Happy December Everyone.
As we move to welcome 2011 (!), we are asking everyone to continue their journey of self discovery by creating a personal mission statement. This can be done in an organized and simple way on the Franklin Covey website... http://www.franklincovey.com/msb/ .
After completing these, we will be looking to creat "Team Mission Statments" for programs then moving to the bigger task of creating a new mission statment for the merged agencies...stay tuned...a contest and prizes may follow.
Any questions? just ask :O
Charter Connection
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
And the winners are.....
After a successful education week, here are the winners.....
Table displays:
Most Eye Catching - Children & Youth
Most Informative - Many Happy Adventures Daycare and Learning Center
Best Giveaway - SPOA
Trivia Contest:
* 1st place - Darlene Richardson - got ALL 38 questions correct! Darlene works at the Montgomery County Handy Ups N' Downs Store
*2nd Place - a tie between Penny Vasquez who is a residence counselor at Montgomery Terrace and Jennife Rivera who is the Montgomery Terrace Assistant Program Director - both got 37 questions correct!
Passport Contest
*1st place - Lynn Brooker, a Supported Housing Counselor, visited 19 locations.
*2nd place - Penny Vasquez visited 18 locations
*3rd place - a tie between Jennifer Rivera and Marcia Poole, Montgomery Terrace Program Director, both visisted 16 locations.
BRAVO and thank you to all who participated :)
Table displays:
Most Eye Catching - Children & Youth
Most Informative - Many Happy Adventures Daycare and Learning Center
Best Giveaway - SPOA
Trivia Contest:
* 1st place - Darlene Richardson - got ALL 38 questions correct! Darlene works at the Montgomery County Handy Ups N' Downs Store
*2nd Place - a tie between Penny Vasquez who is a residence counselor at Montgomery Terrace and Jennife Rivera who is the Montgomery Terrace Assistant Program Director - both got 37 questions correct!
Passport Contest
*1st place - Lynn Brooker, a Supported Housing Counselor, visited 19 locations.
*2nd place - Penny Vasquez visited 18 locations
*3rd place - a tie between Jennifer Rivera and Marcia Poole, Montgomery Terrace Program Director, both visisted 16 locations.
BRAVO and thank you to all who participated :)
Monday, August 9, 2010
Core Values Feedback
Our first "Merge Monday" post...a huge thank you to eveyone who attended the joint leadership meeting this morning.
Please let us know the following information………………
1.Are there values we identified that could be “merged” into a single word?
2.Are there values that we missed?
3.Comments/Questions/etc.
Please comment on this post or email Kathy at kcromie@mhafm.org
Thanks for your input!
Please let us know the following information………………
1.Are there values we identified that could be “merged” into a single word?
2.Are there values that we missed?
3.Comments/Questions/etc.
Please comment on this post or email Kathy at kcromie@mhafm.org
Thanks for your input!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Fun food trivia...
What milk product did the U.S. Agriculture Department propose as a substitute for meat in school lunches, in 1996?
Why was the Animal Crackers box designed with a string handle?
On what vegetable did an ancient Egyptian place his right hand when taking an oath?
What European nation consumes more spicy Mexican food than any other?
What part of the banana is used to make banana oil?
What are the two top selling spices in the world?
What flavor of ice cream did Baskin-Robbins introduce to commemorate America's landing on the moon on July 20, 1969?
What fruits were crossed to produce the nectarine?
What animals milk is used to make authentic Italian mozzarella cheese?
Why did candy maker Milton S. Hershey switch from making caramels to chocolate bars in 1903?
What recipe, first published 50 years ago, has been requested most frequently through the years by the readers of "Better Homes and Garden"?
What is the only essential vitamin not found in the white potato?
Send your answers to kcromie@mhafm.org by Monday Morning for more goodies!!!!!
Why was the Animal Crackers box designed with a string handle?
On what vegetable did an ancient Egyptian place his right hand when taking an oath?
What European nation consumes more spicy Mexican food than any other?
What part of the banana is used to make banana oil?
What are the two top selling spices in the world?
