The Helping Hand Newsletter

September/October 2014

Inside this issue

Recipes Birthdays

2

Briarlake/ Stokes Game Night Staff Anniversaries

3

Little Light of Mine

4

New Jasper Home Photos Eye Safety at Home

5

Stone Mountain Ladies at Retreat Lessons Life Has Taught Me

10

Stone Mountain Birthdays and Volunteers

6

Dietary Fiber 7

More Retirement Luncheon Photos

8

DDM Happenings

9

Pedigo on the Go

Stokes Home and Briarlake Baptist Team Up for Yard Work

11

Calendar, News, Residents’ Rights, DDM Needs, Prayer Requests

12

The Helping Hand Newsletter

Dr. Raymond Johnson Honored at Retirement Luncheon

DDM Trustees, colleagues, and friends gathered at Johns Creek Baptist Church in Alpharetta on August 8 for a retirement luncheon honoring DDM Vice President/COO Dr. Raymond Johnson. He retired on August 31, after 15 years of outstanding service with DDM. Pictured below with Ray, clockwise around the table: Jennifer Johnson, daughter; Beverly Johnson, wife; Ray; Kim (Mrs. Brian) Nelson, daughter; Kaitlyn Nelson, granddaughter; Twyla and Jim Nelson, Kim’s mother-in-law and father-in-law; Cynda Lee, close family friend. DDM President Emeritus Dr. Richard Davis expressed thanks to Ray and offered a blessing for our meal. DDM President Dr. William Neal (pictured at left) and Trustee Chairman Dr. Jimmy Lewis expressed appreciation to Ray for all of his many accomplishments at DDM, the most recent being the opening of the new Jasper Home this summer. DDM Facilities Manager Dan-ny Henderson, former co-worker Cathy Humphrey, and Johns Creek Baptist Church Pastor Emeritus Dr. William Self roasted Ray and shared many happy experiences that happened through the years. Ray expressed his sincere gratitude to DDM for the opportunity to minister to adults with developmental disabilities. In his words, “It

has truly been a blessing.” More on page 8.

or until cake pulls away from the sides of the pan. Cool cake completely on a wire rack, and cut using a serrated knife. You can also make this cake in a 9-inch square cake pan or a 9-inch springform pan; just reduce the baking time by 5 minutes.

Waldorf Salad

Apple-flavored yogurt gives this salad an extra boost of apple flavor while keeping it light in fat.

Ingredients:

1/2 c. raisins 1/2 c. apple juice 1 Granny Smith apple, chopped 1 c. finely chopped celery 1/4 c. coarsely chopped, toasted walnuts 2 tbsp. mayonnaise 2 tbsp. apple-flavored yogurt

Preparation:

Microwave raisins and apple juice in a microwave-safe bowl on HIGH for 30 seconds. Let stand 2 minutes; drain. Place raisins and remaining ingredients in a medium bowl; toss to combine.

Page 2

Recipes Using Fresh Apples

The Helping Hand Newsletter

Services Coordinator 19-Uzo Ebenebe, PT High Hope 20-Lee Abercrombie, Cherokee 22-Jon Godfrey, Chatham 23-Jeff Geer, Old Lantern October 5-Linda Devall, PT High Hope 5-Leshel Dixon, PT Paul 5-Tracy Moon, Wooten 8-Aaron Bearden, Jasper 8-David Patterson, Residential Services Support Specialist

September and October Birthdays September 1-Marisa Albert, FT Snapfinger 5-Joy McDonald, Old Lantern Residential Services Coordinator 6-Page Drew, Drew 11-Mary Chapman, PT Old Lantern 13-Nicole Kelley, Appalachee Residential Services Coordinator 15-Michael Liu, Residents’ Accounts Mgr 16-Sue Hester, Day 16-Michelle Kesler, PT Appalachee 17-Dexter Taylor, Duvall Residential

9-Thelma Bell, PT Corbit Walker 14-Michael Champion, Briarlake 14-Denel James-Residential Services Dir 18-Everett Mims, PT Old Lantern 19-Linda Marvicsin, PT Pedigo 20-Carly Shadden, FT Cherokee 27-Kristen Miller, FT Appalachee 29-Lister Lestrade, Snapfinger Residential Services Coordinator

Baked Apples on the Grill

Ingredients:

4 medium tart apples, washed and cored 1/3 c. raisins 1/3 c. flaked coconut 1/4 c. packed brown sugar 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

Directions: Place each apple on a piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil (about 12-inch square). Combine the remaining ingredients; spoon into center of apples. Fold foil over apples and seal tightly. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 20 to 25 minutes, or until apples are tender. Open foil carefully to allow steam to escape.

