Mount Rogers Community Services Board Serving Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Wythe, Smyth Counties

and the City of Galax, Virginia

MtRogersCSB.com

CREATE A FEELINGCREATE A FEELINGCREATE A FEELINGCREATE A FEELINGCREATE A FEELINGCREATE A FEELINGCREATE A FEELINGCREATE A FEELINGCREATE A FEELINGCREATE A FEELINGCREATE A FEELINGCREATE A FEELING Creative Healing NewsletterCreative Healing NewsletterCreative Healing NewsletterCreative Healing NewsletterCreative Healing NewsletterCreative Healing NewsletterCreative Healing NewsletterCreative Healing NewsletterCreative Healing NewsletterCreative Healing NewsletterCreative Healing NewsletterCreative Healing Newsletter

Issue Forty-Five: Jan-Feb-Mar 2016

Editors: Candace Coffin Nancy Munsey

Creative Healing Committee Members:

Charlot Berry - Administrative Services Amy Burns - Youth Services Candace Coffin - Administrative Services Chris Felts - CEC Janan Hurst - Smyth Counseling Center Cathy Melton - CEC Nancy Munsey - Administrative Services Kris Payne - Smyth Counseling Center Norma Phillippi - Administrative Services Aaron Sage - Youth Services Tracy Stuart - Turning Point Brandy Thomas—IDC

$5000 donated to MRCSB’s

Special Olympics

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Extreme cold and snow visited at the end of January. With the

exception of essential services, MRCSB was closed on January

22nd when winter brought a horrific storm. However, neither

snow nor ice nor blustery winds deterred staff, as you will see in

this issue.

Lois Patterson and Donna Dix tap into the creative spirit of those receiving services by offering monthly art classes. And

Dave Sturgill is presenting music classes to students in the

Therapeutic Day Treatment program. See the articles and

photos that reflect how much fun all these classes are.

Marlene Largen and Treva Sparks retired in March. Both had

spent the majority of their careers at MRCSB. Although

retirements bring changes, there are no changes in dedication

from staff regarding continuity of quality services.

There is a delightful story about Harry Casey, of the Supported Employment Program at the

Wythe IDC. Learn why he just received a 100-hour pin. And, the IDC Special Olympics program,

with individuals participating from Smyth, Bland, Wythe, Carroll, Grayson Counties and the City of

Galax, just received a large donation from Waste Industries. More about this in the next issue.

See the photos that depict how creative MRCSB program staff are in

raising funds for the employee Humanitarian Fund.

This issue features highlights from the reception celebrating MRCSB

rock star Brandon Gillespie, and highlights from trainings as well as

activities the Prevention Program staff offered at Oak Point

Elementary School.

Daffodils and crocus are up… Spring is here!

Creative Healing Committee

Charlot Berry - Administration, retired Sandra Breeding - Lotusea Wellness Candace Coffin - Administrative Services Max Dean - Administration, retired Marty Grizzle - Cornerstone Wendy Gullion - Administrative Services Keren Coffin - Industrial Developmental Ctr. David Marshall - Sponsored Residential Cathy Melton - Adult Behavioral Health Nancy Munsey - Administration, retired Norma Phillippi - Administration, retired David Sturgill - Youth & Family Services Heather Trail - Youth & Family Services Sandy Troth - MRCSB Board Director

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The effect you have on others is the

most valuable currency there is.

~Jim Carrey

IDC Director Frank Dowell received good news from Robert Waschler, General Manager, Waste Industries USA, Inc., when Waschler announced Waste Industries’ $5000 donation to support 2016 Special Olympics. More info in next issue of newsletter.

Calendar RELAY FOR LIFE WITHER’S PARK

MAY 13TH

FUNDRAISING

T-SHIRT SALES & LUMINARY

BAGS

The Relay for Life Team is fundraising by selling “Color My World Purple” t-shirts and luminary bags. They also offered a hot dog luncheon sale on March 16. Above is Chris McRoberts with a luminary bag that individuals from the Wythe IDC Day Support Program decorated. Contact Margie Stuart for more info: 276-228-8561.

