December 2017
The Haverhill
Clubhouse
December 2017
Birthday
Kara V. 12/6
Steve N. 12/11
Tom C. 12/17
David
D.
12/26
Employment and Education Luncheon On November 1st we had a combination Employment and Educa-
tion luncheon. We recognized many members along with staff
Nicolle Vivier-Dow from our Education Unit, Linda Coppinger
and Basilio Vargas from our Employment Unit. Nicolle, Linda
and Basilio have done an exceptional job with helping our mem-
bers go back to school and become employed. Several members
received their Computer Class completion certificates from
Nicolle. Many members spoke about their experiences with
working and going back to school. Terri
Watson and John Davis who run our Health and Wellness Unit
with members; Gladys, Mario, Jack, Bill and many more and
made an exceptional Lunch and a great Chocolate cake! Way to
go our Health and Wellness Unit!
43 members Employed! 11 members enrolled in Education
Classes
Page 2 December 2017
Resource Room Dedication
We were honored to attend The Rose Coppinger Resource Room dedication at
The Point After Club in Lawrence. Rose was represented by many family mem-
bers including; Her son Tom, his wife Linda and their sons Tommy and Sean.
Rose’s daughter Anna and her son Kevin. Her daughter Mary and her son Rory.
Rose’s son Mike and his wife Sue.
Additionally, members and colleagues came together to honor the woman who
founded The Point After Club. Rose was also instrumental in acquiring the con-
tract for The Haverhill Clubhouse in 1990. Rose oversaw both Clubhouses and
Rose’s legacy will always be remembered.
It is because of Rose’s compassion, her big heart and desire to help people with
mental illness, that these Clubhouses exist today! Rose’s favorite poem was by
Mother Teresa , Do Good Anyway. She lived by theses words and used them as
guidance throughout her life.
Pictured top left is
the cake from
Rose’s event.
Pictured top right is
Tom Coppinger,
Director of PAC,
cutting the ribbon
for the new
resource room.
Steve Norian the Northeast
DMH Director along with
the Director of Haverhill
Clubhouse Kerry Caraccio
Haverhill Clubhouse
Director Kerry Caraccio
with Micha Maguire a
long time member of
the Point After Club.
Tom Coppinger ad-
dressing the crowd
with words about
his mother Rose.
Page 3 December 2017
Page 4 December 2017
Education Updates
Educational App For The
Month
DTA Connect
To get the DTA Connect app
using an Android or iPhone:
1. click on either Google Play or
App Store
2. Search DTA Connect
3. Click Install
Take a look in the Education Unit at the
New Education Board. See who is in
school or who is working on getting their
license or even volunteering. If you have
any questions talk to our Education Coor-
dinator Nicolle.
The DTA Connect can help support
you in tracking and monitoring your
application and re-verification proc-
ess for SNAP or food stamps, and
for other cash assistance programs
DTA offers. You can also check your
card balance. For more information,
see Nicolle in the Education Unit.
Page 5 December 2017
Education Puzzles
EDUCATION TRIVIA QUESTIONS
1. Science Question: In human reproduction, the X-and Y-chromosomes determine gen-
der. Is the X-chromosome associated with male or female characteristics?
2. Sports Question: Which 2 NFL teams are the only ones to meet 3 different times in the
Super Bowl?
3. History Question: Who was the King of France in 1789, at the beginning of the French
revolution
4. Art Question: Which artist painted the Mona Lisa?
Can you figure out the saying in each of
these puzzles?
REBUS PUZZEL
Answers on Page 17
Page 6 December 2017
Answers on Pg 17
Page 7 December 2017
Health and Wellness
YMCA
As part of our Health and Wellness program, The Clubhouse offers two exercise
programs that members can participate in. The first program is a Yoga class that
meets on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am. This is a low impact exercise program
that is designed for anyone to participate in and it offers members the opportunity
to enhance posture, flexibility, balance, and mindfulness. This is a very popular
class with our clubhouse members. The second program we offer is an exercise
group that meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:30 – 1:15 pm.
The group meet at the Haverhill Clubhouse, and goes together to the Haverhill
YMCA. Members can workout out at their own intensity level. The YMCA offers
free weights, elliptical and treadmills, air-powered machines, basketball, and
swimming. Additionally, if the times listed above are not convenient for you, you
are invited to sign the YMCA pass out and workout at an alternative time during
normal clubhouse hours.
Page 8 December 2017
1. Always expect the unexpected.
2. Be willing to accept risk.
3. Never seek reassurance from yourself or others.
4. Always try hard to agree with all obsessive thoughts — never analyze,
question, or argue with them.
5. Don’t waste time trying to prevent or not think your obsessive thoughts. This
will only have the opposite effect and lead to thinking more obsessive thoughts.
6. Try to not be a black-and-white, all-or-nothing thinker — don’t tell yourself
that one slip up means you are now a total failure. everything you have learned up
to that point, and that really isn’t possible.
