January 2009 — Hope

The New Year is upon us and one word, hope, is being uttered on the lips of just about every person you meet! I hope the economy gets better, I hope that the war will end, I hope I don't lose my job, my business, my home!! All I can think of right now is the famous Oliver Hardy quote, "This is a fine mess you've gotten us into!" But who is responsible? The dilemma is so far above all of us, that HOPE is the only thing we can do.

Not being much of a guru myself, I turn to those who lived before us for inspiration.

Emily Dickinson said "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul - and sings the tunes without the words - and never stops at all." Sings the tunes without the words... that's such a unique way of putting it! What I think she is saying is that in not knowing the words, but singing anyway; one can urge oneself along the path of uncertainty. Kind of like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz singing, "Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!" For some of us, that little Dorothy courage-song is how we have to get ourselves out of bed lately!

Another fine author Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, who studied and wrote about death and dying, said "People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in; their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within." Again she uses an analogy, just like Emily Dickinson's tune, in order to make her point. This concept of inner strength to help one get through tough times seems to be an essential element to our survival.

What happens to us when our worst fears come true? We go into shock at first, and then we hunker down into a place where we can be numb for a while and eventually time and the forces of nature will bring us back out to our lives and we move on. In John Gorka's song, I'm from New Jersey, John sings: "I'm from New Jersey... I don't expect too much...If the world ended today ...I would adjust". Maybe that's the secret! Spend some time in New Jersey and learn how to expect less!! (Just kidding Marsha) P.S.-The full text of this can be found under www.music-lyrics-chord.com/John_Gorka.

I hope you all don't think I'm making light of the situation. I'm not. I think these thoughts I put down and my process of writing monthly essays helps me to come to terms with life, change and hardship. It's how I process. Others may seek other forms of keeping that inner hope alive. Cooking, reading, running or taking walks or indulging in craft projects might help you to release your pent up worries. Eat comfort food. Listen to favorite music. Watch old movies. Try not to read too many negative newspapers or watch too much television programs about the economy! It is so wearing.

So hang in there everybody, and remember the wise words of that famous "Beatle" George Harrison who counseled through song: "Beware of Darkness...it can hit you, it can hurt you, make you sore; but what is more, that is not what we are here for".

Happy January!

Julie Wesolowski, Program Director

What's Cookin' at the Abigail Adams Center

As the holiday season concludes at the "Abby Club", we find ourselves burping in contentment for all the delicious foods we have consumed. Traditionally, we have always been the recipients of wonderful gastronomical delights, sent in or made by the family and friends of the Center around the holidays. I am going to ATTEMPT to thank everybody who sent in goodies, but if I mistakenly omit somebody, it might be because it was gobbled up before I was even aware that it came through the door.

I would first like to acknowledge Christopher Desler for his wonderful gift of a huge supply of foods from BJs to benefit our clients. We are indebted to you for your kindness! I'd also like to acknowledge Priscilla Connors for her commitment to our Center over the past few months, in which she now bakes twice weekly for us...one homemade dessert per week and one breakfast treat per week. Priscilla's mom, Marge attends AAC everyday and Priscilla is a working woman who also runs the support group here, so I can't tell you how touched we all are by this magnanimous gesture! ...Like she doesn't already do enough! Priscilla also sends in Bingo prizes quite often so as to make our Friday Bingo-with-Ray a very happy occasion.

We would also like to send out a special thank you to Linda Veigas, a family member whose Mom, Lorraine attended many years ago and who has since passed away; but Linda reached out to us and has donated some money to our "scholarship fund" which will go into an extension to a grant that we awarded following the proceeds from the yard sale! Linda also sent in many items for Bingo prizes and to stock the pantry at the Center. Additionally, Linda has come forward as a future "chaperone" for our Center, on those occasions when we need field trip help. Thank you so much!

Another exceptionally wonderful gift was given to us by the family of Dorris Driscoll! Her daughter put together little gift baskets for each and every person who attends Abigail Adams replete with items like candy, stress balls, combs, bubbles, etc. It was very, very thoughtful and we can't thank them enough!

We are also grateful to the following folks who have sent in baked goods, candies, recreational items or supplies to us at the holiday-season: Gloria Varrasso (as always!), the Hogan family, the Donley family, Pat Chase, Lucia Cullivan, the Lamie family, the Nolans, the Desharnais', Harriet Pugsley and family, Joanne Rose, Joe Verlicco and wife, Bob Tenaglia, Jacki Alger, the Hassan family, Ray Molling, Vivian Toland, Bev Hurd, John Metallides and Maryann and John Fasci.

The Center would like to welcome two of our newest employees; both activities assistants. Linda LaBonte, who has been our student intern since the fall, was hired on as a two day/week staff member, working on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Linda has an easy, breezy way about her and it is obvious to all of us that the clients here LOVE her and love to watch her. Linda at one time cared for her own grandmother with memory challenges, so she brings a great understanding of these challenges and compassion for people, so important to their well-being. Linda lives in Carver, is divorced with one daughter and has a very nice significant other! The second new employee is Mary Ann Fasci, a fantastic person with much experience in activities; having worked at a large skilled facility for many years. Mary Ann brings many, fun, new ideas along with her and has that special attention to detail which always astounds me! Mary Ann is kind and patient with all of our clients and likes to challenge them with new board games and active games. Mary Ann has a nice hubby named John, who has also helped us with various Abby Club projects. Both women have been hired to cover during Lucia's absence, but our hope is to be able to retain everybody even when she arrives back! Please help us welcome Mary Ann and Linda!

The family support group will meet this month on January 27, 2009 from 11 AM to 12 PM on the second floor in the big activities room. Priscilla Connors is our facilitator.

Snow Days

The center attempts to be open everyday possible, in order to provide family members the opportunity to work and not have to juggle to find a caregiver. As such, when an average snowy day occurs, we will usually open. If heavy snow is predicted for later in the day, we will open but have an early dismissal, usually around 1:30PM. If there is any question, you can always call the center's main number as early as 7:00PM where we will have a message on the machine instructing families as to our intentions for the day. If you choose to keep your loved one home for the day, you will still be charged BUT will be able to "make-up" the day on another day.

"A lot of people like snow. I find it to be an unnecessary freezing of water."

Author: Carl Reiner