5th Annual Enhancing Quality of Life

Golf Tournament

May 6th, Wytheville Golf Club

Annual SPRING SWING

VFW - June 3rd

MRCSB Chautauqua Day

Wednesday, June 22nd, 11:00-1:30

AUTISM Conference

with Temple Grandin

July 29, 9:00-3:00

Info: 276-694-3341

Frank and Robert

RETIREES - MARLENE LARGEN & TREVA SPARKS

Treva Sparks began her employment

with MRCSB in the 1980’s as Office Manager/Counselor at the Powerhouse, a psychosocial program. She later served in the role of Ac(ng Coordinator for the Powerhouse, and obtained her Cer(fica(on as a Psychiatric Rehabilita(on Prac((oner in 2001. She took on the role of Program Coordinator for the Mental Health Skills Building program in the Galax area in 2005, and con(nued in this posi(on un(l her re(rement. Addi(onally, Treva served as an on-call Crisis Counselor for several years. Prior to her employment with the agency she worked for Southwest Virginia Training Center.

Treva and her husband, photo on right, are very happy to begin the re(rement journey.

Mr. & Mrs. Treva Sparks Debbie Burcham-Hodges, Supervisor, & Treva

Marlene with colleague

William Copenhaver, Jr.

Marlene Largen’s Re(rement Party

Marlene Largen’s career with MRCSB

spanned 26 years. Prior to working at

the Larkspur and Fernwood

Counseling Centers, Marlene worked

at the IDC.

Her incredible memory and ability to

communicate with individuals

receiving services were tremendous

assets. Extending hospitality and

trea(ng everyone as an old friend

endeared her to many. It was sad

news when folks heard she was

re(ring.

Marlene has been touted as being

the heart and soul of the clinic. She

added compassion and under-

standing to every situa(on.

She is wished a well-deserved break

as she enters into re(rement.

Dr. Grandin didn't talk until she was three and a half years old, communicating

her frustration instead by screaming, peeping, and humming. In 1950 she was

diagnosed with autism and her parents were told she should be institutionalized.

She tells her story of "groping her way from the far side of darkness" in her

book Emergence: Labeled Autistic, a book which stunned the world because,

until its publication, most professionals and parents assumed that an autism

diagnosis was virtually a death sentence to achievement or productivity in life.

Dr. Grandin has become a prominent author and speaker on the subject of

autism because "I have read enough to know that there are still many parents,

and yes, professionals too, who believe that 'once autistic, always autistic.' This

dictum has meant sad and sorry lives for many children diagnosed, as I was in

early life, as autistic. To these people, it is incomprehensible that the

characteristics of autism can be modified and controlled. However, I feel

strongly that I am living proof that they can." (from Emergence: Labeled

Autistic) For conference information: 276-694-3341 or talt@vt.edu

TEMPLE GRANDIN at Autism Conference

July 29, Patrick County, Virginia

STRATEGIES TO PROMOTE

EMOTIONAL REGULATION

AND

COOPERATION

Interaction with children who struggle with emotional regulation can be challenging for parents,

educators, and clinicians. Brandy Smith and Decca Knight, both Licensed Professional Counselors

with Masters in Counselor Education, provided a six-hour workshop to Youth & Family Services

Therapeutic Day Treatment Counselors who work in the City of Galax, and the Carroll, Grayson,

Bland, Smyth, and Wythe County schools. The workshop was held on December 22nd when schools

were closed.

The presentations included an overview of the neurobiology of emotional regulation, with an emphasis

on adverse childhood experiences; common emotional and behavioral symptoms in the classroom and

at home; the impact on social, emotional, and academic domains; strategies that focus on building

healthy relationships, engaging in effective behavior management and promoting emotional well-

being.

