which he organized with the help of staff in individual classrooms. Great job to everyone involved!
Honoring Our Teachers
Making the Melmark Difference
Normally, Melmark teachers are putting all of their focus on their students, but on May 3 rd, the teachers were in the spotlight as Melmark celebrated Teacher Appreciation Week.
The Melmark School honored all of our teachers with a breakfast celebration in The Eatery. The Melmark School employs 17 full-time teachers, all whom are dedicated to making the Melmark difference for our students.
At the May 3 rd celebration, each teacher received a plaque with a quote of gratefulness for our teachers. Dr. George Linke also gave his personal message of thanks for all that Melmark teachers do for our clients.
Melmark would like to commend all of our teachers for their commitment to the children we serve.
Children’s Family Picnic
Cloudy Skies Don’t Keep Families from Celebrating with Melmark
More than sixty families gathered in Center Circle on May 22 nd for Melmark’s Annual Children’s Family Picnic. Students enjoyed the day with their parents, brothers, sisters and even grandparents.
The weather was a little cloudy with a few sprinkles of rain, but that didn’t put a damper on the fun. Children and their families enjoyed hamburgers and hotdogs, played baseball, made crafts and even took a crack at a piñata filled with treats.
We extend a big thank you to all of our Melmark families for participating and to Melmark’s staff for organizing this event.
6ABC at 2010 Dream Maker's Ball
Melmark's Dream Maker's Ball was recently featured on 6ABC, Action News. The event, held every other year, is a fundraiser in memory of Katie Trainor, a young lady who lived at Melmark and left our lives at the age of 20. Click here to see the story on Action News.
DAILY LOCAL NEWS
Serving Chester County
By DAN KRISTIE, Staff Writer
WEST CHESTER — A group of West Chester University graduate and undergraduate students have designed a series of exercises intended to help people with autism stay active.
At an event held at the university on March 30, the students led a group of eight autistic men under age 21 through the exercises. The students customized exercises for each autistic participant, depending on the participant’s abilities and needs.
The participants were men under age 21 who reside in a home on Rosary Lane in West Goshen. The home is overseen by Melmark, a Berwyn-based school for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Jim Barry, a student in the university’s Adaptive Physical Education graduate program, helped design the exercises. He said one challenge was finding ways to motivate the autistic participants to complete them.
Barry said the young man to whom he was assigned has limited verbal abilities and does not like to exercise. So, Barry said, he had to develop a reward system.
“He likes to read magazines, so I used magazines as reinforcement,” Barry said. “I would have him do 10 sit-ups, then give him time to look at a magazine. Then I would have him do 10 more and let him look at the magazine again.”
This technique, Barry said, helped the student he worked with to make physical gains. The goal, he added, is to encourage sedentary people with autism to engage in activity that will improve their physical health.
Brian Haney, Melmark’s program director, said that the Rosary Lane home is community-based. The residents, he said, live as a group and are overseen by caretakers. Some, he said, work part time.
One goal of the home, he said, is to get residents to become independent enough to participate in an adult vocational program and work on a job site.
To contact staff writer Dan Kristie, send an e-mail to dkristie@dailylocal.com.
Posted on Thu, Apr. 8, 2010
In the Philadelphia Daily News
Charitably minded
Dave Roberts will emcee the 2010 Dream Maker's Ball to benefit Melmark, a Berwyn-based nonprofit that aids children and adults with developmental disabilities. The recently retired 6 ABC weatherman has been a longtime friend of Melmark. "The May 1 event at the Hyatt at the Bellevue will honor John Durante, president of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Philadelphia. Tickets are $250 per person. For info, call 610-325-4976, or e-mail cgm@melmark.org .
News about Melmark's Vocational Program
Melmark’s Vocational Program is taking on a new and exciting endeavor, and it’s all about teaching our clients valuable job skills that could lead to employment within our campus and in the community.