Cinnamon-Apple Cake

The cream cheese in the batter gives this cake lots of moisture.

Ingredients:

1 3/4 c. sugar or Splenda, divided 6 oz. fat-free cream cheese, softened 1/2 c. Smart Balance, softened 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 large eggs

1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 3 c. chopped, peeled Rome apples (about 2 large) Cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°. Beat 1 1/2 c. sugar or Splenda, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended (about 4 minutes). Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition; set aside. Light-ly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture, and beat at low speed until blended. Combine 1/4

cup sugar and cinnamon. Combine 2 tablespoons of the cinnamon mixture and apple in a bowl; stir apple mixture into batter. Pour batter into an 8-inch springform pan coated with cooking spray, and sprinkle with remaining cinnamon mixture. Bake at 350° for 1 hour and 15 minutes,

Page 3 The Helping Hand Newsletter

DDM Staff Anniversaries September 1, Lynda deMore, Human Resource Manager, 9 years

September 3, Dudley Parkman, Hess Residential Services Coordinator, 4 years

September 6, Rosa Scott, Duvall PT Home Manager, 9 years

September 9, Dexter Taylor, Duvall Residential Services Coordinator, 1 year

September 10, Anne Dennison, Briarlake PT Home Manager, 4 years

September 10, Linda Devall, PT High Hope, 1 year

September 11, Michael Liu, Residents’ Accounts Manager, 14 years

September 11, Matt Pogue, Cherokee Residential Services Coordinator, 2 years

September 18, Pamela Bowman, PT Corbit Walker, 2 years

September 23, Lorrie Rusgrove, Appalachee PT Home Manager, 3 years

September 30, Ernestine Martinez, Stone Mountain Residential Services Coordinator, 2 years

October 5, Therese Scarlett, Stone Mountain PT Home Manager, 2 years

October 10, Lisa Johnson, Pedigo Residential Services Coordinator, 27 years

October 17, Roberta Burr, Duvall FT Home Manager, 8 years

October 17, Aranda Dye-Saldivar, Stone Mountain FT Home Manager, 2 years

October 17, Deborah Leamon, Staff Nurse, 3 years

October 17, Sydel Thompson, Duvall PT Home Manager, 1 year

October 20, Kristen Miller, Appalachee FT Home Manager, 1 year

October 21, Pamela Watson, Paul Residential Services Coordinator, 3 years

October 22, Detrice Lewis, PT Stone Mountain Home Manager, 1 year

October 23, Rosa Scruggs, Drew FT Resident Companion, 5 years October 26, Marjorie Evans, Briarlake PT Resident Companion, 2 years

October 28, Carolyn McCoy, Chatham PT Home Manager, 2 years October 29, Linda O’Neal, Day PT Home Manager, 16 years

Briarlake and Stokes Game Night

Briarlake and Stokes Homes enjoyed a night of Residents' Rights Bingo. Everyone was a winner with knowledge and prizes. Top left, l-r, Briarlake Residents John Athens and John Smith are headed to Stokes Home for game night. Top center, l-r around the table, Stokes Residents Colleen Campbell, Jeri Wilensky, and Stacie Dar-nell. Top right, l-r, John and Stokes Resident Tamara Wyse. Im-mediate right, Stacie , John, and John.

