THE BUZZ
Newsletter Date:
October 31, 2013
Joke of the
Quarter:
Issue # 3 Volume 5
Transition From Group Home to My Own
Apartment
By: Mr. James Burney
How do you
"tease" your
hair?
home. Not all group homes are the
same but it is nice to have my apartment to call home.
Take a lock of
hair in your fingers, saying "NA
NA NA NA BOO
BOO !"
Inside this Issue
Transition From Group Home 1
To My Own Apartment
Looking for ways to exercise
in Winter?
2
This is What I Think...
2
Healthy Recipe of the Quarter
3
Jollibee Restaurant Review
3
My life with computers
4
Tips to Stay Safe in Community 5
All about Tim’s life history
5
Don’t label me! I am what I am 6
The move
7
Events
8
Word Search Fun
8
Transitioning from a group home
wasn’t easy but I’m so glad I did.
When I lived in a group home there
were many limitations and less opportunities then what I have now
living in my own apartment. There
were three or more people to a
room with very little privacy. I felt
unsafe at times due to the amount
of people and the continuous fights
among the residents. During community outings we didn’t have an
option in which activities we wanted to participate in or who we wanted to hang out with. Staff held the
keys to the kitchen which was
locked at all times; if we wanted a
snack we had to get permission
from staff. I felt like I was living in
an institution rather than in a group
To me, home is the place where I am
free to be myself. It's also the place
where I am surrounded by my own belongings, and many things that represent me as an individual. Having my
own apartment in my community isn’t
something that I thought would happen seven years ago. I was afraid of
living in my own apartment but with
staff assistance; I was able to overcome those fears. I work as a box engineer and take classes at my local recreation center. I’m also an Our Voices
member, and a peer advocate helping
others to be self-advocates. The transition was well worth the move. Don’t
let fear get in the way of your hopes,
dreams and wishes for your future.
Thank you for your time in reading my
article. Please feel free to contact me
via email at:
[email protected]
THE BUZZ
Page 2
Looking for Ways to Exercise in Winter?
By: Ivy Kennedy
When you have a physical disability it may be tough to exercise. It may even
be tough to find a place to exercise that is accessible. Indoor pools can be a
great tool for anybody looking to burn a few calories and tone up. They are
enclosed and heated so they can be used in the winter. The water can be much
less restricting then machines at gyms. Exercising in the water is much less
wear and tear on your joints too.
Local parks & recreation memberships are much cheaper than gym memberships. Pools that have
accessible lifts and/or ramps can become a good place to meet new friends in your community.
The parks & rec centers that I know have lifts/ramps are the Northside pool in Norfolk, and the
Princess Anne & Williams Farm Rec. Center in Virginia Beach. Maybe I'll see you
there! Don't forget to bundle up and dry off after exercising in the pool this winter.
This is What I Think…
A Critique Column By: Blake Thomas
Hi! My name is Blake Thomas and playing video games is what I
do. The game I would like to tell you about is a football game called
Madden 09. I got this game back in 2008 on one of my game days. I play
this game on my Xbox 360. I give this game 2 thumbs up.
If you like sports you would really like this game. It’s awesome.
John Madden is the announcer on the game who tells you about the different skills and points you can earn on the game. My favorite part of the
game is when the players kickoff. It’s my favorite part because when they
kick the ball in the air with their feet it looks real. I also like when the
players pass the ball to each other. It’s like watching a real football game. My favorite teams to
play against each other are the Giants and the Green Bay Packers. My friend John says the Giants are the best team; however, I think the Green Bay Packers are the best. When my team
wins, we receive a trophy at the end of the game.
For those of you who do not like sports or who do not like football, this game might be
quite boring. What I don’t like about this game is when the players get hurt. Their teammates
help them stand back up and they continue to play. I also don’t like when my team loses. I have
fun playing this game because it’s a sports game. If you like football, then Madden 09 would be
a fun game for
you to play!
Diabetes Tip of the Quarter:
If you notice any symptoms of diabetes, you may test anyone’s
fasting glucose with a glucose monitor. If above 126, they may
have diabetes but double check with a physician.
Page : 3
THE BUZZ
Healthy Recipe of the Quarter:
Pumpkin Banana Muffins
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups whole wheat flour or white flour
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon of each:
baking powder
cinnamon
pumpkin pie spice
vanilla
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 bananas, mashed
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup canola oil
2 eggs
DIRECTIONS:
-Preheat oven to 350*. Spray muffin tins with
baking spray and set aside.
-In large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredi
ents.
-In a separate bowl, whisk together bananas,
pumpkin, oil, eggs and vanilla until well
blended.
-Add banana pumpkin mixture to dry ingredients,
gently folding until combined.
-Divide mixture into muffin cups.
-Bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until tooth pick
inserted in the middle of muffin comes out
clean.
