JOURNEYS Spring 2018
Because it is in the process, as much as the progress, that we measure each journey. A publication of St. Mary’s Home.
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INSIDE
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Holidays are Busiest, Happiest Time of Year at St. Mary’s
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Navy Veteran Keeps St. Mary’s Powered Up in Grandson’s Honor
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Holidays Rock The Albero House
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4 Volunteers Help Make
ackson meets Eri Nishihara, a company dancer with the Richmond Ballet.
Fall Festival a Success
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Jo-Kell Caps Milestone Year with Generous Gesture
5 Alhambra Supports
People with Disabilities
6 Meet Our New Head of Philanthropy
7 Thank You and
Farewell to Several Longtime Employees
––––––––––––––– We provide quality, specialized care within a homelike environment for children and adults with severe disabilities, so each person can achieve his or her fullest potential.
On Pointe: Ballet Brings
the Arts to St. Mary’s
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he holidays came early to St. Mary’s Home when members of the Richmond Ballet visited in advance of their local performances of “The Nutcracker.” Children and young adults smiled as they handled pointe shoes and props while gathered in our Atrium in late November. They also stretched their arms above their heads to imitate two costumed company dancers who demonstrated ballet movements. “This is amazing!” Tyquawn, a teen who lives at the Home, declared repeatedly by pressing a switch to trigger a recorded message. Valerie Tellmann-Henning, who recently retired from the stage after 16 years with the Ballet, read from her illustrated book, “Richmond Ballet The Nutcracker, as told by the Sugar Plum
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Fairy.” Afterward, she and dancers Marty Davis and Eri Nishihara dropped by several of our classrooms to visit with more children. “Our mission is to awaken and uplift the human spirit through dance, both on and off the stage,” said Jennifer Chapman, the Ballet’s Hampton Roads regional coordinator. “We are thrilled to … bring the magic of the performance to the children at St. Mary’s Home.” Thank you to Richmond Ballet, the State Ballet of Virginia, for incorporating the arts into the children’s lives. And thank you to all of our supporters for helping to make fun activities like this possible for all of the children and young adults. See more photos from the ballet’s visit on WAVY TV’s website, bit.ly/wavyballet, and our Facebook page, facebook.com/StMarysHome.
In the News
Coverage THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Nov. 30 Richmond Ballet’s visit to St. Mary’s mentioned in story about the ballet company. ––––––––––––––––––
WAVY TV
Holidays are Busiest, Happiest
Time of Year at St. Mary’s
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any friends, families, community groups and companies dropped by in December to fulfill the wishes of almost 100 children and young adults who live at St. Mary’s Home and The Albero House. They brought comforters, toys, school supplies and other gifts – as well as smiles to the children’s faces. Santa also was spotted a time or two. Thank you to all of you who so kindly thought of St. Mary’s during the holiday season!
Nov. 30 News story about Richmond Ballet’s visit to St. Mary’s, plus online photo gallery. –––––––––––––––––– COASTAL VIRGINIA MAGAZINE
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re you ready for some football? Salim, Sierra and T.J. enjoyed meeting some college football players, including Jalyn Holmes of Ohio State University and James Church Jr. of Norfolk State University. The players brought presents for the kids and young adults.
Nov. 30 Online article about Richmond Ballet’s visit to St. Mary’s Home. ––––––––––––––––––
“COAST LIVE,” WTKR TV
Dec. 1 Story about Richmond Ballet’s visit to St. Mary’s Home. –––––––––––––––––– WVEC TV Oct. 31 Photos from St. Mary’s Halloween Parade shown on newcast and posted in gallery on the station’s website. Dec. 7 Newscast story about Santa’s visit to St. Mary’s Home. ––––––––––––––––––
WAVY TV’s HRSCENE.COM
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uamaine took a break from dancing in our Atrium during the annual holiday party our friends from Kerneos Inc. throw for the children, young adults and staff. They spun tunes, put out a fabulous spread and handed out gifts.
Dec. 7 Story and photos about Santa’s visit to St. Mary’s Home. –––––––––––––––––– DAILY PRESS Dec. 18 “Community Spotlight” online story about Kathleen Kaurup joining St. Mary’s Home as director of philanthropy. –––––––––––––––––– INSIDE BUSINESS
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anta was busy getting ready for his big night, but that didn’t stop him from visiting the kids at St. Mary’s twice. He also was the special guest of honor at our Peer Play Pals’ holiday party. Santa (aka Dominion Energy Virginia employee Mo Patrick) visited with some of the littlest kids of St. Mary’s, like Kinsley, and their friends from the community.
Week of Dec. 26 Item about Kathleen Kaurup joining St. Mary’s Home as director of philanthropy.
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ichard Nebe visits with Mamie McCloud of St. Mary’s occupational therapy department as he delivers batteries in midFebruary. The batterypowered Tickle Me Elmo is the last Elmo that Richard gave his grandson, Andrew, who used to live at the Home.