The Helping Hand Newsletter Page 4

Little Light of Mine

On Sunday, July 13, the Little Light of Mine Choir and liturgical dancers, from Briarlake Baptist Church in Decatur, led the vesper service at Kings Bridge Retirement Center. Several DDM residents participated. Top left photo, Stokes Home Resident Stacie Darnell led the sign language for the song “I’ll Fly Away.” Top center photo, Briarlake Home Resident Brian Haynes, center, sang “Jesus Loves Me” as a duet with his dad. Top right, Stone Mountain Resident Joanna Ripley recites the Scripture she has memorized. Center row, left, Stokes Resident Colleen Campbell and Brian, second row, behind Colleen, sing and sign to a favorite song. Center row, center photo, Briarlake Resident Michael Champion read his Scripture, while his housemate John Athens listens. Center row, right, Stone Mountain Resident Holly Hackley participates in a liturgical dance. In the choir behind her are Michael, Stone Mountain Resident Diane Padgett, and Stokes Resident Jeri Wilensky. Bottom row, left, Briarlake Resident John Smith and his housemate John recite their Scripture from memory together! Bottom row, right, l-r, are housemates and friends, John, John, and Michael.


New Jasper Home Photos

Eye Safety at Home

Accidents involving common household products cause 125,000 eye injuries each year. Ninety percent of these eye injuries can be prevented through understanding, safety practices, and the use of proper eye protection. You can reduce the risks of eye injuries by using this simple checklist:

Provide lights and handrails to improve safety on stairs.

Do not mix cleaning agents.

Read and follow all manufacturer instructions and warning labels.

Wear chemical safety goggles when using hazardous solvents, detergents, fertilizers, and pesticides, and safety glasses to protect against flying particles. Regular eyeglasses don’t always provide enough protection.

Keep paints, pesticides, fertilizers, and similar products properly stored in a secure area.

Inspect and remove debris from lawns before mowing.

Keep your tools in good condition; damaged tools should be repaired or replaced.

The new Jasper DDM Home opened in July! In above left photo, l-r, Residents Aaron Bearden, Desmond Ridehalgh, Fred Matthews, and Ryan Austin are so excited to be in their new residence. They enjoyed a pizza party to celebrate the move-in — Aaron, top row, 2nd photo and Desmond, second row, left photo. Top row, 3rd photo, Ryan is hap-py in their spacious kitchen. Top row, right photo, Fred is at home in the new family room. Bottom left photo, Ryan and Desmond relax on the front porch. Since these guys are University of Georgia fans, on a recent Saturday morning, Johns Creek Baptist Church member Mike Satterfield, second row, right photo, and Facilities Manager Danny Henderson installed two Georgia Bulldogs, which were donated by Mike, on the tops of the brick columns at the driveway entrance.


Stone Mountain Home Birthdays and Volunteers

Two of the Stone Mountain Home ladies celebrated birthdays in July. In top left photo, Holly Hackley, left, and Joanna Ripley, right, are pictured at their birthday dinner with FT Home Manager Aranda Dye and her beautiful baby daughter. Top right, Joanna with housemate Diane Padgett, left, and Residential Services Coordinator Dora Martinez, right. Second row, left, Diane and Dora. Second row center, Holly and baby Dye. Second row, right, Joanna opening some birthday gifts. The Berean Sunday School Class at Smoke Rise Baptist Church had a volunteer work day at the Stone Mountain Home on Saturday, July 12. We appreciate their generous donation of time and effort to work in the yard, repair a walkway, and clean the lights and area around the deck. Left photo below, Holly had fun helping spread pine straw. In addition to working, the volunteers provided a birthday cake at lunch, with candles for blowing, for Holly and Joanna’s birthdays, top center photo.


Dietary Fiber: Essential for a Healthy Diet

Do you know why fiber is so good for your health? Dietary fiber—found mainly in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes—is probably best known for its ability to prevent or relieve constipation. But foods containing fiber can provide other health benefits as well, such as helping to maintain a healthy weight and lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Fiber is commonly classified as soluble (it dissolves in water) or insoluble (it doesn’t dissolve):

Soluble fiber. This type of fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like material. It can help lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Soluble fiber is found in oats, peas, beans, apples, citrus fruits, carrots, and barley.

Insoluble fiber. This type of fiber promotes the movement of material through your digestive system, so it can be of benefit to those who struggle with constipation. Whole-wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, beans, and vegetables, such as cauliflower, green beans, and potatoes, are good sources of insoluble fiber.

