Taking Care
OF THE ONE WHO WEARS YOUR NAMETAG by Tom Fronczak LCSW-R It’s January! Only three months ‘til spring! Yeah! (Too soon? Perhaps, but it’s true.) With the stresses of these past few months – snowstorms, travel bans, closings and snow removal (not to mention the increase in activity and responsibilities that come with the holidays) it was a thrill to see Kathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper usher in 2015 as only they can. Now come all those other New Year’s formalities: resolutions (Why do we keep setting ourselves up? You’d think we’d learn by now!), tax preparation and the State of the Union address to name a few. The New Year is a demarcation of time; the line between ‘what was’ and ‘what is’. It’s also a time of the “3-Re’s” – reassessment, recommitment and renewal. If we take a moment to examine our lives courageously and mindfully as far as what is working for us on the one hand, and, on the other, take note of where we are getting hung up, we could refer to this as the State of Our Own Inner Union. Perhaps you will agree that this is an exercise worthy of our valuable
time. Buddhists often talk about “the 10,000 joys and the 10,000 sorrows” taking place in our lives and the world around us at any given moment. Knowing this brings us back into connection with others in the realm of common humanity as we all experience the joys and stresses of life. Our personal experience is a function of where we place our attention and what we choose to let our minds dwell upon. For example, do we focus on gratitude and appreciation, or do we have a habit of looking through a lens of deficit, focusing on what is missing, imperfect or deficient in our lives? We don’t have a problem identifying when we’re feeling good. We love these moments when life is not a problem and we feel well connected to ourselves and others. In these moments we are experiencing more joys than stresses. At these times, our energy is up as is our curiosity and excitement about life. Truth is, each of us have things in our lives that are going fairly well (we woke up this morning, we have a job, the check-out
clerk smiled at us, etc.). On the other side we all have areas that add to our stress (or distress) level. Some are obvious, but other times we may simply notice we are lacking in energy, a bit more tense, shorter of patience, quicker to judge (others and ourselves), having problems sleeping, or maybe drinking more than is wise. This is an imperfect world where we experience the “roses and the thorns” – sometimes simultaneously! Work may feel overwhelming, or we may face financial, relation, health, or other stresses. Life can be difficult. Because we have a nervous system, we react to these situations and our moods can fluctuate as a result. When we are stressed we often feel isolated, with lower energy, thinking “there’s something wrong with me” and this disconnection can further exacerbate the symptoms. So it’s in this moment that I invite you to pause, take a few breaths, and notice where you feel supported and cared about in your life. What’s going well? What do you appreciate and find yourself grateful for? Let those
images and associated feelings grow and move through you. Experience them fully and deeply in the moment you recreate them in your memory. Literally hold that experience (the images, feelings, thoughts and entire embodied experience) in your mind for 20-25 seconds. The latest research in neuropsychology informs us that we can begin to literally create positive changes in our brains as a result. And, on the other side of that continuum, ask “where is it that I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed?” Take note of “where it hurts” or what is the unmet need, frustration or longing. The inquiry then becomes, “what does that part of me need in order to feel better?” and then you can offer such care to yourself. Here we are talking about self-care and self-compassion. Taking care of the one who wears your name tag. But none of this happens without pausing, making the space to notice (mindfulness) and then the willingness to offer kindness, care and tenderness (self-compassion). We all have ways that we take care of ourselves. It may be talking with a friend, spouse or partner, a supervisor, or our EAP program. For some it may be finding respite in taking a walk in nature, exercising, getting to bed earlier, eating more whole unprocessed food, taking time for self-care that includes yoga or meditation, a hot bath, massage, going out to lunch with a friend, listening to your favorite music, playing with your kids or grandkids, giving time and attention to your dog or cat, prayer... you get the idea. So now I ask, what works for you when you are feeling stressed? What are the ways that you replenish and offer yourself the care, time and attention of which you are so deserving and worthy? If you would like to, take a moment and email me (Thomas Fronczak on the agency e-mail system) with the top 3 - 5 things that you do to provide self-care when you are feeling stressed. Those things that help you to “chill”, reenergize, soothe and relax when you are maxed out. We will list them in next month’s Connections (We will list your name along with your ideas. If you prefer to have them listed anonymously please let me know). Let’s use this opportunity to support each other as we navigate both the joys and stresses not just in the work we do, but also in this thing called life which we all share! C
