April 2016

The Haverhill

Clubhouse The Clubhouse

Connection

Michelle L 4/1

Diane O. 4/08

Dianne P. 4/08

Mary B. 4/10

Dennis C. 4/17

Ed H. 4/20

Paul F. 4/23

Ben T. 4/26

LanaC. 4/26

Anthony

H.

4/30

Birthdays All Star Award

By Toni W.

The Haverhill Clubhouse would like to congratulate staff Taylor and

staff/member Katie L. for receiving the Vinfen All Star Award. Director

Kerry awarded the ladies for excellent work they do for the Commu-

nity in and out of the Clubhouse. WAY TO GO!

Page 2 The Clubhouse

Employment Updates

Congrats are in order to Clubhouse

Member Barry M. He recently got a job

at liberty tax as Mr.. Liberty He says that

the job is a lot of fun and he really en-

joys it.

The Haverhill Clubhouse would like to congratulate

Target in Haverhill for being employee of the year, We

had the honor of going to the statehouse on Tuesday-

March 29th. Two of our members have the honor of

working there as well. Special thank you to Represen-

tative Diana DiZoglio and Senator Kathleen O’Connor

Ives for suporting us!

Massachusetts Clubhouse

Coalition 2016 Employment

Celebration

Page 3 The Clubhouse

Creativity Corner

7 days of inspiration

By Gail S.

DAY 1: SOMEONE IS ON YOUR SIDE

DAY 2: CHOOSE HAPPINESS

DAY 3: YOU ARE ALREADY WONDERFUL ALWAYS

HAVE BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL BE

DAY 4: RISKS YIELD REWARDS YOU ARE WORTHY

OF BOTH

DAY 5: WITH EVERY CHALLENGE COMES A

CHANCE TO SHINE

DAY 6: YOUR GLASS IS MORE THAN HALF FULL

DAY 7: THERE IS SO MUCH TO LOVE ABOUT YOU

Staff Taylor, members: Barbara

and Marlene have a ball with

Painting with frosting

Page 4

Creativity corner cont.

Members of the

Haverhill

Clubhouse took

some time to make

bunnies for our

candy hunt on

Monday March 28.

Page 5 The Clubhouse

Activities Update

Above; members of the Haverhill Clubhouse attended the Boston Flower show on Saturday March 19th .

Page 6 April 2016

Page 7 The Clubhouse

Education Update

Below: The Haverhill Clubhouse would like

to take a moment to congratulate Member

Kelli D. She will be starting school in May for

Event Planning. We wish her good luck!

The Haverhill Clubhouse

had a St. Patty ‘s day Party

on March 17th. We were

treated to Corned beef and

Cabbage dinner. Thanks to

everyone for helping to

decorate and make it fun!

Page 8 April 2016

Health and Wellness Corner!

5 Things you do that may make spring allergies worse!

By Amy Capetta www.today.com April 20, 2014

While the spring months bring warmer temperatures and longer hours of sunshine, they also bring about seasonal

allergies for millions of people. And with a predicted “pollen vortex” threatening to make this spring the worst al-

lergy season on record, you may need all the help you can get. According to the latest statistics from the American

College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunity (ACAAI), hay fever (or allergic rhinitis), the nasal condition that causes

cold-like symptoms – stuffy nose, watery eyes- will affect nearly 50 million Americans this season. As many allergy

sufferers are aware, the best forms of treatment include medication (whether over the counter or prescription),

immunotherapy (shots) and decreasing exposure to pollen, which is the main allergen that triggers this temporary

condition. However, even the most informed patients could be unknowingly hindering their well-being. Here, three

allergy specialists identify the most common errors made at this time of year and the simplest strategies that can

make you breathe easier:

Getting a late start

“Many people think of their allergy medications as something they take in response to their symptoms rather than

trying to be proactive and taking them ahead of time,” says Dr. James Sublett, managing partner of Family Agency

and Asthma in Louisville, Ky., and president-elect of the ACAAI. Instead of waiting until you start sneezing and

wheezing, he recommends beginning your allergy meds around one to two weeks before your symptoms surface.

For most of us, that means now. “At the very least, take medications at the first sign of any symptom as oppose to

waiting until things get really bad,” he says.

Letting the outside air in

“A huge mistake allergy sufferers make is opening their windows to air out their home or office,” says Dr. Rana S.

Bonds, interim director at the Division of Allergy/Immunology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galves-

ton, Texas. However, this action will have the opposite effect- the plant pollen will make its way indoors and attach

itself to your surroundings. And, while a warm spring breeze can feel invigorating, it’s bad news for someone with

springtime allergies. “The most beautiful days with a breeze are the worst!” says Bonds. The reason: The pollen

count, which differs from day to day, tends to be higher on dry days because it’s easier for the plant powder to

become airborne.

