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:
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.