Right now, individuals in the Vocational Program are working on an electronics demanufacturing program. For instance, our individuals work to disassemble used computers received from an electronics recycling company in Westville, NJ in order to recycle components such as hard drives, memory boards, CD/DVD drives, as well as scrap metal and plastic. Ultimately, all of the parts are separated then returned to the company in exchange for a payment that benefits the individuals in the Vocational Program. This job program not only provides a means of chanelling their interests and abilities into functional job tasks, but also teaches our individuals about the importance of recycling.
The Melmark Vocational Program addresses the needs of students and adults with intellectual disabilities who require individualized instructional, vocational, and behavioral supports in order to achieve a maximum level of independence and community integration. The program comprises The School Vocation Program (serving students 14 to 21 years of age) and the Adult Vocational Program (serving adults 18 years of age and older).
Instruction takes place in both the campus and community settings and addresses a number of areas including job skills training, service learning, life skills training, transportation training, self-determination and decision making. Several of our clients have achieved part-time employment through the Vocational Program at businesses like McDonald’s, Genuardi’s, Villanova University and Wawa.
Elise Cummings:
Learning Life Lessons from Her Little Brother
When Elise Cummings talks about her little brother, Matthew, she glows with joy, and a smile stretches wide across her face. “I like when he’s happy, and we sit and talk. I love to make him laugh”, said Elise, who’s a seventh grader at Garnett Valley Country Club.
Elise recently spent the day at Melmark with ten year old Matthew, who’s diagnosed with Autism and is a student in Classroom 14. The day of volunteering was Elise’s service project for her school. She began the morning by reading to Matthew and his classmates. Afterward, she got to be part of Matthew’s therapy team, helping him learn to better maneuver the steps leading from the Main House’s second floor to the first floor. The two then enjoyed lunch with mom in the Eatery before heading to the locker rooms to get changed for pool therapy.
In the swimming pool, Elise helped Matthew’s therapist work with him in the water. Using colorful and brightly lit necklaces and balls specially designed for the pool, the two helped Matthew swim in order to strengthen his arms and legs. Elise says watching Matthew work so hard to do things many of us take for granted has made her especially proud of her little brother.
“Having Matthew as a brother has made me realize that even though people are different, they’re still people and have different personalities. He helps me see things from a different perspective.”
Elise is not sure exactly what she wants to be when she grows up but says she knows that she always wants to work with children who have special needs.
“I want to be a scientist or do something with kids, but regardless of what I decide to pursue, I will always volunteer with children. It’s just important to me.”
Melmark Again Named
Best Places
to Work in PA
Berwyn, PA, December 14, 2009 - For the second time in three years, Melmark, the Berwyn-based not-for- profit provider of services for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, has been named one of the Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania for 2009. Melmark was one of only 50 large sized companies to be recognized in this statewide program.
“This is a proud moment for everyone connected to the Melmark community,” said Joanne Gillis-Donovan Ph.D., President and CEO of Melmark. “It reinforces what I see everyday - an exceptional group of people who are dedicated to both those children and adults that we serve and to their fellow employees. It makes for a great work environment when we are focused on our mission and a commitment to teamwork.”
Created in 2000, the Best Places to Work in PA awards program is one of the first statewide programs of its kind in the country. The survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places to be employed in Pennsylvania. The Best Places to Work in PA list is made up of 100 companies divided into two groups: 50 medium sized companies with 25-250 employees and 50 large sized companies with 251 or more employees. The awards program consists of a two-part process. The first part evaluates each company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophies, systems and demographics. The second part of the process consists of an extensive employee survey.
“It is particularly rewarding to be recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in PA for both 2007 and 2009,” said Colette Brown, Vice President of Human Resources for Melmark. “The awards underscore the importance of open communication with our staff, and they serve as valuable benchmarks as we recruit new staff members.”
Melmark provides residential, educational, vocational and therapeutic services for children and adults with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, acquired brain injuries, and other neurological and genetic disorders.
Corporate Sponsors of the
2009 Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic Honored
The Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic Advisory Board and Melmark will host a kick-off reception on September 10, 2009 to recognize the corporate sponsors supporting the fourth annual Hubert J.P. Schoemaker Classic to benefit Melmark. Honorees include GlaxoSmithKline, this year’s Title Sponsor, and Cephalon Inc. and Accenture who are serving as Presenting Co-Sponsors. The reception will be held on Melmark’s campus, the Berwyn-based not-for-profit organization that serves children and adults with special needs.