7. Remember that dealing with your symptoms is your responsibility alone.
8. Don’t get too impatient with your progress, or compare yourself to someone
else
9. When you have a choice, always go toward dealing with the anxiety, never
away from it.
10. When faced with two possible choices of what to confront, choose the more
difficult of the two whenever possible.
TIPS TO DEAL WITH OCD
Page 9 December 2017
Member Writings
Christmas is the time for giving. Spending time with people who love and care
about you. That’s not always the case for everyone, its unfortunate to think some
people spend Christmas alone. So we should all be thankful and grateful for peo-
ple that love and care for us. I recently had the family split a few years ago. I have
missed that family dynamic, and the holiday traditions we did. But I have learned
that sometimes change isn't easy. Change can also be a good thing too. I’ve always
believed that everything happens for a reason. We have to sometimes let go of the
past, so we can look forward to the future, to big and better things. Me my mom
and my sister, would listen to a Christmas tape my mom made when we were kids
while we decorated the house and Christmas tree. It’s my favorite time of the year
getting ready for Christmas. We always got a real tree, but as we got older my
mom ended up getting a fake tree. She no longer wanted to clean up the needles.
The family Christmas party was another favorite time for the holidays I loved.
Everyone came to our house and we had so much food, between homemade mac-
and-cheese to meatballs. We went all out for our Christmas party. But now its time
for new memories with new people and new beginnings. Wrapping up, holidays
aren't always easy but surrounding yourself with people who love and care about
you, that’s all you need during the holidays.
Holiday Memories
By Ashley S.
Page 10 December 2017
Member Writings
November 6th 2017 will mark a very special day in my life. This day will mark one year
since my sister and I reunited face to face for the first time in 16 years. Let me tell you I
cried. Since that day my life couldn’t be more positive and happy. We talk through text or
video chat every single day. This past summer I got an early birthday gift when my sister
surprised me and came up from Florida for a visit with me and our dad. She also got to
meet her brother in law. She has helped me through some bad times in my life. Knowing
that this was number one on my bucket list and thinking I would never see her again
could not of made 2016 even more special than it already was.
My name is Gena S. I have been living downtown in Haverhill one year in November. I
have noticed a lot of homeless persons of all ages even the elderly downtown. For some
reason, the mentally ill are more apt to be prohibited from shelter. Possibly, due to their
symptoms of mental illness. When I first moved here I slowly met one couple who live in an
abandoned shack in the woods all year long. They, like other homeless people have no
identification to go to food pantries or clothing programs! I have assisted many homeless
people with a smile, kind word , warm tea and crackers to purchasing clothing, blankets etc. at
the Salvation Army. Winter is around the corner and my Christmas tree is up with a hat or two
and gloves under it for homeless people. Thanksgiving and Christmas are the season of giving
back and counting your blessings- Being grateful for life and all the good and most impor-
tantly be forgiving.
Being Thankful
By Gena S.
A Sisterly Story
By Toni W.
Page 11 December 2017
Member Writings “Ode to the Day” July 25, 2014
By Vinny C.
A light summer rain, clouds thin for
bright sky
Walking with light jacket, not enough to
keep dry
Water beads on skin and hair
Pleasant sensations, warm smile
Laughter as rain and clouds clear
Damp pavement shimmers in the sun-
shine
Almost crystalline
Maple, oak, willow, shrubs, shifting
hues
Preparing for sleep
Strange, humans bundle up for cold, but
trees strip down
Light shining through foliage, making
colors vivid
Yellow maple and red maple, leaves
like rubies and gold
Dazzling to see
Enjoy it before the commencement of
raking
Fierce blizzard, city off-guard
Students trapped at school
Early afternoon, no sun to be seen
Snow blinding, wind biting
My cousin and I have no ride
We bundle up, face roads hidden by lay-
ers of white
Cars swerving, extremities numbing
See danger and awesome beauty, then
arrive at his home
Here in New England, spring has lately
been nebulous
Flowers bloom, buds on trees
Standard fare of rain and new life
Or maybe, just to piss us off
The April Fools Day Blizzards
Distaste for the day by then anyway
But as a child, “Hey Daddy!
There’s an alligator on your head!”
Vincent, stop it! It’s not funny anymore!
No really, there is!”
“Fine, Ah! Where?”
“April Fools!”
“That’s the last time!”
“Daddy, there’s a lion on your head!”
Page 12 December 2017
Activity Update
This past month the Clubhouse went on a variety of activities. The pictures above are from
the Museum of Science. The pictures below are sculptures from our trip to Meredith NH
where we took a walk around a bay of Lake Winnipesaukee. The sculptures were done by
many local artist. The picture in the middle of the collage is all of the members in front of a
sculpture that was made by Dale Rogers an artist from Haverhill.
Page 13 December 2017
Halloween Parties
Throughout the end of
October the Clubhouse
Attended multiple
Halloween Parties from
many of our fellow
clubhouses. Pictured left is
members who attended the
Renaissance Club’s Party.
Pictured right and below are
pictures from Point After
Club’s Halloween party along
with pictures that were taken
at our Clubhouse. We hope
everyone enjoyed their
Halloween.