Staff remarked on the excellence of the presentation, resources given, and information provided. They

were quite appreciative of having something specifically for Therapeutic Day Treatment.

Brandy Smith & Decca Knight

• Students need an opportunity to return to a “secure” adult when anxious, be soothed, regain a sense of security,

and venture out again.

• Provide a safe space or “PEACE CORNER.”

• Use encouragement instead of praise.

• Allow for mistakes.

• Make +me for repara+ve experiences.

• Research consistently indicates that a student’s percep+on of a posi+ve connec+on to a teacher combined with

high expecta+ons is the STRONGEST predictor of academic growth!

A FEW STRATEGY HIGHLIGHTS

• Rela+onship is the MOST powerful

tool. It needs to be that of a caring,

firm adult who accepts the child

regardless of the behavior. It does

not mean we accept the behaviors.

• Allow children to make choices.

• Build on the child’s individual

strengths.

CELEBRATING THE MRCSB ROCK STAR - Brandon Gillespie

Since 2005, Brandon Gillespie has been attending and assisting with music classes at MRCSB. When he arrived at his first music class he announced, “I want to be a rock star!” Through the support of his Aunt Anita and Uncle Daniel, the staff of the PACT (Program for Assertive Community Treatment) team, and the Creative Healing music activities, Brandon realized his dream at MRCSB.

Over the past 10 years, Brandon has been improving his music skills and writing songs. He formed a band, Dark Sabbath. He home-recorded his own CD with 12 original songs he wrote and sang. A celebratory reception was held for Brandon on February 23rd at the E.W. Cline, Jr. Building in Wytheville. Music Specialist Stanley Widener, and drummer, Youth & Family Case Manager Mick Floyd, worked with Brandon to present his songs live.

Hosted by the Creative Healing Committee, there was a large turnout of supporters.

Brandon and Stanley singing the

chorus of Lights Out in Detroit

Brandon with his Dark Sabbath CD

Brandon Gillespie, Stanley Widener, Molly Widener (daughter),

Mick Floyd. The musicians who made the day! Thank you Brandon!

MUSIC CLASSES AT THE THERAPEUTIC DAY TREATMENT PROGRAM

David Sturgill, MEd, QMHP, Quality Assurance Coordinator for Therapeu�c Day

Treatment (TDT) , is a musician, song writer, professional studio musician, and a

member of the Crea�ve Healing Commi$ee. He is providing music classes in the

elementary, middle and high school through the TDT program.

Students play instruments and learn to follow instruc�ons. Recorded music is

used for games and listening skills while iPad applica�ons are used to play

digital instruments. Students also learn to write lyrics about feelings and

experiences, and record them using an iPad applica�on as a hip hop/rap song

that can be dubbed on a CD they can take home. A very crea�ve way to express

feelings and share experiences.

Sturgill shares informa�on with counselors on how they can con�nue to use this

curriculum in their individual sessions. This summer, Sturgill plans to teach

older students how to play more advanced instruments such as guitar.

From the following feedback, given by the TDT Counselors at Saltville

Elementary School (SES), it appears this is a successful program. “The music

group was a very successful ac�vity at SES. Dave is very knowledgeable of music

and he was able to relate instruments looking and sounding different to things

our students deal with on a daily basis. He was able to make the students feel

comfortable and delivered his instruc�ons on an elementary school level.

Students talked about this group most of the day and were excited for Dave’s

return in the future.”

Photos here reflect the fun, engagement and focus. Dave seems to be enjoying

the class too!

Where you stumble, there lies your treasure. Joseph Campbell

Using the "Hero's Journey," Andy Matzner presented a half-day workshop to all the Adult Behavioral Health (ABH) staff on February 10th. Matzner, a licensed social worker, has a prac'ce in Roanoke and teaches at Virginia Western and Hollins University.

