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The Celebrity Doodles Auction will be held Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at the Hickory V.F.W post, Hermitage. Original framed artwork donated by over 30 celebrities will be auctioned off in addition to a silent auction with other autographed memorabilia. This event marks our celebration of 20 years of helping families. All proceeds will benefit our building fund.

This extraordinary event begins at 6:00 pm with a preview of items and hot hors d’oeuvres. The live auction will begin at 7:30 pm with host Ron Errett from WPIC. Tickets cost $20 each and may be reserved by calling the dFs office at (724) 346-2123. You won’t want to miss this evening filled with fame, food and fun!

Authors Isabel Allende

Maya Angelou Norman Bridwell

Eric Carle Clive Cussler

Musicians Dierks Bently

Mariah Carey Troy Gentry

Madonna Dolly Parton

Gretchen Wilson

Cartoonists Lynn Johnston

Bil Keane Garry Trudeau Actors & Actresses

Tim Allen Whoopi Goldberg Jennifer Love-Hewitt Steve Martin Ben Masters

Denzel Washington

Comedians Jeff Foxworthy Jay Leno

David Letterman Richard Pryor

TV Personalities Loni Anderson Hugh Downs Bob Eubanks Emeril Lagasse Art Linkletter Ed McMahon Pat Sajac Dr. Laura Schlesingler

Alex Trebek Vanna White

Sports Mario Andretti

Lance Armstrong Fred Couples John Madden

Arnold Palmer Joe Paterno

Miscellaneous

Helen Gurley-Brown Don Imus Carl Reiner General Schwarzkopf

Items other than Doodles Maya Angelou – four signed poems Lance Armstrong – autographed poster Mariah Carey – autographed photo Eric Carle – autographed poster David Letterman – two tickets to the Late Show Madonna – autographed photo

Arnold Palmer – autographed photo Dolly Parton – autograph with quotations Joe Paterno – autographed Penn State football Alex Trebek – autographed photo Denzel Washington – autographed photo

In This Issue . .

Celebrity Doodles Auction ................ 1 Campers Get Creative...................... 2 Pill Box.............................................. 3 Bush Budget Cuts ............................ 4

Safety Corner ................................... 5 Dr. McElree Farewell........................ 6 Contribution Form …...... …………..6 Welcome to Our Team ..................... 7

PIRC Corner ..................................... 7 New Medical Consultant................... 7 Stars of the Month ............................ 8 Building Fund Contributors ............... 9

dFs News “Joint Commission Accredited since 1998”

3679 East State Street Editor: Nancy J. Tusinac, M.Ed., Program Director Hermitage, PA 16148 Layout Design: Megan L. Heathcote 724-346-2123 www.diversifiedfamily.org Fall 2005

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As seen in The Herald on August 16, 2005

The Diversified Family Services campers have been working hard to perfect their summer finale performance – including writing the music and the story line and creating costumes. Over the past three weeks, about 20 campers rotated in groups through a structured program of fine art, music and movement activities at Buhl Farm park, Hermitage, with the help of D. Abbey Alter, owner of Walnut Lodge Yoga and Movement Center and the Walnut Lodge Players of Sharon. Lana Smith, Diversified Family Services’ assistant program director, said it is the fourth year the non-profit agency has set up the art camp for people with developmental disabilities, like mental retardation or cerebral palsy. “Everything associated with the production comes from the ideas of the participants,” Ms. Smith said. “The dancing and music is all of their own creation, which also makes it very, very fascinating,” Ms. Smith said. On August 19th the campers performed their production of “Monster Zone” which was a journey play with a lot of magic. The campers age from 13 to 50, and come from Crawford and Mercer counties. Along with a grant from the Erie Arts Council, the counties help to fund the camp. “A lot of camps like these are recreational and we pride ourselves in having a disciplined program,” Ms. Smith said. “Although it’s a lot of fun, it’s a lot of work at the same time.”

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Contributed By: Stacey Cannon, Health Services Coordinator, R.N.

Every Month there is some type of medical awareness going on. There are actually lists all over the internet giving dates and info on all of the health observances nationally. Coming up for October are Dental Hygiene Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Red Ribbon (drug free) Campaign. For November, a great one to notice is Adult Immunization week. November is a good time to be sure you get your flu vaccines, pneumonia vaccines and any other vaccines that you may need as an adult. Start planning now…hopefully flu vaccines manufacturers will not have any problems this year and everyone can get one in a timely fashion. As far as medical awareness, everyone should recognize the one’s they are particularly close to. At DFS, we have chosen to recognize again, Breast Cancer Awareness in October, Also known as Lee National Denim Day, which is October 7th 2005. When you donate to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, you may wear jeans to work and support the ongoing effort to find the cure. The 2005 spokespeople for this Day are Ricardo Antonia Chavira and James Denton. We at Dfs donate $1.00 or more to receive a pink ribbon pin, along with the opportunity to wear denim to work. This is the 10th anniversary for the Lee National Denim Day. Anyone interested in receiving a pink ribbon pin for $1.00 and/or breast cancer literature may stop in and see Megan or myself. There is also a website you can visit at www.komen.org.