Jollibee Restaurant Review
By: Donald Tinglan
In Virginia Beach there is a Filipino restaurant called Jollibee. It has really good food. I had 2 pieces of Chicken-joy with
fries and a Diet Pepsi and my friend Bill had a Yum Burger with
cheese, fries and a Diet Pepsi. My Chicken-joy meal came with
gravy and it was so good that I poured the whole container of gravy on my fried chicken. Yum! Bill said that he really liked his
food too.
The prices are the same as any other fast food restaurant out
there and it was great getting to eat Filipino fast food. The restaurant staff are courteous and pleasant and we had a great time with
staff as well who were with us. We highly recommend Jollibee
and suggest taking a picture with the mascot outside. So the next
time you are in the area drop by and try their breakfast menu
served until 11 am and the many choices for lunch and dinner.
They even have dessert.
Conflict Resolution Tip of the Quarter:
Do not view the situation as a competition, where one has to win
and one has to lose. Work toward a solution where both parties can
have some of their needs met.
THE BUZZ
Page :4
My Life With Computers
By: Willie Mebane
Willie became interested in computers in 1987 with his first computer class. The class taught him many basic computer skills and a
few advanced skills. When he first started his job in 1989, computers weren’t used there. All records were kept on paper and done by
hand. It took a lot longer to look up information. Things were
“Old School.” After working about six years, the company began
using computers. Willie started using them for picking and packing
functions. He could also use the computer to print labels to tell him
where items were to be shipped. The company sent employees to
computer classes to learn more about computers. They also brought
someone in to train the employees on using the equipment. Now
Willie uses computers for picking out materials and packing them,
to look up stock numbers and part numbers so he knows what to
pick out and pack. He also uses computers for shipping labels. He types addresses, prints
them out on special paper then ships the pieces out, sometimes to Israel, Asia, Germany, Japan,
Austria and other foreign countries.
Computers have helped Willie in his job so he doesn’t have to do paperwork anymore. When
he enters information into the computer it stays there and is safe until he needs it again. Willie
likes using a computer. There are all different places on a computer to look for the information
he needs. At work Willie has his own computer that is set up for the job he does.
At home, Willie has his own computer also. He uses it for his own purposes, such as downloading music for his own enjoyment and for his DJ business, watching the news, watching
videos, shopping online and paying bills online.
Some of his favorite videos and shows are Jerry Springer, Maury, ESPN Sports, animals, wrestling, as well as reality and crime shows. He enjoys being able to get the news from all over
the country also. YouTube is a favorite of his. He says he just types in what he wants to watch
and a video comes up!
Computers have had a big impact on Willie’s life with his job, his DJ business and his personal
life. The classes he took so many years ago helped him get started and then he just learned
more by using the computer. He recomSAFE Tip of the Quarter:
mends learning about computers to anyCondoms protect you from STIs transmitted via bod- one interested and is more than willing to
ily fluids, including HIV, but may not protect you
talk with anyone who has questions about
from STIs transmitted via skin contact, such as HPV. getting started.
THE BUZZ
Page 5
Tips to Stay Safe in Community
By: Jeannie Lowe
-Know who the people are that you can trust in case
you need help such as your staff, police officers, fire
fighters, people who work at churches, or the local
store clerk you see often.
-Stay in areas with lights. Do not walk down streets
that do not have lights because you need to be able to
see what is going on around you. If possible, don’t
travel and go places alone.
-Do not give strangers any of your personal information or money. Even if it’s a person you may see
around your community often doesn’t mean they are a safe person to be around.
-If you don’t feel safe around a stranger, then walk away and if they try to touch or hurt you
scream “HELP!” or “NO!” over and over again. It can scare them away or get someone’s attention for help.
All about Tim’s Life History
By: Tim Howard
Hi! My name is Timothy Howard. I am a 33 year old
grown up young man that stays-lives at Support Services of
Virginia - Tranquility House. I have lived at SSVA for five
years now. I am really, really happy there. I have done so, so
well there lately too. I have come a long, long way. I used to
live in a home called Orville with two other residents and I did
poorly, not as well as I’m doing now. All I needed was a little
extra help and support and I got back on the right track to having a good life and making everyone proud of me.
I am making significant progress. I have come a long, long way and I have a lot more
privileges now. I can walk to the store, Wal-Mart and Dollar Tree. There used to be a Goodwill, but no more. I can walk 2 days 2 times a week, all by myself. I just have to bring my cell
phone and sign out. Then I sign in when I get back. I do a really, really good job… a great job
on my walks! I have some independence and responsibility.
I work at the Cox Enclave 3 days a week on Monday, Wednesday and
Friday. I go to day support at Insight Seniors on Tuesday and Thursday. I like
earning a paycheck every two weeks. I like to earn a big paycheck every two
weeks on Fridays. I also like to visit my parents– my mother and my father now.