The Classic is scheduled for Monday, October 19, 2009 at Waynesboro Country Club and the ACE Club. The event was created in honor of the late Hubert J.P. Schoemaker, Ph.D., a dynamic leader in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical fields and the founder of Centocor and Neuronyx. Dr. Schoemaker was also a generous supporter and board member of Melmark, where his oldest daughter has been in residence since 1982.
“We are grateful for the strong support and commitment that we have already received from sponsors like GlaxoSmithKline, Cephalon and Accenture,” said Shawn Patrick O’Brien, President and CEO, Profectus BioSciences, Inc and one of this year’s Co-chairs. “It is a great testament to Hubert that the Schoemaker Classic continues to grow and attract a wide range of corporate support from the region’s life sciences community.”
Co-chairs Laura Liotta, President of Sam Brown Inc. Corporate Communications and Denny Willson, President and CEO of Cytokine PharmaSciences, Inc. both agreed. “Raising funds in Hubert’s honor for an outstanding organization like Melmark serves as an inspiration for all,” said Willson. “The Classic also provides a great opportunity for reconnecting with friends and business associates.”
“We are very grateful for the dedicated support that Melmark has received from Hubert’s family, friends and colleagues. The generous contributions directly benefit the children and adults we serve,” said Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., President and CEO of Melmark. “We look forward to another great Schoemaker Classic this year.” To date, the Classic has raised $1.1 million for Melmark.
For further information and available sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.schoemakerclassic.com
Miss America Pageant Makes Summertime Fun Sizzle at Melmark
This summer, five Miss America Pageant contestants visited Melmark for some great summer fun. Under the leadership of former Miss Maine, Valerie Crooker Clemens, the delegates of the Miss America Pageant entertained the residents of Melmark and joined in on some poolside fun.
“The Miss America Pageant volunteer their time to bring fun and great companionship to the youngsters and to the adults we serve. These five talented young women demonstrate exhibit diverse musical and performing arts talents that inspire our Melmark audience. It really is fun for everyone,” says Cyndie Martin, Melmark Director of Corporate and Community Affairs.
As they stepped onto the stage of the Melmark Center for Wellness and Learning, Valerie C. Clemens introduced Miss Maine, Susie Stauble; Miss Virgin Islands, Shayla Solomon; Miss Connecticut, Sharlynn Kuziak; Miss Rhode Island, Julianna Strouts and Miss New Hampshire, Lindsey Graham.
Following their performances, contestants and residents shared a delicious luncheon. Later, the fun moved poolside as the contestants put away their sashes and crowns. Everyone jumped in the pool for games and swim races. Melmark residents, volunteers and staff delighted in the photo opportunities and autograph session. For the tenth consecutive year, the charming Miss America Contestants made quite a splash at Melmark!
Melmark recognizes the invaluable contribution of community support made 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.
Berwyn Meets Broadway: The Melmark Players
to Perform at The Arden
For the first time since its formation as a theater troupe, the Melmark Players will be performing at the award-winning Arden Theatre Company in Old City Philadelphia on Monday June 8, 2009 at 6:30 P.M. The Melmark Players are a talented group of adults with developmental disabilities who have traditionally entertained local audiences from their stage on Melmark’s campus in Berwyn. Their debut at the Arden marks the first time that they “have taken the show on the road”.
Thanks to the training and coaching they received from the Arden volunteers, The Melmark Players will be performing “My Fair Lady” on the main stage of the Arden Theatre Company as part of an evening that recognizes Melmark’s outstanding donors.
“Today’s challenging economic climate and its impact on not-for-profit organizations like Melmark, underscores our deep appreciation for the generosity of our donors. This theater production and many other Melmark programs and services continue to grow as the result of their extraordinary financial support. We are honored to welcome Mayor Michael Nutter and most grateful to the Arden Theatre Company for making our dreams come true,” says Joanne Gillis-Donovan, PhD, Melmark President and CEO.