Four years ago, I was asked to be the Editor of Connec ons. Having been with Evergreen for less than a year, I was filled with a bit of trepida on. However, I’m never one to back down from a challenge. I accepted the task. k Fast-forward four years: I have a new job tle, different supervisor, more responsibili es, new skillsets and staff of my own. k Change. It’s a good thing. k Over the last few months, I have given much thought in regard to the content and direc on of Connec ons, and my ability to dedicate the me and energy necessary into making it an engaging, informa ve, staff-focused issue every month. k A er much internal debate, I asked the Marke ng Team if they would be interested in taking over the reins of Connec ons. They gladly accepted. k I want to thank everyone who had a hand in crea ng this newsle er every month. John Carocci and I couldn’t have kept it going without the stories, responses and photographs provided by all of you. As our Associa on con nues to grow, Connec ons will become an integral tool in promo ng our growth and highligh ng our success stories. I can’t wait to witness its con nued evolu on. - Kimberly Harding
Man, that Evan Green sure gets around! Since we last checked with our bearded buddy he’s spent time with Jacelyn Lyles in Evergreen Medical Group, Brian the security guard (they posed for the photograph above), Brendan Orrange in the IT Department, and then it was back to Evergreen Medical Group to visit Nicole Coonly.
How did you get your start at Evergreen? How long have you worked here? I started at Evergreen as an Administrative Assistant when the Wellness Center was fairly new. We had about 25 clients coming in every day for lunch, and there wasn’t a whole lot to do other than wait for lunch. Evergreen brought me on because I had a background in art, and gave me the opportunity to plan programming for the Wellness Center which included weekly craft groups and art opportunities, game days and holiday parties. We even started an AIDS Walk team, comprised solely of Wellness Center clients and their families. I also started and ran a Music Group which met once a month and included several clients playing blues and jazz in what is now Laura Pasquerella’s office! I want to thank Kevin Bidtah for taking a chance on me and for being a great leader during a transitional time for the Wellness Center. I worked there for about two and a half years before my transfer to the IT department. Tell us a bit about your personal life (hobbies, family, etc.) In my personal life, I’m a jack of all trades and a master of none. I am an artist, a musician, and a dreamer, primarily. I spend a lot of my time and energy working on producing short films including documenting the performances of the many inspiring artists and performers that I know, and I’m a freelance photographer and graphic designer. I also love art and try to create as much as I can. I am a stencil painter, and create multi-layered artworks with hand-cut stencils and spray paint. (Shameless plug: My work is on display at Hot Mama’s Canteen Bar & Grill located at Military Road & Amherst Street!) I also love to draw, paint and have recently taken up ink illustration. An even bigger passion than art is music, and I don’t get enough time to devote to it. I’ve been a classically trained violinist for the past 25 years. I also love to sing the blues, play electric violin, guitar, bass and am learning to play the piano. I’m currently seeking musicians to start a blues/rock/jazz/fusion/anything band. It’s rare that I am not working on some sort of personal project, and