What flavor of ice cream did Baskin-Robbins introduce to commemorate America's landing on the moon on July 20, 1969?
What fruits were crossed to produce the nectarine?
What animals milk is used to make authentic Italian mozzarella cheese?
Why did candy maker Milton S. Hershey switch from making caramels to chocolate bars in 1903?
What recipe, first published 50 years ago, has been requested most frequently through the years by the readers of "Better Homes and Garden"?
What is the only essential vitamin not found in the white potato?
Send your answers to kcromie@mhafm.org by Monday Morning for more goodies!!!!!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
PRIZES, PRIZES, PRIZES
The first three people from MTS and the first three from MHA who email me at kcromie@mhafm.org and tell me what you like about this blog will get an exciting prize that will be beneficial to them at the Joint Leadership meeting on August 9th!!!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Tuesday's Tips
Five Tips for Summer Fun!
Let’s face it summer wouldn’t be summer without the smell of sunscreen, fresh air, beaches, BBQs and the indescribable scent of sunshine and warmth.
But how do we make sure we take care of our health and wellbeing during this energetic time? Because let’s not pretend here, summer can also be a time for overindulging, sunburnt skin and sheer exhaustion! Here are a few simple tips to keep you on top so you can truly enjoy every bit of good summer fun!
Tip One: Water is Your Friend
Drink plenty of water. You’ve heard it a hundred times already but keep drinking it! Water keeps your body and skin hydrated, your brain alert, reduces the chances headaches and you sleep with much more quality and consistency. On average we need 8 glasses a day. When it is hot or you’re exercising chances are your body will need more like 10-12 glasses. Carry your water bottle everywhere you go.
Tip Two: Keep it Fresh
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Summer is the perfect time for eating lightly. Take advantage of all the gorgeous berries on your cereal or with yogurt as a dessert. Salads are the ultimate so create a masterpiece and add your protein with fish, chicken, cheese or eggs.
Tip Three: Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Use a natural high quality sunscreen. Protect your skin with a sunscreen that not only shields you from the sun’s rays but also contains no harmful ingredients. Using a moisturizer with an SPF is also recommended. Make sure you indulge the skin with good quality skin food too – cleansers, hydrators and nourishing moisturisers – to combat all that summer throws at it.
Tip Four: Get Busy
Get into it! Exercise and take part. There are plenty of challenges out there. The feeling of completing any challenge is nothing less than brilliant. Join up with a friend. Go for walks after the evening meal, get into the backyard for a bit of frisbee, kickball or get down to a beach or into a pool and have a swim! The body releases feel good endorphins when exercising and there is less chance of wanting to fill it with poor food choices if you do. Take a good quality anti-oxidant to help the body recover from exercise and repair sun damaged skin.
Tip Five: Stay Smiling
Sunshine makes you smile. Enjoy it. Live in the moment and embrace a good healthy attitude – regardless of what is presented to you. Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react to it. Take care of yourself, your friends and family over this relaxed time. Treat your body and skin with the utmost respect – indulge, pamper and enjoy!
Most importantly, make the most of the summer and take a break from the stresses of everyday life – you deserve it.
Let’s face it summer wouldn’t be summer without the smell of sunscreen, fresh air, beaches, BBQs and the indescribable scent of sunshine and warmth.
But how do we make sure we take care of our health and wellbeing during this energetic time? Because let’s not pretend here, summer can also be a time for overindulging, sunburnt skin and sheer exhaustion! Here are a few simple tips to keep you on top so you can truly enjoy every bit of good summer fun!
Tip One: Water is Your Friend
Drink plenty of water. You’ve heard it a hundred times already but keep drinking it! Water keeps your body and skin hydrated, your brain alert, reduces the chances headaches and you sleep with much more quality and consistency. On average we need 8 glasses a day. When it is hot or you’re exercising chances are your body will need more like 10-12 glasses. Carry your water bottle everywhere you go.
Tip Two: Keep it Fresh
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Summer is the perfect time for eating lightly. Take advantage of all the gorgeous berries on your cereal or with yogurt as a dessert. Salads are the ultimate so create a masterpiece and add your protein with fish, chicken, cheese or eggs.