As in any hero's journey, there is a 'call' and a person can answer that call or refuse to answer. Matzner says that when an individual solicits services, the presen'ng problem is the 'call.' The role then of ABH staff is to become the mentor who walks with the individual as they become the 'hero' of their story. Below are a few snippets from the workshop. ABH staff enjoyed the workshop as well as the opportunity for the en're ABH division to be together. Mark Larsen, Director of Adult Behavioral Health, and Execu've Director Lisa Moore opened the conference and underscored apprecia'on for the hard work ABH staff do every day as they walk the road of recovery with those they serve.

Mark Larsen & Andy Matzner

Aspects of 'the call' include:

1) The issue you are struggling with is the beginning of the journey. 2) Problems are a gi5. They are opportuni'es for growth and obstacles are opportuni'es for insight. Obstacles help us discover what we are made of. 3) What came out of the "bad" thing that happened? What is my soul trying to tell me? What can I learn from this? 4) The rela'onship with the mentor assists in re-evalua'ng and turning pain into purpose.

Some of the tools and strategies of this work include:

1) Ques'ons that assist in exploring the rela'onship one has with a mental illness and/or substance abuse. 2) Reflec'ng in a journal on various scenarios, such as “Can you remember a moment that changed your life in a posi've way?” 3) Crea'ng a 'meline on different periods of one's life. 4) Making a collage, by cu?ng out pictures from magazines that reflect your vision of the future, or all the things you are grateful for, or all the things that are important to you.

ABH staff create a recovery oriented, trauma informed care and person centered environment for individuals using the Hero's Journey by:

1) Believing in them, helping them see that they are in the middle of a story and it's not over. 2) Helping them search for meaning in their lives. 3) Nurturing a sense of hope. 4) Celebra'ng their strengths and accomplishments.

Lisa Moore

The Wythe IDC Day Support Program recently implemented two successful fund raising events. They raffled off a wooden bunny (made at the Wythe IDC), and they sold St. Patrick’s Day buttons, “Can’t Pinch This.” Individuals from Day Support, Humanitarian Ambassadors, delivered the pins to purchasers. Humanitarian Ambassador Carlean Byrd drew the winning raffle ticket for the bunny. It was won by Teri Herron, Veteran Resource Specialist.

Humanitarian

Ambassador,

Carlean Byrd,

draws the

winning

bunny raffle

�cket.

WYTHE AND TWIN COUNTY IDC STAFF SUPPORT HUMANITARIAN FUND

The Humanitarian Fund provides financial support to MRCSB employees in need. Employees come up with creative ways throughout the year to support this fund. As you can see in the photos below, staff are quite ingenious with their fund-raising efforts. Such great support for fellow colleagues who may be in need!

IDC - Industrial Developmental Center

Twin County IDC staff raffled off a Necklace & Earring Set. The drawing was on March 31st. The winner’s name was not yet available when this newsletter went to press.

PREVENTION STAFF AT OAK POINT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

On February 4th

, Smyth County’s Oak Point Elementary School

students participated in Virginia Healthy Youth Day. The Virginia

Healthy Youth Day was developed by the Virginia Foundation for

Healthy Youth in order to “promote healthy lifestyles for Virginia’s

children, including eating right, exercising and avoiding tobacco

products.”*

Because tobacco use and obesity are the two leading causes of

preventable deaths and disabilities in the United States, members

throughout communities come together to bring awareness to youth

and their families by giving them the tools they need to live overall

healthier lives.

To promote health awareness, students and staff stopped work to

exercise for three minutes during the day. Students also participated in

various activities such as a contest for fifth graders to design an anti-

drug T-shirt. Students also signed a pledge to stay drug free. They

received stickers, coloring/activity sheets and flyers with information

for parents. In conjunction with the Too Good for Drugs Program, the

state Quit Line was provided to help adults quit smoking. The number

is 1-800-QUIT-NOW or 1-800-784-8669.