I rarely sleep before 2 a.m. I currently live in an apartment in Buffalo with my two roommates and my cat. I love to play with my niece, Giana, and to teach her to love and appreciate the world around her. How do you unwind and have fun? Usually to unwind, I love to take my scooter (an ’05 Honda Ruckus) out for a cruise around the city, but it was recently stolen from my backyard and hasn’t yet been found. (Small reward for any information leading to its capture!) When I can’t do that, I turn to music to de-stress. There really is nothing like hitting your stride in the middle of a song and rocking out as hard as you can. It’s an ethereal experience. What have you seen as the biggest change(s) at Evergreen while you’ve worked here? I believe that our name change and rebranding has been the biggest change that’s occurred since I’ve worked here. Times and funding sources change, so we went from being an HIV/AIDS specialty care facility to caring for people of all risk pools with any number of chronic illnesses. I think the change has been a great move in the right direction as far as community health care is concerned, and I think the evidence of our good choices show in the amount of staff that we’ve hired in the past two years. Excelsior. What entails your job at Evergreen? What keeps you interested/ motivated in your position? My job at Evergreen is such a unique one, and one that I never thought I would have the good fortune to obtain. I have the pleasure of working for two of the best departments we have here!! I work mostly in the IT department, providing desktop support to our users (have you tried turning it off and back on again?), helping to plan and execute projects for our expansions and upgrade the technology of the office and meeting spaces. (We just had a projector and huge screen installed in the Commons as part of the expansion and remodel there. MOVIE NIGHT?!!) I also work part time with the Marketing Department to maintain the agency’s websites, create advertising material for our programming, and produce and edit video media for our social media presence. I have a huge interest in
video production, and I’ve been afforded the opportunity to create and oversee video projects in collaboration with the Marketing Team. (Filming and editing footage of the Pride Festival has been the highlight of this decade!) My job is an amazing cross section of technology (making the tech nerd in me swoon) and art (making the art nerd in me swoon). Needless to say, the intersection of my interests in my personal life and my professional life keeps me more than interested in my position. I’m always being pushed to learn more about technology, and I get the added bonus of a hands-on learning experience.I love problem solving, and it’s so gratifying when I can solve a really hard IT issue and learn something new in the process. I also love helping people, which is luckily the whole purpose of my job. Walk us through a ‘typical’ workday. My workday is far from typical. Two days are never the same, and that’s how I like it. There are days when I don’t see my desk for hours because there are so many little issues to fix. Other days, I’m doing A/V set ups for meetings, working with the Mental Health department to get their electronic charting in Penelope rolling, or editing video footage of one of our fundraising events. Every day is an opportunity to help, and every day is a challenge and a surprise. What would be your dream life? My dream life would be working remotely for an IT company from the comfort of my beach front hammock in Bali. Or, filming and editing footage of world events like the Arab Spring in Egypt and surrounding nations, or the Ferguson Riots in Missouri. Then I’d take the summer off, and tend to my horse farm in the hills of Colorado and my art collective/queer safe space in San Francisco. Dreamy. What is/are your pet peeves? Static cling, lying/deceitful people, crumbs in my bed. Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years I see myself in a Project Leader position in the IT department, teaching my 7-year old niece to play rock guitar, and taking some time off at Evergreen to tour the Northeast with my new all-girl-blues-alt band: Wanderlust. C
Alan Benjamin
Rebekah Alm
Kelly Campbell
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
1. I was a music major in college and now am a singer/actor in and throughout Western New York. 2. I am a middle child and the only girl in my family. 3. I’m allergic to cantaloupe. 4. I’m quite athle c - I play soccer 2-3 mes a week, am an avid runner, ski in the winter and enjoy hiking and kayaking as well. 5. I’m a shopaholic - especially thri & an que stores.
I love dancing. I am the fi h of nine children. I love doing calligraphy. In November I flew for the first me in 35 years. Ray Rice is my nephew.
I am learning to love running. Yoga is vital for my wellness. I’d rather read a book than watch a movie or tv. I love dogs. I have five at home. I love the ocean.
Heather Maloney
Sal Sciandra
1. 2. 3. 4.
1. I write and draw an ongoing comic book series about a koala detec ve and his pig sidekick. 2. I have a BA in Anthropology from BSC. 3. I worked with the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy for almost five years. 4. I volunteer with the Ti Nature Preserve. 5. I’m a member of the Ukrainian/American Civic Club despite having no Ukrainian ancestry.