Tip Three: Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Use a natural high quality sunscreen. Protect your skin with a sunscreen that not only shields you from the sun’s rays but also contains no harmful ingredients. Using a moisturizer with an SPF is also recommended. Make sure you indulge the skin with good quality skin food too – cleansers, hydrators and nourishing moisturisers – to combat all that summer throws at it.
Tip Four: Get Busy
Get into it! Exercise and take part. There are plenty of challenges out there. The feeling of completing any challenge is nothing less than brilliant. Join up with a friend. Go for walks after the evening meal, get into the backyard for a bit of frisbee, kickball or get down to a beach or into a pool and have a swim! The body releases feel good endorphins when exercising and there is less chance of wanting to fill it with poor food choices if you do. Take a good quality anti-oxidant to help the body recover from exercise and repair sun damaged skin.
Tip Five: Stay Smiling
Sunshine makes you smile. Enjoy it. Live in the moment and embrace a good healthy attitude – regardless of what is presented to you. Life is 10% what happens and 90% how you react to it. Take care of yourself, your friends and family over this relaxed time. Treat your body and skin with the utmost respect – indulge, pamper and enjoy!
Most importantly, make the most of the summer and take a break from the stresses of everyday life – you deserve it.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Friday Focus...Advantage After-School Program in Fonda Fultonville School
PROGRAM RATIONALE
Mounting evidence shows that how children occupy their time during non-school hours is directly related to their ability to achieve in school and contribute to society. The majority of crimes committed against or by youth are between 3 pm to 8 pm. These are also the hours when youth are most likely to engage in risky behaviors without adult supervision. Recent studies suggest that regular attendance in a good after-school program can help improve overall student success.
ADMINISTRATION
The Advantage After-School Program at Fonda-Fultonville Elementary and Middle Schools provides parents with a safe after-school environment for their children. The program aims to improve students’ social, emotional, and academic competencies, and to reduce negative youth behavior.
The AASP is the result of the active partnership of the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District and the Mental Health Association In Fulton and Montgomery Counties. Administered by the MHA, it is licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and complies with the New York State School-Age Child Care Regulations. Due to an Advantage grant from the OCFS, there is NO FEE to attend.
The program operates following school dismissal until 5:30 pm, every day that school is in session a full day (with a few exceptions). Students are strongly encouraged to attend five days per week.
ACTIVITIES
Students are provided a daily snack as outlined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, followed by homework assistance and help with organization skills. Physical and recreational activities are offered to help develop and maintain physical health, counter obesity and promote good sportsmanship and team building.
Program provides opportunities to participate in theme activities such as cooking, photography, forensic sciences and crafts to expand students’ knowledge and hands-on learning experiences. Lastly, activities that expand upon FFCSD’s character development program, personal growth and service learning are highlighted in addition to presentations offered by local agencies on topics that address good nutrition, body image, conflict resolution, tobacco, drugs, alcohol, etc.
Program Coordinator: Joan Draus
Mounting evidence shows that how children occupy their time during non-school hours is directly related to their ability to achieve in school and contribute to society. The majority of crimes committed against or by youth are between 3 pm to 8 pm. These are also the hours when youth are most likely to engage in risky behaviors without adult supervision. Recent studies suggest that regular attendance in a good after-school program can help improve overall student success.
ADMINISTRATION
The Advantage After-School Program at Fonda-Fultonville Elementary and Middle Schools provides parents with a safe after-school environment for their children. The program aims to improve students’ social, emotional, and academic competencies, and to reduce negative youth behavior.
The AASP is the result of the active partnership of the Fonda-Fultonville Central School District and the Mental Health Association In Fulton and Montgomery Counties. Administered by the MHA, it is licensed by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and complies with the New York State School-Age Child Care Regulations. Due to an Advantage grant from the OCFS, there is NO FEE to attend.
The program operates following school dismissal until 5:30 pm, every day that school is in session a full day (with a few exceptions). Students are strongly encouraged to attend five days per week.