Designers Use Their Talents
Navy Veteran Keeps St. Mary’s to Support
Powered Up in Grandson’s Honor St. Mary’s
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oys. Radios. Hand sanitizer dispensers. Computer mice. All these items and more throughout St. Mary’s Home never want for power because of Richard Nebe. Twice a month, he brings batteries to the Home, from basic AAAs to specialty batteries for hearing aids. He’s been doing this for the last 14 years or so, inspired by a battery drive that another organization held for St. Mary’s. This is his way of honoring the memory of his grandson, Andrew, who used to live at St. Mary’s. Richard estimates he delivers 3,000 batteries a year to St. Mary’s, spending $1,700-$1,800 annually. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4809 in Norfolk gives him $50 a month to buy batteries. He pays for the rest out of his own pocket. “I can afford it, and the kids need help,” Richard says. He hopes that between him and VFW 4809, St. Mary’s battery needs are fulfilled. Indeed, just about every battery-powered piece of equipment at St. Mary’s runs because of their generosity. “We couldn’t do what we do as efficiently without Mr. Nebe,” says Betsy Turner, a member of St. Mary’s occupational therapy department. “He’s our guy. He is part of our day-to-day operation.”
Holidays Rock The Albero House
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he holidays always mean lots of celebrations at St. Mary’s Home – and that includes The Albero House. Lauren and other young adults who live at The Albero House had a blast at a party of their own on a December weekend.
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he Hampton Roads chapter of the International Interior Design Association has supported St. Mary’s for almost 20 years. At the chapter’s holiday party in December, members competed to decorate mini trees for judging by Kathleen Kaurup, our director of philanthropy. They raised $500 for St. Mary’s, and their trees brought some festive flair to the Home.
Do You Need
a Speaker?
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We Can Help
saiah made quite an impression upon Girl Scout volunteers from St. Mary’s Kid2Kid youth group who helped with our Fall Festival.
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ur staff members enjoy speaking about St. Mary’s Home and the exceptional care, education, therapies and recreational programs we offer for individuals with disabilities. Our speakers also are prepared for a short question-and-answer period. If you’re interested, we can share a lively, 10-minute video about the Home. To book a speaker from St. Mary’s Home at no cost, please contact Sonja Barisic, APR, director of marketing communications, at sbarisic@smhdc.org or (757) 352-2700. See our video, “The Power of Touch,” at saintmaryshome.org/ about-us.
Volunteers Help Make Fall Festival a Success
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rom painting faces to popping popcorn, volunteers had a big hand in making our Fall Festival a fun time for all. The children and young adults, their families, staff and friends from the community filled the pumpkin-dotted grounds of St. Mary’s on a glorious October day. They enjoyed arts and crafts, games, a petting zoo and other activities. Volunteers also are an important part of many daily activities at St. Mary’s Home, including cooking, pottery, therapy pool sessions and field trips. Community groups and individuals help with everything from the upkeep of grounds and courtyard areas to volunteering at special events. Thank you! If you’d like to volunteer at St. Mary’s Home, please contact Carlton Farmer, our community liaison, at cfarmer@smhdc.org or (757) 622-2208 ext. 423. Learn more about volunteer opportunities and download our volunteer application at saintmaryshome.org/donate/volunteer/.
Jo-Kell Caps Milestone Year with
Generous Gesture
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ur friends at Jo-Kell Inc. donated more than $12,000 to St. Mary’s Home in December. The funds came from their Jeans Days event, their golf tournament, individual employees and a match by Jo-Kell. The Chesapeake-based electrical distributor serves the military, commercial marine and industrial markets. In 2017, the woman-owned small business celebrated its 40th anniversary. Jo-Kell CEO Suzy Kelly recently was elected chair of the board of directors of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Thank you, Jo-Kell, for your continued generosity to St. Mary’s!
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Alhambra Supports
People with Disabilities
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e’re so grateful to The International Order of Alhambra’s Padul Caravan #69. Thank you for your gift of $2,000 and for your generous support over many years! Alhambra is a fraternal organization of Roman Catholic men and women dedicated to assisting people with intellectual and physical disabilities.
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Join Our
FAMILY Subscribe to our periodic email newsletter at saintmaryshome.org. Find us as StMarysHome on:
Check out our blog at: saintmaryshome.org/ news/blog-2 Plus, find our Auxiliary Board as StMarysAuxBoard on:
Fundraiser in support of
St. Mary’s Home Tuesday, June 12th, 2018 (All Day) California Pizza Kitchen The Town Center of Virginia Beach 200 Central Park Avenue (In the Armada Hoffler Tower) 757.456.2630
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Meet Our New Head of Philanthropy
K EVENTS MARCH 31, 2018
Spring Fling, 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m., grounds of St. Mary’s Home. Petting zoo, crafts and more activities for people of all ages and abilities. Free and open to the public. Info: Carlton Farmer, (757) 622-2208 ext. 423 or cfarmer@smhdc.org. ___________________
athleen Kaurup has joined St. Mary’s Home as director of philanthropy. Kathy comes to St. Mary’s with more than 20 years of experience with a focus on fund development. She most recently was the corporate and foundation relations officer at the Chrysler Museum of Art. Before that, she was the corporate and foundation relations manager for the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast. Kathy holds a bachelor’s degree from Mary Washington College. She is a graduate of LEAD Peninsula, a 10-month community immersion program of the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. “St. Mary’s Home has an amazing mission,” Kathy said. “I am proud to be a part of this incredible staff that changes the lives of children, young adults and their families every day.”