I love to kayak. I really like to do laundry. I recently started hun ng with my son. I have four children. All play sports, do well in school and are good ci zens. 5. I am a member of several volunteer organiza ons and booster clubs.
Martha Sawicki 1. My MA thesis is about 18th century maternity and lacta on prac ces. 2. I love Disney World! 3. I make super good apple pie. I’m very intense about making perfect crusts. 4. I’m a fraternal twin mama. 5. I’m very passionate about Diet Coke. It’s delicious.
What is GPS? Client driven, one-on-one counseling sessions to develop a preven on plan to reduce one’s risk of acquiring or transmi ng HIV. GPS stands for Goal Planning Sessions (formerly known as CRCS). The program is open to HIV+ & high-risk HIV nega ve clients willing to make a commitment to protec ng themselves and their partners.
How would you and your client benefit from GPS? Ever feel like it’s hard to find me for conversa ons about risk and preven on due to your limited me with your clients? Working with HIV+ people to prevent the spread of the disease is the new paradigm in preven on. Let us collaborate with you and your client to address preven on issues. Community Access Services is offering GPS to clients who deals with life issues that put them at risk of becoming infected with HIV or of transmi ng it to someone else. The CAS Preven on Counselor will be available to case conference with you about your client’s progress and to discuss specific preven on needs. Gi
card incen ves are provided for clients as they develop their
Preven on Plan and begin accomplishing their personal objec ves. Bus tokens may be provided to clients on a case-by-case basis to address transporta on barriers.
Referral Process Client or Provider can call or email Clara Opyrchal, CAS Preven on
Birthdays
January 4 .............................Tasheri Ar s January 5 .............................James Thompson January 8 .............................Nicole D’Addario January 8 .............................Tracy Eichelberger January 10 ...........................Brendan Orrange January 13 ...........................Lynn Grucza January 17 ...........................Richard Smiley January 18 ...........................Michael Hamann January 20 ...........................Murray Wire January 21 ...........................Samantha Gaerte January 22 ...........................Barbara Poff January 31 ...........................Lindsay Soroka January 31 ...........................James DeGarmo
Anniversaries Goodwin, Ezekiel.................1 year Corp, Lavine ........................2 years Ihle, Anna ............................2 years Small, Lolita .........................2 years Maldonado, Magali .............2 years Miller, Derek ........................2 years Treadway, Siobohn ..............4 years De Leon, Victoria.................4 years Kiener, Andrew ....................4 years Gately, Kaitlyn .....................5 years Frank, Nichole .....................6 years Mordecai, Damian Ezra.......6 years Aughtry, Terresa ..................6 years Atkisson, Theresa ................7 years Bolt, Bella ............................11 years Dixie-Hunt, Rosalind ...........12 years Jimenez, Wanda ..................13 years Hoover, Brian ......................13 years Bidtah, Kevin .......................15 years Brune , Cheryl A ................15 years Stephens, Sheila ..................17 years Silverio, Ronald T.................26 years
Counselor, at 716-852-5969 (extension 4051) or copyrchal@caswny. org. A fillable PDF form is coming soon.