ACTIVITIES
Students are provided a daily snack as outlined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, followed by homework assistance and help with organization skills. Physical and recreational activities are offered to help develop and maintain physical health, counter obesity and promote good sportsmanship and team building.
Program provides opportunities to participate in theme activities such as cooking, photography, forensic sciences and crafts to expand students’ knowledge and hands-on learning experiences. Lastly, activities that expand upon FFCSD’s character development program, personal growth and service learning are highlighted in addition to presentations offered by local agencies on topics that address good nutrition, body image, conflict resolution, tobacco, drugs, alcohol, etc.
Program Coordinator: Joan Draus
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Thursday Trivia... History 101
In what year(s) did MHA and MTS start?
**1976 and 1980**
To find your answers check out some of the links on this blog,
reference an agency brochure or ask around! :)
*Check back later for answers!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Friday's Focus ... Supported Housing
Services provided on behalf of the MTS Supported Housing Program are received on a voluntary basis. It is the participant's responsibility to identify the services needed and the frequency delievered. These services are Case Management related and include:
- Assistance in locating, securing and maintaining housing in the community
- Assistance with finding safe, affordable housing
- Assitance with securing a lease and maintaining tenant/landlord relations
- Housing related emergency assistance
- Assistance with rent or security, based on the ability to pay
- Linkage with available financial program and ongoing maintenance of funding
- Information with referral to available community entitlements
- Assistance with financial management/budgeting
- Transportation to pharmacy/medical/financial/psychiatric appointments
Supported Housing Staff also coordinate many of the Resident and Agency Activities & Recreations... see the calendar below to view upcoming events! :)
Staff Office Location:
11 Mohawk Place
Amsterdam, NY 12010
518-842-3717
Coordinator: Michele Pooler
Case Managers: Lynn Brooker & Jean Camacho
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Tuesday's Tip...More Effective Communication
Tip 1: You aren't a computer! (Stop Multitasking)
* When you are having a conversation, don't do something else at the same time.
* Take care to minimize distracters (TV, computer, cell phone, etc.) in the environment.
* If you find your attention drifting, consciously bring it back to the conversation.
* Make a mental note of key points that you hear during the conversation.
* Listen, don't just 'wait to talk'.
Tip 2: Set the stage (Tell your audience what's coming)
* What's the subject you wish to discuss?
* What's the timeframe for the conversation (schedule and length)?
* What's required of the listener?
* If it's a negative message, prepare the listener ("This is difficult for me to say, and may be difficult for you to hear...")
Tip 3: Think before you speak - and while you are speaking (Be more conscious to be more effective)
* What's the message you are hoping to get across?
* Determine associated information that's needed to support your message.
* Consider anticipated response of the listener, including possible concerns or objections.
* Word choice, tone and body language shape your message.
* Being more conscious helps you to be a better listener, too.
Tip 4: I can see clearly now ... (Clarification is critical for effective communication)
As a speaker:
* 'Check in' with your listener to make sure that your message is being conveyed as intended.
* Don't make assumptions of your listener's knowledge of or interest in the subject.
* Allow for and respond to questions.
* Use analogies or common examples to help facilitate understanding.
As a listener:
* Use 'active listening' ("What I hear you saying is ...)
* Ask clarifying questions ("Do you mean...")
* Reflect observed body language and tone to confirm impressions.
Tip 5: Take the high road (Break the cycle of negative interaction patterns)
* Responding to an attack with an attack contributes to a downward spiral of negative interactions.
* Take a couple of deep breaths or count to ten before responding.
* Look for common ground to get back on track.
* Watch for emotional 'flooding' and take a time-out if needed.
* If what you are doing isn't working, do something different.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_McCready
* When you are having a conversation, don't do something else at the same time.
* Take care to minimize distracters (TV, computer, cell phone, etc.) in the environment.
* If you find your attention drifting, consciously bring it back to the conversation.
* Make a mental note of key points that you hear during the conversation.
* Listen, don't just 'wait to talk'.
Tip 2: Set the stage (Tell your audience what's coming)
* What's the subject you wish to discuss?
* What's the timeframe for the conversation (schedule and length)?