Most plant-based foods, such as oatmeal and beans, contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. However, the amount of each type varies in different plant foods. To receive the greatest health benefit, eat a wide variety of high-fiber foods.

How much fiber do you need each day? The Institute of Medicine gives the following daily recommendations for adults:

Men, age 50 or younger, 38 grams. Men, age 51 or older, 30 grams.

Women, age 50 or younger, 25 grams. Women, age 51 or older, 21 grams.

Need ideas for adding more fiber to you meals and snacks? Try these suggestions:

Jump-start your day. For breakfast choose a high-fiber breakfast cereal—5 or more grams of fiber per serving. Or add a few tablespoons of unprocessed wheat bran to your favorite cereal.

Switch to whole grains. Consume at least half of all grains as whole grains. Look for breads that list whole wheat, whole wheat flour, or another whole grain as the first ingredient on the label. Look for a brand with at least 2 grams of dietary fiber per serving.

Bulk up your baked goods. Substitute whole-grain flour for half or all of the white flour when baking. Whole grain flour is heavier than white flour. In yeast breads, use a bit more yeast or let the dough rise longer. When using baking powder, increase it by 1 teaspoon for every 3 cups of whole grain flour.

Mix it up. Add fresh or frozen vegetables to soups and sauces.

Get a let up with legumes. Beans, peas, and lentils are excellent sources of fiber. Add kidney beans to soup. Or make nachos with refried black beans, lots of fresh veggies, whole-wheat tortilla chips, and salsa.

Eat a fruit at every meal. Apples, bananas, oranges, pears, and berries are good sources of fiber.

Make snacks count. Fresh fruits, raw vegetables, low-fat popcorn, and whole-grain crackers are all good choices. An occasional handful of nuts or dried fruits also is a healthy, high-fiber snack— be aware that nuts and dried fruits are high in calories.

High-fiber foods are good for your health. But adding too much fiber too quickly can promote intestinal gas, abdominal bloating, and cramping. Increase fiber in your diet gradually over a period of a few weeks. This allows the natural bacteria in your digestive system to adjust to the changes. Also, drink plenty of water. Fiber works best when it absorbs water.


More Retirement Luncheon Photos


DDM Happenings CFO/Human Resource Director Bob Cash celebrated his 15th anniversary with DDM on July 1. At a weekly staff meeting, President Bill Neal presented him with a plaque for 15 years of outstanding service.

On Monday, July 28, Hess RS Coordinator Dudley Parkman and wife Shellie took Hess Resident Doug Rowell to the Atlanta Civic Center for a 4 hour live taping of the Family Feud Show with Steve Harvey, one of Doug’s favorites!

In August, Cherokee guys DC Dewberry, Lee Abercrombie, and Robert Goss attended the Brawl in the Hall wrestling in Gainesville. They are pictured at left with wrestler Buff “the stuff” Bagwell.

The Residents’ Council enjoyed a lunch together at the varsity after their recent meeting. Left to right, clockwise around the table: Jasper Residential Services Coordinator Sherry Oen. President Bill Neal, Sa-maria Resident Shelton Batchelor, FT Samaria Resident Companion Alicia Derrickson, Samaria Residential Services Coordinator Jennifer Sheffield, Hess Residential Services Coordinator Dudley Parkman, Hess Resident Stanley Weed, Cherokee Resident Lee Abercrombie, Cherokee Residential Services Coordinator Matt Pogue, and Jasper Resident Aaron Bearden.

DAY HOME ladies, above the heart, Jessica McFarland, Sue Hester, and Angie Mattox , along with Residential Services Coordinator Donna Bowman, in light blue shirt, and FT Home Manager Latonia Nelson, in red striped shirt, had fun with an outside photo shoot in August. They also enjoyed a beautiful day walking on the Dauset Trails. Above center photo, Jessica and Angie. Above right photo, Sue, Jessica, and Angie take time during their walking to rest on an “alligator” log!