Looking for
a Job??
Come visit
the
Clubhouse!!
Page 14 December 2017
and 30th Anniversary December 20, 2017 11-3 @Maria’s
81 Essex St Haverhill RSVP at the Clubhouse. We will also have an
optional Yankee Swap; bring a $5 gift to participate!
Reminder Holiday Party
Page 15 December 2017
1. Female
2. The Pittsburgh Steelers & the Dallas Cowboys met
up in Super Bowls X, XIII, & XXX.
The Steelers won Super Bowl X (21-17), Super XIII
(35-31), and Dallas won Super XXX (27-17).
3. King Louis XVI
4. Leonardo Da Vinci
Education Trivia Answers
1. Man overboard
2. I understand
3. Reading between the lines
4. Mind over matter
5. Backward glance
6. Touch down
7. Life after death
8. Going on diet
9. Bi-Level
10. Tricycle
Rebus Answers
Work Order Day is 8 AM to 12 PM
& 1 PM to 4 PM
Groups and meetings are available throughout the day!
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri
10am Meditation
11am Art and Relaxa-
tion
12:30-1:30pm YMCA
1pm Peer Support
2-3pm Act. Planning
10am Yoga
11am Community
Meeting
1:15pm Nutrition Class
10:30 MOP Holy Family
11am DRA
12:30-1:30pm YMCA
1:30pm Creative
Expressions
10:30am Job Club
11am Newsletter
Group
12:30-1:30pm YMCA
1pm Organized Chaos
Band Practice
1:30pm Creative
Expressions
10am Meditation
11am Art and Relaxa-
tion
12:30-1:30pm YMCA
1pm Peer Support
2-3pm Act. Planning
10am Yoga
11am Community
Meeting
1:15 Nutrition Class
MOP Anna Jacques
11am DRA
12:30-1:30pm YMCA
1:30pm Creative
Expressions
10:30am Job Club
11am Newsletter
Group
12:30-1:30pm YMCA
1pm Organized Chaos
Band Practice
1:30pm Creative
Expressions
10am Meditation
11am Art and Relaxa-
tion
12:30-1:30pm YMCA
1pm Peer Support
10am Yoga
11am Community
Meeting
1:15 Nutrition Class
11am DRA
12:30-1:30pm YMCA
1:30pm Creative
Expressions
10:30am Job Club
11am Newsletter
Group
12:30-1:30pm YMCA
1pm Organized Chaos
Band Practice
1:30pm Creative
Expressions
10am Meditation
11am Art and Relaxa-
tion
12:30-1:30pm YMCA
1pm Peer Support
2-3pm Act. Planning
10am Yoga
11am Community
Meeting
1:15 Nutrition Class
11:00 MOP Anna Jacques
11am DRA
12:30-1:30pm YMCA
1:30pm Creative
Expressions
10:30am Job Club1
11am Newsletter
Group
12:30-1:30pm YMCA
1pm Organized Chaos
Band Practice
1:30pm Creative
Expressions
10am Meditation
11am Art and Relaxa-
tion
12:30-1:30pm YMCA
1pm Peer Support
10am Yoga
11am Community
Meeting
1:15 Nutrition Class
11am DRA
12:30-1:30pm YMCA
1:30pm Creative
Expressions
10:30am Job Club
11am Newsletter
Group
12:30-1:30pm YMCA
1pm Organized Chaos
Band Practice
1:30pm Creative
Expressions
December 2017
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
30 Holiday
Craft Fair 10 to
2
1 Holiday
Craft Fair 10 to
2
2 Holiday
Craft Fair 10 to 2
4 5 Holiday
Lights
Trip 3:30
6 EMP/EDU
Luncheon
11:00-1:00
7 NO
EVENING
ACTIVITY
8 9 Polar Express at
Chunky’s Movies
11 12
Rockingham
Mall
Shopping
13 14 PAC Family
and Friends
Party
15 16 Kittery Outlets
and Naval
Museum
18 19 Essex Art
Center
2:30pm
20 Holiday
Party / 30th
Anniversary
11 to 3
21 Grocery
Shopping
3:30
22 23 In House
Make
Gingerbread
houses
25 26 In
House
Crafts and
Coffee
27 28 Texas
Roadhouse
29 30 In House
Movie and
Popcorn
The Clubhouse Connection
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.
Vinfen Mission Statement
Vinfen transforms lives by building the ca-
pacity of individuals, families, organiza-
tions and communities to learn, thrive and
achieve their goals. Our services and advo-
cacy promote the recovery, resiliency, ha-
bilitation and self-determination of the
people we serve.
As a human services leader, we strive to be
the provider, employer and partner of
choice.
Phone: (978) 521-6957
Fax: (978) 521-7028
Email:
Haverhill Clubhouse
100 Locust Street
Haverhill, MA, 018306957
Page 18
Looking for old
newsletters or more
about our clubhouse.
Please go to our
website:
www.haverhillclub.org