APRIL 14, 2018
Auxiliary Board’s 13th Annual Gala and Auction, 6 p.m., Founders Inn and Spa, Virginia Beach. Info or to sponsor: (757) 446-6780. ___________________
June 12, 2018
Flavorful FUNdraising Event, California Pizza Kitchen at The Town Center of Virginia Beach. Bring our flier on page 5 with you and 20 percent of the proceeds on this day from dine-in, take-out, catering and all beverages will be donated to St. Mary’s Home. Info: Kristen Nelson, (757) 622-2208 ext. 328 or knelson@smhdc.org. ___________________
SEPT. 8, 2018
6th Annual 757 Battle of the Beers, Hunt Club Farm. A portion of the proceeds from this Beach Ambassadors event benefits St. Mary’s Home. Info: 757battleof thebeers.com. ___________________
SEPT. 21, 2018
It’s Fall, Y’all celebration, 5-8 p.m., grounds of St. Mary’s Home. Enjoy this family friendly fun-raiser. Info or to sponsor: Kristen Nelson, (757) 622-2208 ext. 328 or knelson@smhdc.org.
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amda and Gwen Brock, who retired in December after 42 years of service to children at St. Mary’s Home. (photo by Re:Act Media)
St. Mary’s Board of Directors
Sharon S. Goodwyn President H. Gregory Kilduff Vice President George L. Consolvo Treasurer Dr. Allen “Trey” Hardin White III Secretary Nancy Wilcox Immediate Past President Michael P. Cotter Christopher B. D’Surney Michael E. Duffy Ann Gimbert Auxiliary Board President Richard N. Knapp Vincent A. Napolitano Alvin J. Schexnider, Ph.D.
Thank You and Farewell to Several Longtime Employees
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wen Brock, a direct support professional, started working at St. Mary’s Home 42 years ago, following in her sister’s footsteps. She retired in December. Gwen, who studied early childhood development, was a great team leader with a deep love of children. Her sweet nature brightened everyone’s day, and she was known for going beyond her regular duties. A few years ago, when Gwen was assigned to Hamda’s room, she made it her mission to make the little girl happy. She succeeded. The two grew close as they established a daily routine centered around talks, walks and story time, with Gwen reading books chosen by Hamda.
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lso retiring in December was Ed Worrell, our head of security. He worked at St. Mary’s for 16 years. Ed organized fire drills, supervised a team of off-duty Norfolk sheriff’s deputies and worked hard to keep the children, families, staff and visitors safe.
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andy Lane, who retired in January, provided human resources support for the Home’s employees for more than nine years. She made sure all new hires were enrolled in our timekeeping system and that all staff were paid correctly. Sandy also often helped out at the front desk and offered a friendly smile to visitors and staff.
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oris Gatlin, receptionist and switchboard operator, retired in January after working for St. Mary’s for 28 years. She welcomed many family members, new employees, vendors and others to the Home. There is no way to count the number of times she answered the phone by saying, “St. Mary’s Home. May I help you?”
Thank you to Gwen, Ed, Sandy and Doris for your years of dedication and service. Best wishes in retirement!
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Honorary Directors Carl M. Albero George Compo Joan Damsey, FACMPE Sandra R. Gordon Frederick J. Napolitano, Sr. Patricia Perry Suzanne Puryear Cynthia Rector-Jones William J. Ripley Norma J. Taliaferro
St. Mary’s Foundation Board of Directors Michael P. Cotter President M. Powell Peters, Esq. Vice President H. Gregory Kilduff Secretary/Treasurer Christopher B. D’Surney Steve Fredrickson Nancy Wilcox
St. Mary’s Home
H. Wayne Jones, CEO Joseph Toland, M.D. North Shore Pediatrics St. Mary’s Medical Director Nabil T. Tadros, M.D. Long Term Care of Virginia The Albero House Medical Director
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6171 Kempsville Circle Norfolk, VA 23502 (757) 622-2208 | (800) 237-6555 saintmaryshome.org
Journeys is published by the nonprofit St. Mary’s Home. Questions or comments? Contact the editor, Sonja Barisic, APR, at (757) 352-2700 or sbarisic@smhdc.org.
Thank You for Giving the Gift of a Good Life
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our-year-old April and Autumn are identical. They’re so close, they sometimes snuggle in the same bed. They love doing things together, like taking part in the many activities at St. Mary’s Home. Your generosity at the holidays is helping April and Autumn, and other individuals at St. Mary’s, benefit from the specialized, well-rounded care they need. Thank you for your support — at the holidays and all year long! ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– To donate: • Go online to saintmaryshome.org • Call (757) 622-2208 or (800) 237-6555 • Send your gift in the envelope provided with this newsletter
You make a difference. Thank you! 8