Exercising outside in the a.m.

Save the power walking and jogging for the afternoon or evening hours- pollen counts tend to be higher in the

morning, says Dr. Andrew W. Murphy, Allergy Chief at The Chester County Hospital in West Chester, Pa. “I hate

to tell people to stay inside, but if you’re suffering badly, a better alternative is working out indoors.” And unless

you’re dealing with a severe case of allergies and/or are prone to asthma, don’t forgo working out altogether, he

adds. “Exercising is good, in general, since it can make your nose and chest feel better.”

Forgetting to take an evening shower

“Once you’re in for the night, hop in the shower– even if it’s the second one of the day– and wash the pollens off,”

says Murphy. Keep in mind that it only takes one step into the great outdoors for tiny pollen particles to cling to

your body. If your schedule does not allow for a quick scrub during the early evening, Murphy highly advises taking

a shower just minutes before climbing into bed.

Self-diagnosing your allergy triggers

“If you have moderate to severe allergies, don’t expect OTC medication to totally take care of the problem,” says

Sublett. Your best bet is to seek care from a board-certified allergist who can pinpoint your specific allergies. “For

instance, someone may think they’re suffering from a tree pollen allergy when their allergies are caused by a mold,”

he explains.” Instead of guessing, allow a professional to identify the problem so he/she can customize a treatment

that will be more effective.”

Page 9 The Clubhouse

Horoscope

By Toni W.

Aries (March 21-April 19) : adapt your plans and proceed with them. If you get in

the right frame of mind, you will receive positive results.

Taurus April 20—May 20) : Do not make an impulsive move if your emotions are

calling the shots. Focus on what you do best and how to use your attributes to

get ahead.

Gemini (May 21– June 20) : take part and reach out to help bring about positive

change at home or in your community. Don’t let uncertainly confuse you or stop

you from doing your best.

Leo (July 23– August 22) : Stay busy. A day trip will motivate you to try something

new. Do your part by contributing knowledge and solutions.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) : your entertaining, fun to be with attitude will

draw attention. Focus on love, romance and socializing.

Libra (September 23– October 23) : Expand your interests and friendships. What

you learn from observing others will encourage you to be money smart.

Sagittarius (November 23– December 21) : You should concentrate on your

home, family and what you know and do best. Personal changes will enhance your

relationship with loved ones and friends and position you for greater popularity

and success.

Capricorn (December 22– January 19) : Don’t give in to emotional instability. Stick

close to home and take care of matters that will add to your personal security.

Aquarius (Jan 20—Feb 19) : Observe how others respond to you. Protect your

property and doesn't lend or borrow money or posse ions.

Cancer (June 21– July 22) : Indecisiveness will work against you. Consider your

options and move forward.

Pisces (Feb. 20 to March 20) : Money matters must not be ignored. Overspending

will lead to unnecessary stress. Back away from anyone asking for too much and

offering too little.

Page 10 The Clubhouse

Housing Updates

Haverhill Clubhouse would like to

congratulate Gina S. She was lucky

to be picked for an apt at Tenney

Place. Katie L., Gena S. Melanie F.

Were also chosen! Good Luck to

them all.

We also want to congratulate

member Lana C. For getting her

new place.

Page 11 April 2016

The Haverhill clubhouse would like to take the time to appreciate Member Mitch H. for all he

has done for the Haverhill clubhouse with his peer support group here at the Haverhill club-

house.

Appreciation

When I first Join this group I was not sure what to think. I was happy to be able to talk

about many of my problems and get support from him and others. I hope you do well in

your next job. I know you are one of god’s angels. I’ll miss u– Gail S.

His group helped me a lot and helped me open up more. I was not a big fan of support

groups in the past but I connected with the most - Toni W.

I enjoyed the group. I understand that the group needed the help and Mitch and Sam are

really nice at explain everything.—Clarence G.

Mitch was very important to me. He is a very good listener I’ll miss him very much– Mark R.

Page 12 The Clubhouse

Clubhouse

Mission Statement

The Haverhill Clubhouse

offers respect, hope, and

unlimited opportunity for

membership to access

friendship, housing, educa-

tion and employment in

their community.

Phone: (978) 521-6957

Fax: (978) 521-7028

Email:

theclubhouseconnection@gmail.com

Haverhill Clubhouse

100 Locust Street

Haverhill, MA, 018306957

Fax 978-521-7028

Vinfen Mission Statement

Vinfen transforms lives by build-

ing the capacity of individuals,

families, organizations and com-

munities to learn, thrive and

achieve their goals.

Our services promote the recov-

ery, resiliency, habilitation and

self-determination of the people

we serve.

As a human services leader, we

strive to be the provider, em-

ployer and partner of choice.