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Community Employment Submitted By: Tiffany Johnson

Bush Budget Proposal Includes Severe Cuts

To Disability Employment Funds

The President’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2006 impacts various facets of the community mental retardation system. In addition to the Medicaid cuts, the President’s budget also proposes to reduce funding for the Department of Labor’s (DOL) Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) by 41% (from $47.2 million to $27.9 million). The Bush Administration explains this proposed cut by saying that “The 2006 Budget proposes to return the ODEP closer to its core mission of policy analysis, technical assistance, and dissemination of effective practices to increase the employment opportunities for people with disabilities within the Department of Labor’s programs.” Concerned members are encouraged to contact their legislators to urge them to oppose these cuts. In particular, members should contact Representative Todd Russell Platts (R) since he sits on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce that is dealing with this issue. This proposal could significantly affect supported employment programs throughout the United States. * Rep. Platts’ contact information is available at http://www.house.gov/platts/contact/html * To contact your other Representatives, go to: http://www.legis.state.pa.us.cfdocs/legis/home/session.cfm and enter your zip code in the upper right hand corner. Source: PAR Mail 2005-106 May 27, 2005

Snuggle up to a Fragrant Fire

Fall is the perfect time to fire up the fireplace with a cozy blaze. If you want to add a little fragrance to your hearth, try these types of wood to sweeten your fire:

Apple: It not only sweetens the smell’s it produces colorful flames.

Cherry: Although not as sweet as apple wood, cherry wood still adds a little sugar in the mix.

Hickory: Known to many great barbecuers, hickory brings in a nice nutty aroma and is a great heat-producer.

Black Birch: Don’t like your fires so sweet? Black birch adds just enough spice with its cinnamon scent

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Contributed by: Leslie Jackson

Administrative Office Safety Committee Chairperson

Try to solve the word scramble using the hints provided. Good Luck!!

Scramble Answer Hints

1. OOLSE LEGARV You might see this in a parking lot.

2. ROOP GTNGIHLI A burnt out light bulb may be a factor.

3. YPRSALEHO “It’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt”.

4. ULCTERT People who can’t clean up after themselves will leave this behind.

5. ENRGTIPAC These hazards consist of tears, wrinkles, loose fitting, fringe, etc…

6. LSCBAE DNA SIRWE These are usually from electronic

equipment such as computers and telephones.

7. TTMOOB RWRDSEA A secretary may leave this open.

8. TREHAEW DZRAHAS Snow, ice, rain, sleet, and direct sunlight to name a few…

9. SNFEUA REHABVOSI Not following company safety policies.

10. PPRROEMI OOWRETAF Mentioned in our dress code policy.

1. Loose Gravel. 2. Poor Lighting. 3. Horseplay. 4. Clutter. 5. Carpeting. 6. Cables and Wires. 7. Bottom Draws. 8. Weather hazards. 9. Unsafe Behaviors. 10. Improper Footwear.

Casual Days and Mondays Get Me Down

Memo #1: Effective immediately, the company is adopting Fridays as Casual Day so that employees may express their diversity. Memo #2: Spandex and leather micro-miniskirts are not appropriate attire for Casual Day. Neither are string tires, rodeo belt buckles or moccasins. Memo #3: Causal Day refers to dress only, not attitude. When planning Friday’s wardrobe, remember image is a key to our success. Memo #4: A seminar on how to dress for Casual Day will be held at 4 p.m. Friday in the cafeteria. Fashion show to follow. Attendance is mandatory. Memo #5: As an outgrowth of Friday’s seminar, a 140 member Casual Day Task Force has been appointed to prepare guidelines for proper dress. Memo #6: The Casual Day Task Force has completed a 30-page manual. A copy of “Relaxing Dress without Relaxing Company Standards” has been mailed to each employee. Please review the chapter “You Are What You Wear” and consult the “home casual” versus “business casual” checklist before leaving for work each Friday. If you have doubts about the appropriateness of an item of clothing, contact you CDTF representative before 7 a.m. on Friday. Memo #7: Because of lack of participation, Casual Day has been discontinued, effective immediately.

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As some of you may know, Dr. Frank McElree has

resigned from his position at dFs, as Medical Director.

We thank him for his many years of service here at dFs,

and the humor and smiles he brought with him every

week (including the donuts and apples). We wish him

success in his retirement and anything else he pursues.