* What's required of the listener?
* If it's a negative message, prepare the listener ("This is difficult for me to say, and may be difficult for you to hear...")
Tip 3: Think before you speak - and while you are speaking (Be more conscious to be more effective)
* What's the message you are hoping to get across?
* Determine associated information that's needed to support your message.
* Consider anticipated response of the listener, including possible concerns or objections.
* Word choice, tone and body language shape your message.
* Being more conscious helps you to be a better listener, too.
Tip 4: I can see clearly now ... (Clarification is critical for effective communication)
As a speaker:
* 'Check in' with your listener to make sure that your message is being conveyed as intended.
* Don't make assumptions of your listener's knowledge of or interest in the subject.
* Allow for and respond to questions.
* Use analogies or common examples to help facilitate understanding.
As a listener:
* Use 'active listening' ("What I hear you saying is ...)
* Ask clarifying questions ("Do you mean...")
* Reflect observed body language and tone to confirm impressions.
Tip 5: Take the high road (Break the cycle of negative interaction patterns)
* Responding to an attack with an attack contributes to a downward spiral of negative interactions.
* Take a couple of deep breaths or count to ten before responding.
* Look for common ground to get back on track.
* Watch for emotional 'flooding' and take a time-out if needed.
* If what you are doing isn't working, do something different.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_McCready
Friday, July 2, 2010
Friday's Focus...Handy Ups N Downs
In 1991, the Mental Health Association in Fulton & Montgomery Counties sponsored their first consumer run business in a little store front in Amsterdam, New York. The thrift store business, named Handy Ups N’ Downs was created to provide employment and retail training skills for individuals living with a mental illness. Quickly, Handy Ups N’ Downs gained the respect and support of the community. Today, we operate two thrift stores, one in Montgomery County and another in Fulton County. We currently have 15 paid staff members and numerous volunteers.
Handy Ups N’ Downs also provides training and work skills to special education students of the BOCES programs, and we are an approved work site for individuals completing their community service commitment. Through our individualized training program and supportive work environment, many of our staff have gained the self confidence to transition into the competitive employment field and have become independent members of the community.
Handy Ups N’ Downs receives hundreds of donations each day from our generous community. All items are carefully inspected by our staff before placing on the sales floor. We are proud to offer our customers top quality clothing and household items at incredibly low affordable prices. We in turn, give back to the community by assisting individuals who are in need. Each year we provide hundreds of families, stricken by economic hardships, the ability to select clothing and household items at no cost to them. All thrift store proceeds stay within the community.
Store Locations:
101 Guy Park Avenue
Amsterdam, NY 12010
842-2790
111 S. Comrie Avenue
Johnstown, NY 12095
736-1825
Store Manager: Debbie Miller
Assistant Manager: Jen Cassidy
Handy Ups N’ Downs also provides training and work skills to special education students of the BOCES programs, and we are an approved work site for individuals completing their community service commitment. Through our individualized training program and supportive work environment, many of our staff have gained the self confidence to transition into the competitive employment field and have become independent members of the community.
Handy Ups N’ Downs receives hundreds of donations each day from our generous community. All items are carefully inspected by our staff before placing on the sales floor. We are proud to offer our customers top quality clothing and household items at incredibly low affordable prices. We in turn, give back to the community by assisting individuals who are in need. Each year we provide hundreds of families, stricken by economic hardships, the ability to select clothing and household items at no cost to them. All thrift store proceeds stay within the community.
Store Locations:
101 Guy Park Avenue
Amsterdam, NY 12010
842-2790
111 S. Comrie Avenue
Johnstown, NY 12095
736-1825
Store Manager: Debbie Miller
Assistant Manager: Jen Cassidy
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Bienvenidos!
Hello All,
We are working on creating this blog to help keep track of updates related to "M-Day" (TBD yet), and other agency happenings. Please be patient as we work to get this up and fully running.
ENJOY!!
We are working on creating this blog to help keep track of updates related to "M-Day" (TBD yet), and other agency happenings. Please be patient as we work to get this up and fully running.
ENJOY!!
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