Your ConƟnued DedicaƟon and Hard Work Are NoƟced and Appreciated - Management Team
ď ? by Kimberly Harding
So, what has happened over the last five years within the Evergreen
Lots of grants. Pu ng it bluntly, we work hard for the money. Actually,
Associa on? Here’s a snapshot: We now own property. Lots of
Kim Lombard, program managers and a few select staff (including staff
property. 206 South Elmwood (The Roanoke) houses administra ve
in finance) work hard for this money. Five years ago, we applied for
services, Evergreen Medical Group, the Pharmacy at Evergreen and
and received grant funding for just over $3,200,000 to pay for salaries
a majority of our programming. 200 South Elmwood (The Victorian)
and programming. Today, we receive funding in excess of $6,100,000…
is home to our affiliate, the Pride Center. 170 West Chippewa
nearly double what we received only five years ago. Double! We
(The Watkins) provides rental apartments. 71-73 Prospect Avenue
have space now. Lots of space. Five years ago, Evergreen’s three
(Evergreen Commons, formerly known as the Prospect Avenue Bap st
buildings comprised 41,000 square feet. This year, with construc on
Church) is located on the corner of Prospect and Georgia, and is being
star ng on our new expansion behind the Roanoke, Evergreen will
developed into a mul -use facility. 268 Georgia is a house converted
own over 170,000 square feet of space… not including the rented
into apartments located adjacent to the Commons. 2211 Main Street
space at the Mathews Building at 282 Delaware. What does this all
is home of our affiliate, Benedict House. 408 West 5th Street is the
mean? Management has worked diligently to ensure that we have
new home of our Southern Tier Services in Jamestown. 392 and 382
the capability and resources to con nue to grow our programs and
Genesee Street were purchased for future programming and growth.
services. Expanding our local footprint and making strategic hiring
166 West Chippewa is currently Evergreen’s back parking lot, soon to
decisions have been a big part in guaranteeing the success of this plan.
be developed into a beau ful new facility adjacent to the Roanoke.
In the ever-changing worlds of healthcare and care coordina on, the
We employ people. Lots of people. Five years ago, we employed just
Evergreen Associa on is posi oning itself to adeptly and proac vely
over 100 staff; today we employ over 210 staff. We apply for grants.
respond to any challenges that may come its way in the future.
C
“Nobody likes…” …a scrooge.” – Mindi Mietlicki ...a sore loser.” – Isack Guerrero …cold coffee.” – Abigail Szal …when they are stuck in a traffic jam and have somewhere to be.” – Ashley Kuss …disrespect.” – Cord Stone …a party bopper.” – Lisa Schult …a whiner.” – Stephanie Vroman-Goodrich …to pick up someone else’s slacks.” – Magali Maldonado …AIDS.” – Emily Oaks …a self-centered know-it-all.” – Maisha Dayton …to hear of someone losing their life due to a snowstorm.” – Moselle Whitehead …a one-upper.” – Jimi Konidis ...changing dirty diapers.” – Kimberly Harding …a whiner.” – Ellen Kaminsky …Good & Plenty candies.” – Damian Mordecai
“I work best when I’m…” …not hungry.” – Isack Guerrero …inspired.” – Ellen Kaminsky …not crunched for me.” – Maisha Drayton …challenged.” – Jimi Konidis …under pressure.” – Lisa Schult …well-rested and caffeinated.” – Ashley Kuss …in a good mood.” – Mindi Mietlicki …not being interrupted.” – Magali Maldonado …caffeinated.” – Damian Mordecai …under the influence of coffee.” – Abigail Szal …given clear expecta ons of the goals and the flexibility to figure out how to get there.” – Stephanie Vroman-Goodrich …alone. Mostly under pressure.” – Cord Stone …well-rested.” – Moselle Whitehead …given a challenge.” – Lindsay Zasada …busy.” – Emily Oaks …feeling well-connected with my team (which is easy here at Evergreen). – Thomas Fronczak
The New York State World AIDS Day Special Recognition Awards were held on in December at the Empire State Plaza in Albany. Several Evergreen staff members were recognized including: Helene Cacciato, who received the 2014 Commissioner of Health Excellence in HIV Service Award for Western New York; Andrew Kiener, who received recognition from the New York State DOH surrounding the work of the SASDC (Statewide AIDS Delivery Consortium); and Ray Ganoe, who received the Commissioner’s Distinguished Service Award for Working with and for Substance Users. Congratulations Helene, Andrew and Ray! Congratulations also go out to Dawn Trotter, who received an AIDS Network Red Ribbon Award. Great job, Dawn!
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STAFF POLL Have You Ever Kept Your New Year Resolution?