Thank you Dr. McElree.

BUILDING FUND CONTRIBUTION FORM I pledge to Diversified Family Services to help in the successful completion of its Building Campaign. I agree to make payments on the balance of the pledge in the amounts shown through the schedule indicated. Total Pledge: $_________ Paid Herewith: $_________ Balance on Pledge: $_______ Amount of Each Payment: $ _________ to be paid: ____ Annually _____Quarterly _____Monthly OR Pay deduction at: ___________ per pay. Signature: _______________________________________ Date: _____________ Address: _________________________________________ Phone: ____________ If this is in Honor or in Memory, the individual to be named: __________________________________ (Please print clearly)

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We would like to welcome the following employees:

Lindsey Bender, Direct Care Professional Sandra Brei, Direct Care Professional

Raychel Carr, Therapeutic Activities Aide Erica Dobay, Direct Care Professional

Laura Donner, Direct Care Professional Vanessa Henderson, Residential Program Supervisor

Cheyenna Irwin, Direct Care Professional Barb Kaufman, Fiscal Assistant

Dawne Kellner, Direct Care Professional Irene Lisi, Direct Care Professional

Jennifer Minett, Children’s Services Caseworker Joy Shaw, Direct Care Professional

Katie Walton, Direct Care Professional

Contributed by: Andrea Davidson, Quality Improvement Coordinator

You may not realize that behind those doors of the Health Services Department at dFs, staff is constantly keeping an eye on infection control. Data is gathered and analyzed on all reported client/staff illnesses, with trends and patterns of illness noted. Stacey Cannon, R.N., Health Services Coordinator and Infection/Exposure Control Officer, monitors data collection and provides recommendations for disease prevention. All dFs staff receive annual in-service on agency infection control policies and procedures. Not only is staff tested at the time of in-service, but staff is also tested six months after receiving in-services to determine if knowledge is retained. In addition to these regular reports to the Performance Improvement Review Committee, the Health Services Department conducts monthly inspections of all group homes to ensure compliance with Infection Control Policies and Procedures. dFs is proud of our Health Services Department, and the cooperation of all staff in adhering to policies and procedures. We are committed to ensuring service delivery for all clients in a safe environment by employees who understand and apply appropriate infection control practices every day.

dFs Welcomes New Medical Consultant By: Nancy J. Tusinac, M.Ed., Program Director

Diversified Family Services is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Thomas F. Armour as agency medical consultant. Dr. Armour received his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kirksville, MO in 1968. He has been on the medical staff of UPMC since 1969 and has been certified in family medicine since 1989. Dr. Armour has extensive experience with a diverse population including pediatrics, general medicine, surgery, and geriatrics. Dr. Armour’s hobbies include amateur radio, photography, microcomputers, computers in medicine and hunting. Dr. Armour, dFs extends a big welcome to our family.

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Stars of the Month

Contributed by:

Stacey Llewellyn, Personnel Assistant

Erin Medlin, Program Specialist, was selected as June’s “Star’s of the Month.”

July’s “Stars of the Month” were, Liz Lovett and Amy Bindernagel, Foster Parents.

Natalie Davis, Direct Care Professional, is August’s “Star of the Month.”

A certificate was placed in the office waiting area in honor of each “star.” Each “star” receives a $50 gift certificate. In addition, each “star’s” name was added to the “Star of the Month” plaque that is located on the “dFs Wall of Fame.”

Congratulations to all recipients of this award! Keep up the good work! *Please remember, if you would like to nominate someone for this award, nomination forms are located at the secretary’s desk. ____________________________________________________________________________________

Joke of the Month

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

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A Doctor was addressing a large audience: "The material we put into our stomachs is

enough to have killed most of us sitting here, years ago. Red meat is awful. Soft drinks

corrode your stomach lining. Chinese food is loaded with MSG. High fat diets can be

disastrous, and none of us realizes the long- term harm caused by the germs in our drinking

water. But there is one thing that is the most dangerous of all and we all have, or will, eat it.

Can anyone here tell me what food it is that causes the most grief and suffering for years

after eating it?" After several seconds of quiet, a 75-year-old man in the front row raised his hand,

and softly said, "Wedding Cake."

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President........Jim Stevenson Vice President..Rev. Doug

Dayton Secretary ...Andrea Davidson Treasurer . Audra Kosmowski Member............ Steve Banjak Member...........Connie Bobby Member... Judith Hodge, R.N. Member..Rosemarie Janosko Member...............Meg Mirizio Member...... Russell Swauger Member..............Del Williams

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID SHARON, PA

PERMIT NO. 133

Diversified Family Services 3679 East State Street Hermitage, PA 16148 www. diversifiedfamily.org “Helping Families Since 1985”