*VFHY.org

Nellie Harmon, Preven�on

Specialist, works with the Oak Point

Elementary School students

Oak Point Elementary School

PLEDGE BANNERS

HARRY CASEY RECEIVES 100-HOUR PIN FROM GOD’S PIT CREW

Harry Casey has been employed through the Supported Employment Program at the Wythe Industrial

Developmental Center (IDC) since 2003. He is a valued asset and very much enjoys working at the IDC.

He also likes helping people, hence his work with God’s Pit Crew.

God’s Pit Crew is a crisis response team that responds to people in crisis to bring hope and healing.

This not-for-profit organiza.on is manned by volunteers who respond to natural disasters as well as

building and re-building projects. When a God’s Pit Crew volunteer reaches 100 hours of logged

volunteer .me, they receive a 100-hour pin. Harry Casey received his pin a0er recently volunteering at

Tappahannock, VA a0er an F-3 tornado devastated the area. During that response, Harry worked for

three days helping clear debris.

Harry loves to help out in any way he can. In December 2015, he went to Johnsonville, SC when God’s

Pit Crew returned to the area a0er massive flooding last fall. Harry worked long hours behind the

scenes to support the construc.on crew that was working to provide two families with new homes to

replace the ones lost during the flooding.

On the home front, he helps out with local supply drives for God’s Pit Crew when water or blessing

bucket items are needed. Blessing buckets are five-gallon buckets filled with essen.al supplies needed

during a crisis or natural disaster. Harry helps assemble these buckets, which are used as a first line of

response during a natural disaster to bring hope to those devastated.

Harry is honored to wear the 100-hour pin on his hat!

Harry at work at the IDC

Tappahannock, VA a0er tornado

100-Hour Pin

ART CLASSES A BIG HIT

The photo collages seen here reflect the joy, fun and

pride individuals have when given the opportunity to

use their creative skills.

Lois Patterson, ID/DD Program Assistant, provides

two art classes each month to individuals receiving

services. One class is offered to the Mental Health

Skill Building (MHSB) program in Wytheville, and

the second class to the Intellectual Disabilities/

Developmental Disabilities program (ID/DD) in

Woodlawn. Donna Dix, Mental Health Supports

Specialist, provides an additional art class at the

MHSB program in Wytheville.

With permission from their supervisor, Lois and

Donna take time from their full time positions to offer

these classes. Lois gets volunteer time from her

husband too. He cut out 2x4 pieces of wood and put

bases on for the snowmen seen here in the photos. The

hats are made from socks.

It is evident that folks love these classes. Both Lois

and Donna love them too. Lois says, “It is so

rewarding to see how much they enjoy these classes,

and to see their smiles, hear their laughter, and know

they are having fun.”

Photos on left from the ID/DD program, and photos

on right from MHSB program.

A FEW CHRISTMAS ITEMS THAT MISSED THE LAST ISSUE

Grayson County Youth & Family Services had great fun at their “Ugly Christmas

Sweater” luncheon. They enjoyed each other’s home cooking , ugly sweaters, and team bonding. Photos reflect happy, joyous staff who have a wonderful sense of humor!

Merry Christmas from

Adult ID Support Coordinators

SPONSORED RESIDENTIAL CHRISTMAS BASH

What fun everyone had at the Sponsored Residen�al Christmas Bash held at Southwest

Virginia Training Center! Ashley Home Furnishings, Roanoke, donated a recliner and a $500 gi/ cer0ficate. Residen0al client Kim Robinson won the raffled recliner, and the

$500 gi/ cer0ficate was won by service provider Violet Hinkley. Execu0ve Director Lisa

Moore and Director of DD Services, Shane Ashby, congratulate Violet (photo on le/).

Shane congratulates Kim (photo top le/), who appears to be thrilled with the recliner.

Santa & Dale Vaughn Shane & Kim

Shane, Violet, and Lisa

Alva Ayers & Shane

Sponsored Residen'al Team: Jamie Bunn, Beth Wolford, John

Lovill, Shane Ashby, Lois Pa'erson, Sherry Davis, Kay

Morrow, Sharon Yates, Dave Marshall, Angie Nester.