Residential Concepts, Inc.
Farm Chat
art!
JULY  AUGUST  SEPTEMBER 2015
CRF ANIMAL ADVENTURES
During the month of July, groups from all three locations took virtual knowledge safaris through
various continental animal kingdoms. Animals from Africa, South America, and Australia were just
three of the continents explored!
The Annex explored Africa and learned about tigers, elephants, and giraffes,
with giraffes being their favorite animal. The groups learned that the giraffe is
the tallest land animal in the world characterized by its long legs, long neck,
and distinctive spotted pattern. Giraffes live primarily on African Savannas
and spend most of the day eating leaves and twigs. To model their discovery,
groups made “Cardboard Tube Giraffes” from recycled paper towel rolls,
yellow craft paint, and construction paper. See Kathy C. pictured to the right
painting the giraffe’s body.
Next door, the Farm discovered Australia and learned about the largest living marsupial, the
kangaroo. Kangaroos have large powerful hind legs, large feet for leaping, and a long muscular
tail for balance. Female kangaroos carry their young in pouches that contain mammary glands
where their young live until they are eight months old. To understand this animal better, groups
created “3-D Kangaroos” from craft foam and paper plates, modeled after a template.
Points of Interest:

Animal Kingdoms

“Baking Soda Sea Art”

Apple fun

Watermelon Shark

Fun Fact

Safety Alert!
Finally, across the street at the Lakehouse, groups studied South America and
researched llamas. Relative to the camel, llamas are normally willing pack
animals, but only to a point! They can become stubborn, refuse to move, and
occasionally spit, if their haul becomes overloaded. Llamas graze on grass,
regurgitate their food, and chew it as cud. To explore llamas more, groups made
llamas from construction paper and then observed them “in-person” at the Farm.
Everyone enjoyed studying the animal kingdoms and participating in the associated animal
activities!
UNDER THE SEA
APPLE CRAZE
In August, groups from all locations focused
on a nautical theme adventure. One craft
that was a Lakehouse favorite was “The
Baking Soda Sea Art.”
Who knew apple picking could be so much fun? In September, groups
traveled to A & M Orchard in Fayetteville, to gather apples. Once back to
the day program, groups incorporated the apples into fun projects such as:
Apple Wreaths, Recycled Soda Bottle Apple Craft, and Apple Pie Filling.
The groups started by measuring out their
ingredients: baking soda, cornstarch, and
water. For the second step, they cooked the
ingredients on medium heat and stirred until
it reached the consistency of mashed
potatoes. Then groups emptied the mixture
onto parchment paper and covered it with a
damp cloth until it was cool enough to
handle. Next, they rolled the mixture into
several quarter size balls, then started to
create their masterpieces. The groups made
sand dollars and starfish. Toothpicks and
butter knives were used to add character to
their works of
art. Pictured to
the left is the sea
art just out of the
oven. Once
cooled, the
groups added
paint and glitter
to their
individual sea
To create the Apple Wreaths, groups sliced apples,
then added spices, and baked the slices on low heat for
4 hours. Once the apple slices had cooled and dried,
the slices were glued to a wreath base. Small acorns
were added and a beautiful Fall bow was attached to
the bottom of the wreath. See Sherry B. pictured to the
right applying the apple slices.
To make the Recycled Soda Bottle Apple Craft, groups
used 2-liter bottle bottoms, zippers, hot glue, paint, and
brown felt to create spill-proof containers. Pictured to the
left is Amanda D. painting the inside of her group’s
bottle. When the craft was complete, we delivered the
apple containers to residents at Eastgate Care Springs.
To prepare the Apple Pie Filling, groups used apples picked from the
orchard. First, they peeled apples and sliced them thin. Then groups gathered
the following ingredients: lemon juice, sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and butter.
Next, the dry ingredients were mixed together in a freezer bag. In a
separate bowl, the sliced apples were coated with the lemon juice. The
apples and butter were then added to the dry ingredients and mixed well.
Finally, air was removed from the bag and laid out flat to freeze and use at
a later date.
Residential Concepts, Inc.
Farm Chat
WATERMELON SHARK
PUMPKIN HISTORY
Pumpkins have become a big part of our fall
During the hot and humid days of August, groups had fun
decorations, but do we really know the history of
carving our very own Watermelon Shark! Not only was it
pumpkins? The word pumpkin originated from the
easy to carve, but rather
Greek word Pepõn, which means large melon. The word
delicious and refreshing! We
was gradually morphed by the French, then the English,
followed simple steps, which
and finally the Americans into the word "pumpkin."
included: washing and
Pumpkins grow on vines, need full sun as well as good
examining the fruit, scooping
drainage.
out the watermelon meat,
carving the teeth, attaching
In September, Nick W., Randi
the fin,
S., Trevor F., David W., and
filling
staff traveled to Ripley, OH to
the
pick pumpkins for resale at the
mouth opening, and finally
garden center. This year we
enjoying our flavorful fruity
gathered nearly 100
creation!! Pictured above is Bobbie
pumpkins! Pictured to the right
Jo B. cutting the watermelon meat
is Trevor F. carrying a pumpkin
and pictured to the right is the
Did you know that pumpkins are not vegetables - they are a fruit! In fact, they
are berries! Pumpkins, like gourds, and other varieties of squash are all
members of the Cucurbitaceae family, which also includes cucumbers, gherkins,
SAFETY ALERT!
Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Time is here!
The seasonal influenza vaccine is formulated to protect against the two Influenza A strains (H1N1 and H1N3) and the Influenza B
strain of flu that public health researchers believe will be the most common during the upcoming season.
Good health habits are also an important way to help prevent the flu. Here are some things you can do
to help prevent the flu this season:
1. Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with someone who may be sick. When you become sick, keep
your distance from others to keep from spreading any illnesses.
2. Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick.
You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve to avoid spreading viruses by your
hands and in the air.
4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated
with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
http://dodd.ohio.gov/HealthandSafety/Documents/Preventing%20the%20%20Flu.pdf
Residential Concepts, Inc.
4073 Tollgate Road
Batavia, OH 45103
Phone: 513-724-0094
Fax: 513-724-0786
Email: [email protected]
check out our website!
www.residentialconcepts.org
Mission Statement
“To improve the quality of life for adults who have developmental
disabilities by nurturing their mental, physical, emotional, and
social development through new life skill experiences.”