I sure did! – 14 Well, I tried – 16 I never make resolutions – 12 What’s a resolution? – 2
connections JANUARY 2015
PUBLISHER/LAYOUT John Carocci EDITOR Kimberly Harding CONTRIBUTORS Tasheri Artis, Thomas Fronczak, Kimberly Harding, Maisha Drayton, Lindsay Zasada
What’s the best place to get lunch? (submi ed by Thomas Fronczak)
Globe Market on Elmwood Avenue – Ashley Kuss Can na Loco – Isack Guerrero La Nova’s – Moselle Whitehead Be y’s – Thomas Fronczak Sun Restaurant! – Emily Oaks Mighty ;-) – Jimi Konidis Della Terra. Super-yummy! – Kimberly Harding Papaya. It’s close by and has AMAZING Pad Thai – Lindsay Zasada Anchor Bar – Magali Maldonado Jamestown’s best local lunches are at Jones Valhalla, Labyrinth and The Pub. But we all know everyone really goes to Taco Hut for crappy “Mexican”. – Kimberly Lombard Chris’ NY Deli – Ellen Kaminsky Mighty Taco!!! – Mindi Mietlicki Mighty Taco of course! Submi ed by the “Mighty Boys” – Brian Planty, Kevin Bidtah and Andy Kiener Pho Dollar – John Carocci
What’s your go-to karaoke song? “Pre y Woman” by Roy Orbison – Lindsay Zasada “How Many Licks” by Lil’ Kim – Jimi Konidis ”Piano Man” by Billy Joel is my jam! No need for the lyrics, I know them all, including the extended version.” – Abigail Szal “Africa” by Toto – Stephanie Vroman-Goodrich I have never sang karaoke. If I ever did, I would sing, “What’s Love Got To Do With It” by Tina Turner. – Moselle Whitehead “Only the Good Die Young” by Billy Joel – Emily Oaks “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” – Ma hew Crehan Higgins “Hold On We’re Going Home” by Drake – Isack Guerrero I have never sang karaoke—I have always been too scared to – Mindi Mietlicki “Scene From An Italian Restaurant/ Brenda & Eddie” by Billy Joel – Ellen Kaminsky “You’re No Good” by Linda Ronstadt – John Carocci
FOR SALE
What’s the worst giŌ you’ve ever received? Did you “re-giŌ” it? An ugly Christmas sweater which was not intended to be an ugly Christmas sweater and eventually I had to donate it to the Salva on Army. – Isack Guerrero Men’s ski gloves. I did not re-gi them. I gave them away to a homeless man. – Moselle Whitehead An ugly dog treat bowl – I didn’t have a dog! I gave it to the SPCA. – Andy Kiener My mom gave me a laundry basket and detergent for Christmas when I was 14. It was the “gi that kept on giving”… to her. ;) – Emily Oaks A flower skirt, LOL! – Magali Maldonado Two elderly roosters named Titanic and Lusitania – James Sheehan A vacuum cleaner! – Ellen Kaminsky Cookbooks. (I don’t cook, I think my father was trying to tell me something last year.) – Mindi Mietlicki A towel warmer. I wish I didn’t open it so I could re-gi it. – Jimi Konidis Peppermint margarita mixers. Got them three years ago and they’re s ll si ng in my cabinet. – Lindsay Zasada A blender my sophomore year of college from a roommate. I lived in a dorm and had ZERO use for a blender. Luckily, my sister was in need of one so the gi didn’t go to waste. – Abigail Szal
Tickets to Chicago, the Musical! February 21st at 2:00 p.m. at Sheas Performing Arts Center Lodge 4, Row AA, Seats 203 and 204 (front row center balcony) $73.00 each. Must buy both. Contact Shari DeMarco at x3366.
Give a LiƩle Love, Get a LiƩle Love
2014 - A Year in Review
We all know at least one staff person who works relessly, but may not know how much you appreciate them. Here’s your opportunity to shout their praises!
What was your epic moment of 2014? What one thing happened that will be forever linked with the year 2014?