The Melmark Players grew out of The Meadows at Melmark a program for adults that offers a wide range of therapeutic activities including The Joybells, an English hand-bell choir; a crafts program that includes dried flower arrangements, woodworking, and card stenciling; and food preparation and hospitality services.
Liza Jones, Director of The Meadows Program at Melmark adds: “Art truly knows no disability. The Joybells have performed at The White House, and now the Melmark Players are opening at a renowned regional theatre. We are very proud of our amazing cast, thankful to our dedicated supporters and look forward to a truly memorable evening”.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month: Melmark Shines in Center City
In honor of National Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Month, Melmark recently presented a three-day interactive information booth at the Liberty Place Rotunda in Center City, Philadelphia. Staff members and clinical psychologists were available each day to discuss the services provided by Melmark for adults and children with special needs.
On Monday, March 23, the Melmark Joybells, an English hand-bell choir of 12 adults with developmental disabilities performed twice in the Rotunda in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Following the concert, Melmark was recognized by the Office of the Mayor, City of Philadelphia. Roger Margulies, Assistant Deputy Mayor, Mayor’s Commission on People with Disabilities presented a mayoral proclamation to Melmark’s leaders, Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Ph.D., President and CEO and George P. Linke, Jr., Psy.D., Executive Vice President and COO.
“Melmark honors individuals with intellectual disabilities by sharing the extraordinary accomplishments of the young adults who learned to express themselves in a powerful manner through painting and collages, music and theatre,” said Joanne Gillis-Donovan, PhD, Melmark President and CEO.
Melmark’s presence at Liberty Place was indicative of its continuous efforts to maintain its dialog with the community and those who seek program options for individuals with disabilities.
Melmark serves children and adults with a broad range of educational, therapeutic, vocational and residential programs. As demonstrated by the remarkable Melmark Traveling Art Show exhibited at Liberty Place and by the concert, Melmark places a high priority on the performing arts.
“Art truly knows no disability and our extensive art therapy program led to the creation of the Melmark Theatre Players, the Joybells choir and the Melmark Traveling Art Show. We are most grateful to The Shops at Liberty Place for hosting this month-long show in honor of individuals with special needs,” said Liza Jones, Melmark Director of Meadows Program at Melmark.
(L to R): In front of the Joybells, Dr. George P. Linke, Jr., Joy Sussman, member of the Melmark Board of Directors, Roger Margulies, Dr. Joanne Gillis-Donovan, Charles Horton, Director, The Mayor’s Commission On People With Disabilities, and Anne Faulkner Schoemaker, member of the Melmark Board of Director.
Melmark Residents Win
Honorable Mention at the
2009 Philadelphia Flower Show
This year, inspired by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society theme “Bella Italia”, four adults in The Meadows at Melmark program - David K i, Tom B., Jean S. and Marc D.- entered plants in the 2009 Philadelphia Flower Show. Two of the adults, Jean and Marc received honorable mention for their work.
In this highly competitive event, only 50% of all submitted entries are selected by the judges for the show. The Meadows participants worked in the “challenge plant” category, meaning that they received a plant from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and were challenged to produce an attractive and thriving plant in time for 2009 Flower Show. The fact that the plants nurtured by the four Melmark gardeners were selected is a tribute to their patience and creativity.
“We are thrilled that Jean and Marc received honorable mention for their work. They made the entire Meadows program proud once again”, said Barbara Stuehling, the Horticulture Coordinator who works with the adults in the program.
Melmark gardeners are no strangers to the Philadelphia Flower Show competition. In 2007, Ron G., Janet B., Michael L. and Patrick G., competed in the Show; Ron G. and Patrick G. were awarded honorable mentions. In 2006, Meg G. won an honorable mention ; in 2005 Anne J. won an honorable mention and Jeffrey E. won a blue ribbon in the Harvest show.
Established in 1976, the Meadows at Melmark is an innovative, work-centered program for adults with mild-to-moderate disabilities. Participants live with friends in staff-supervised, single-family homes, or in the community with their families. They perform creative, fulfilling work while enjoying a full range of social, recreational, and athletic activities.
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