45 Lessons Life Has Taught Me, by Regina Brett, age 90 (continued in next newsletter)

21. When it comes to going after what you want in life, don’t take no for an answer.

22. Burn the candles, use the good china. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

23. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

24. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

25. The most important organ is the brain.

26. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

27. Forgive.

28. What other people think of you is none of your business.

29. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

30. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

Stone Mountain Ladies Attend Retreat

The Stone Mountain ladies attended a retreat on August 17. Top left, Resident Joanna Ripley; top center, Residents Diane Padgett and Holly Hackley. Center , Diane, Hol-ly, and Stone Mountain Resi-dential Services Coordi-nator Dora Martinez. Beautiful day—good time!


Pedigo on the Go!

Top left and 2nd row left, the Pedigo ladies enjoyed a Saturday of shopping, eating and fun: top left, l-r, Ruth Blanchard, Jane Hill, and Beverly Kitchens. Top row, center, Beverly and her boyfriend at church. Top row, 3rd from left, Ruth attended Sr. Night at Piney Grove Baptist Church. Top row, right, the ladies, including Resident Margaret Stapleton, went out to lunch after church. Second row, center, Ruth is holding a Michael Jackson poster she received for her birthday. Second row, right, Beverly jumping off the diving board at a cookout/swim party that her family had for the Pedigo Home. The party also included a birthday surprise for Margaret and Ruth, who had August birthdays. In the words of Pedigo Residential Services Coordinator Lisa Johnson, “Beverly’s family is very supportive of our home, and we are blessed for it.”

Briarlake Baptist Church and Stokes Home Team Up for Yard Work

The Briarlake Men’s Progressive Sunday School Class volunteered to help Stokes Home staff and residents with yard work: trimming hedges, cutting limbs, hauling it off. The class decided to hire a lawn service to complete the job that was deemed too big for amateurs. The yard looks beautiful, and the staff and residents are happy and grateful for the donation. Above 1st and 2nd photos, Residents Colleen Campbell and Tamara Wyse are working hard. Third photo, l-r, Resident Jeri Wilensky, PT Home Manager Janie Goodman, Resident Stacie Darnell, and Colleen, surprised the class with a plaque and a thank you card.

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We’re on the Web! www.ddmga.org

REFERRAL BONUS ANNOUNCEMENT

A $150 Referral Bonus shall be given to the DDM staff member who refers a full-time or part-time employee. Any 2012 referrals in process will be paid at the 2012 rate.

Requirements: The person making application MUST list the DDM employee’s name on the original application at the point of application submission. The person who makes application MUST be referred directly from an active DDM employee. After six months of satisfactory service with DDM, the bonus will be paid to the DDM staff member for the new employee (one bonus for either individual or couple).

Calendar of Events

Sept 1-Labor Day

Sept 8-12- Residents’ Retreat, Camp Twin

Lakes

Sept 23-First Day of Autumn

Sept 26-28- Special Family Retreat, Camp Twin

Lakes

Oct 13-Columbus Day

Nov 1- Holiday Spree at Villa Christina

Dec 5- Trustee Meeting

Dec 5-6- Residents’ Christmas Weekend, Smoke Rise Baptist Church

Welcome new Residential Services staff: Kevin Hicks, Old Lantern PT Home Manager; Reba Tramble, Pedigo PT Home Manager; Amisha Bailey, Wooten Road PT Resident Companion. Please pray for DDM staff and trustees who have family members with health concerns. Please pray for DDM residents and their families who have health concerns. Please pray for the September Residents’ Camp and Special Family Retreat, both at Camp Twin Lakes.

Featured Residents’ Rights

Residents have the right to have property and residence treated with respect.

Residents have the right to know how to contact the Residential Services Coordinator for their home.

DDM NEEDS LIST: Wii consoles with remotes for DDM homes – Wii games help with residents’ exercise and activities.

Donations for the LEAP Fund – Life Enrichment and Activities Program – designated for medical and dental expenses of residents (growing and urgent need!)

MAC computer for central office

Small emergency generators for DDM homes for use during power outages — these would keep refrigerators or medical equipment, such as CPAP machines, operating.

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES STAFF

For those staff who have recently been hired, please forward any receipts from your criminal background check, TB Test, or CPR/First Aid training, to Human Resources, and you will be reimbursed after 6 months of employment. If you have any questions, contact HR directly.

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