THE BUZZ
Page 6
Don’t Label Me! I am what I am...
...A comedian!
- John Bufort
… A volunteer!
- Joe Russo
...A techie!
- James Camp
...A bowler!
- Scott Bress
Communication Tip of the Quarter:
Use positive body language. Avoid shifting eyes and head quickly during
conversation when someone asks you a question. Do not look down or to
the side. Look directly at the person with a sense of confidence but not
overbearing or threatening in nature.
If you have any comments, opinions, or just want to contribute contact the
Hope House Foundation Administrative Office at 625-6161.
THE BUZZ
Page : 7
The Move
By: Ali Lanse
In deciding whether to move to Ghent or stay in my current apartment, I made a list of pros and cons to help me decide.
My staff and I looked around Ghent to see if I liked it. We
looked at about 3 or 4 different apartments until I found one I
liked. I had to decide what I wanted and what I was looking for.
I came up with a list that included an apartment within walking
distance of grocery stores and my bank. I wanted to be close to
a temple and I wanted a one bedroom apartment because I was
going to be living by myself.
It was a hard decision to move after being in my old
apartment for nine years and it took me a while to decide. I visited other Hope House sites as well as looked at apartments in
Ghent. Once I decided I wanted to live in Ghent, we looked
around the area and visited different stores, businesses and restaurants. We also walked around Ghent to get familiar with it
before making a decision to move. One of my staff from Hope House 10 lives in Ghent and
took me on a tour to show me where apartments, stores and services were. She pointed out
little things I didn’t know about the area. All these things helped me decide that this area had
what I was looking for and that I would be happy with my move.
I really like my new apartment a lot. I’m having fun in my new location and I’m doing
a lot of different things. I’m cooking on my own and going to the laundromat by myself. I
have the opportunity to get together with friends because I live a lot closer to them now. I
have also found a temple that I like. It took me less than one month to get used to the changes
of moving and I just love where I live now! I miss some of the restaurants near my old apartment and some of the friends from my previous temple but I’m making new friends in the
Ghent area and am finding lots of new restaurants to try.
I had had a roommate for nine years and live on my own now. I had thought I might be
lonely without a roommate but I’m not. I feel safe on my own and I like having the freedom
and privacy of living on my own. If you are thinking about moving, I recommend that you
make a list of pros and cons, go on a tour and see the area you are thinking about moving to
before you decide. Good luck if you decide to move!
NOTE from Ali’s mother, Fran Todras: From the beginning to the end,
the whole process of looking for apartments, packing up and making the
move went as smoothly as possible. Ali’s staff, Linda Kay, was a huge
advocate for Ali during the entire move and Ali would never have been
able to do it without Linda.
Page 8
THE BUZZ
Events
Stockley Gardens Arts Festivals will take place October 19th and
20th, 2013. The festivals are free and open to the public and include
over 140 artists displaying their work, live music all weekend, children’s activities, festival food, and more. The Stockley Gardens Arts
Festivals are Hope House Foundation’s largest fundraisers with
20,000-30,000 people attending each festival. The event is free and open to the public. For more information,
please visit our website at www.stockleygardens.com.
Ghent Holiday Stache Bash
Jake’s Place Men’s Barbering Lounge and Spa and Hope House Foundation are kicking off the holiday season
with a facial hair battle. It will be held on Sunday, December 8th from 4pm-7pm at the Belmont House of
Smoke, 2117 Colonial Ave, Norfolk. The night’s festivities include a facial hair fashion show and celebration,
a competition between mustaches, beards, and clean shaven faces, and music. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5. Santa’s vote has put the beards in the lead so come out and support your favorite
style. www.hope-house.org
Need a little luck for the new year? Come celebrate at the Second Annual Hogs for Hope New Year’s Day
Pig Pickin’ & Oyster Roast on January 1 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event will take place at Belmont
House of Smoke, located at 2117 Colonial Ave, in the Ghent area of Norfolk. The tickets are $25 and includes
all you can eat Hoppin’ Johns, Belmont greens, and Brunswick Stew, in addition to the pig pickin’ and roasted
oysters. Legend has it these food will keep you safe, happy, and prosperous throughout 2014.
Autumn Word Search
Word Bank:
Autumn
Fall
Season
Leaves
Brown
Yellow
Red
Rake
Bonfire
M
B
U
L
G
N
K
G
X
U
E
T
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O
J
O
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O
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V
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W
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Z
C
L
P
R
A
P
D
A
D
Q
E
K
I
I
Y
I
E
L
L
A
F
F
V
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S
Q
G
L
Q
N
A
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P
R
N
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M
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The Buzz is looking for contributors. If you are interested in writing a one time feature article or in
being a part of our regularly contributing staff writers please contact Kim Enesey at 757-625-6161 ext.
516 or [email protected]. We look forward to reading new and exciting articles!