Harbor Park Baseball

by: John B

On Thursday May 29^th the Denbigh House met the Beacon House staff and members and attended Harbor Park in Norfolk, VA to watch the Norfolk Tides Play the Lehigh Valley “Iron Pigs”.  The Tides trailed 4-1 entering the final frame but mounted a rally against “Pigs” pitcher, Kenny Giles. Norfolk's ninth inning comeback effort fell just short in a 4-3 loss to the Lehigh Valley as we Denbigh House and Beacon House members and staff sat in the stadium and enjoyed the day out at Harbor Park.

Why is it called Memorial Day?

By Geoffrey B.

Memorial Day was this Monday. To some people because of their brain injury some don't know or just don't remember.  I talk to a member at the Denbigh House and it was Kyle S. whose father was in the Air Force. He said, "It is a memory of all the past men and woman who did great service for our country!"  I looked up on the internet and found the true meaning of that special day.  It said, "Memorial Day is a federal Holiday in the United States for remembering the men & woman who died while serving in the country's armed forces." So to anyone, brain injury or not, now you know the true meaning of Memorial Day.  

STEPHEN'S WEEK AT CAMP BRUCE MCCOY 2014

By Stephen T.

MONDAY:    I caught three fish in my first activity. I made three home run playing kickball. After that l participated in ice-cream social event and managed to make some new friends. The camp was so fun, I am definitely coming back next year 2015

TUESDAY: I did a lot of crafting today. I made a heart-shaped picture frame, painted pocadoted flower pot, and finger painted a batman picture. I also made a horsehead and in the evening, and I lit up the dance floor at the dance party! It was a blast!

Wednesday: Spent the day fishing and relaxing by the pond. In the afternoon I got to hear a talk from Dr. Aravich about brain. I leant a lot today.

Thursday: I had a great day today. I watched   my favorite movie “Frozen”and”Thor” it was good. I also played basketball and made buckets. Later that day I was in karaoke and I rocket out I sang Billie Jean and killed it! And I got an award for my performance also. YAY!!!

Friday: I have overcome many fears during this wonderful week. One of it is my fear of riding a golf cart. I also had a great time playing dodge ball today.

I love it very much and I want to go back next year!!!!!!!!!!!

Why are teachers so smart?

They have class!

Job Assessment Experience

By Shasmin A.

For the past years, I have been searching for a job, but having difficulties. I talked to my vocational counselor and after working through the Denbigh House, I received a job coach.  Yesterday, May 21, 2014, my job assessments began.  I went to TJ Maxx in Newport News, Virginia and had my first job assessment with my new job coach. There, I was offered to work in three different areas: as a dressing room assistant, a stocker, or a truck unloader. I chose the dressing room assistant. During the two hours I was there, I was taught how to work the dressing rooms. First, I had to check the rooms to make sure there wasn’t any paper or clothing left inside. Next, I was taught that if I worked in that area, it was necessary to keep the dressing room area clean: pick up trash, dust areas, vacuum if needed, and wipe the dressing room benches and mirrors. Once the customers started to come to the dressing room to try on clothing, the process was to ask how many items they had to try on, count the items to make sure that it was correct, and then give them a card that had the number of item on it to put on their door. After the customer(s) finished, if he or she didn’t like the item, you take it from them and place them in different sections on a card to later be picked up by someone else in the store. When you go through the job assessments, you can choose to try out as many places as you find you would like to. Through my first assessment, TJ Maxx employees learned that I am very friendly and enjoy helping and working with people and I can catch onto the tasks easily.

Introducing our Newest Denbigh House Member Joseph K.

By: Barry F.

     It has been my pleasure to interview Mr. Joseph K. our newest Denbigh House member.  He is 65 years old and he was born in New York City.  He is from a military family and he has lived in Arizona and Williamsburg Virginia.  Joseph is a song writer for commercial jingles.  He was working in this profession when he received his brain injury.  Joseph was rear ended by another car on 5/15/2012.  Joseph likes all types of music.  Joseph's hobbies are: music and song writing.  His favorite color is forest green and his favorite food is chicken.  I was surprised to learn that Joe was a high school football coach.  His favorite football team is the Hampton University Pirates.  Joe's favorite TV show is "Elementary" and he likes Denzel Washington and Ron Howard movies.  Joe prides himself on the fact that he is a good father to his son.  Jos's greatest inspiration is his son because his son is now the teacher and he is the student.  Joe lives day to day now and tries to glean wisdom from everyone he meets. He says that God guided him to the Denbigh House and he has gained so many positive insights into himself. 