Johanna is the glue at the Mathews Building. She is the first person you see in the morning when you sign in, and she always has a smile on her face no ma er what, which is the perfect way to start the day. – Mindi Mietlicki; I want to thank Shannon Curry-Izzo for all of the effort that she has made to SEP and her assistance with other programs within Evergreen. Shannon has literally shed blood, sweat and tears from experimen ng with syringes, to having an emo onal a achment for the wellbeing of her clients. She is the defini on of customer service, hard work, dedica on, loyalty and sacrifice. She always go over and beyond her job du es to ensure that she meets all the needs of her clients. She also use a holis c approach to services. In addi on, Shannon has kept par cipants coming back for services and engaged in care. She is dependable, respec ul, open-minded and engaging. Everyone who has encountered Shannon says nothing but good things about her. She has made a huge presence at EHS and in the community by represen ng our services through academia, internally, and at the Na onal Harm Reduc on Conference. I appreciate everything that she has done then, now and in the future. Thanks for everything. – Cord Stone; Damian! He works so hard to make sure our li le opera on runs smoothly and efficiently. – Jimi Konidis; I admire Sheila Stephen’s reless work ethic, amazing sense of humor, dedica on and her willingness to take chances and get out of her comfort zone. (She has learned how to swim, and she went camping for the first me this year.) Also, she is a billing machine! – Kimberly Harding; I appreciate Helene in Evergreen Medical Group. – Magali Maldonado; DALE!!! He works so hard to keep all of our proper es clean and is so cheery and cha y while literally cleaning up garbage. Keep up the awesome work Dale!! – Lindsay Zasada; I’d like to give a li le love to Ileana Hernandez. She has shown me the ropes since I got here and has been a wonderful resource to me! She’s also an amazing advocate and cook. – Emily Oaks; James DeGarmo! I really appreciate him helping with ALL office needs. He never gets frustrated by all of the requests he has to manage, and always has a polite “hello” and smile in passing. Thanks James! – Abigail Szal; This is a shout-out to the en re Evergreen Associa on! We do big things, we are the SUPER HEROS for those we serve. Some of us have be er powers than others, but at the end of the day we are all part of the Jus ce League! – Moselle Whitehead How cute is Milo?? >>>
Ge ng married to my best friend. – Ashley Kuss; My epic moments of 2014 were receiving a Master’s degree, becoming the Director of Behavioral Health and being able to get approval for SEP expansion and mobile services. – Cord Stone; The epic snowstorm that had people trapped for two to three days. – Magali Maldonado; My weight loss surgery!! 2014 is the year I became healthy!! – Susan Fiedler; I got engaged in 2014! Which is great and all, but I did not expect it one bit. There’s a 10 minute video of me crying in shock while asking my mom, at least 100 mes, if it was okay and if this was for real. I must admit, the way I reacted to the proposal was not how I had ever played it out in my head. – Abigail Szal; I moved to Florida and moved back all within the year of 2014. (My friends like to call me a gypsy and I would have to agree.) – Mindi Mietlicki; Proposing to my boyfriend. – Jimi Konidis; 2014 was an amazing year, but I wanted to take a minute to share this story about a fellow employee and wonderful friend. Kristen Bown found something in the middle of a busy street back in July. No cars were stopping, but she no ced it was moving. When she got closer she realized it was a small dog in rough shape. Kris then stopped her car and grabbed the li le guy, fleas and all. When I saw the picture of him on Facebook I melted and told her I would take him if no one claimed him. Two days later she called me to let me know animal control would release him back to her for me to pick up. As Mommy 1, Kris got to name the li le guy – Milo. He clearly had a rough me on the streets and needed to have wounds tended to and some good meals. It has been a few months but he’s put on a whopping 2 lbs., rarely barks, loves to cuddle and is the most amazing li le thing ever. His canine and feline sisters adore him as well, and our family is so grateful we got the chance to give Milo the love he deserves. – Shannon Curry