Joe is using his spare time to "catch up to himself" by re-learning his life history.  Finally, Joe says that he is doing some positive soul searching to learn new social skills.  I think Joe will be a good addition to the Denbigh House and I sincerely hope he will get the guidance he seeks here.

Seizures & Heat

By Geoffrey B.
 
Let me tell you some news about seizures & heat.  They don't work together very well.  The reason is because heat can trigger on a seizure.  85 degrees and up is a problem.  Summer time is the worst.  100 degrees plus heat index making it 105, I have to be in the house all day so I won't have a seizure.  The only time I am able to come out is when the sun goes down.  It is just that hot.


Seizures even affect people just taking a hot bath.  Any type of heat could trigger a seizure.  Here is a website on Brain Talk Communities that asks "Can heat trigger seizures?" Read what some of the people say about heat & seizures and see what you think.  Thank you and have a great day!

Denbigh House Member Susan W. in the Daily Press!!

by Debra J.

The Denbigh House members wish much success to Susan W., Denbigh House member, as she participates with Studio E, a national art therapy program for adults with epilepsy. Susan is a photographer and art lover who looks forward to the challenge. See the full article about the Studio E project by clicking the link below!

Studio E program for adults with epilepsy debuts in state

What My Denbigh House Has Done For Me!

By Richard D.

Way back in 1977, I was in an automobile accident which came very close to ending my life. I had a traumatic brain injury and spent three and a half months in coma. After spending three months in physical, speech therapy and occupational therapy I was left to function on my own as best I could. My life consisted of nothing more than spending my days watching TV. All of my former friends seemed to have deserted me.

My father, an Episcopal priest, learned of a new facility for individuals with severe brain injuries known as The Denbigh House and somehow got me accepted as a new member. When he told me that I would now be spending three days a week there I was very upset because I saw it as more therapy, but he talked me into trying it, so I went there and got the shock of my life.

The Denbigh House was nothing near therapy, but six and half hours of meaningful activity doing volunteer work, such as delivering Meals on Wheels, and making new friends with the other members, who were in the same boat.

I became a member of the Denbigh House in 2008 after spending all of the years since February 1977 with no social life or any close friends. How-ever since I became a member, I have plenty of friends, with whom I have a lot of social contact and find myself involved in tasks that I find beneficial to psyche and wellbeing. I am doing activities with some significance at last! Although it is only minor volunteer work of no real significance to society, it means quite a bit to the people I serve. I know this because I have received thanks on several occasions.     

Geoffrey Butler's Bowling Tournament Adventure

By Richard D.

Geoffrey began bowling at about age 15. He was with the Big Brother Big Sister program, when the program was over, one day at the Patrick Henry mall, on Disability Awareness Day, Geoffrey saw a sign promoting bowling, led by Coach Higgins.

Geoffrey started at Hidenwood Lanes and then moved to York Lanes. Involved in bowling, Geoffrey started entering tournaments. His last tournament was at Indian River Lanes in Va. Beach. In it, Geoffrey bowled three games scoring 154 on the first, 158 on the second and 151 on the third. Geoffrey’s efforts led to him capturing second place in that tournament and he will be involved in another tournament that will begin on May 10th.

The Denbigh House is very proud of Geoffrey Butler who is a beloved member of the Clubhouse.

For Epilepsy Support, Come to the Library

By JEB

The Peninsula Epilepsy Support Group has its first meeting this Saturday. The support group will be led by Patty Hood, an experienced teacher, and is hosted by the Epilepsy Foundation of Virginia. This group will help people with epilepsy and their families, educate everyone about the real caring for epilepsy, and dismiss the mistaken beliefs about seizures and symptoms.

If you and friends or family would like to attend, the meeting is from 2 to 3 pm, Saturday May 3rd, at the Tabb Public Library, 100 Long Green Blvd, Yorktown, VA.