The JFM Journal

March 20th, 2014 
making a world of difference and a difference in the world
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Winning at Losing
Editor's Note: This first issue of spring (finally) is dedicated to some amazingly successful 'losers' here at JFM. As many of us once again try to get into shape for the coming spring and summer seasons, this seemed like the perfect time to share some of these success stories. 
 
It's a fact - it is not easy to lose weight. Whatever the reason - to fit into a special outfit for a big event, get back to your high school weight, because the middle-age spread has spread a little too-far or even for health reasons - losing weight is not an easy task. Temptation is all around, and you can't exactly avoid food altogether. Compounded by the busy schedules most of us keep, which can make a drive-thru the only alternative to eating at a reasonable time and exercise a fantasy, losing weight can be all but impossible. It sure doesn't help when you have a winter like this one - comfort food, snuggled up by the fire seemed like the only way to stay warm at times. As the weather gets warmer - the official first day of spring is today! - here are some stories to inspire you to jump back on the wagon. If you don't have weight to lose then support those who do, it makes a difference, as you will see in our first story. 
 
Main Street Mechanic Falls - Support Makes All the Difference!
About a year ago, Elizabeth [Perkins] was really feeling pretty lousy and as a result was pushing everyone away. Underneath it all, she knew what was wrong - her weight. So she decided to take action and started by making some small changes including controlling portion. The pounds came off, Elizabeth was getting back to her old self and people noticed. All of which inspired Rhonda [Martel] to join her and Elizabeth to start a weight loss group with her fellow employees.
The premise was simple yet very effective, provide support and encouragement to each other and hold each person accountable. There was the potential for a reward beyond losing weight - each participant invested $15, at the end of the 15-week period the winning loser(s) could win some cash! Because body types are different and to be fair, they used percentage of body weight as the measure.
The group also exercised together with the ZUMA classes at the Silver Spur on a weekly basis and some of them joined Planet Fitness. There was more than just exercise classes or gym workouts Liz and Amanda [Session] did some snowshoeing! That was another category the group measured - most hours exercised.
In the first 15-week challenge, which also includes some folks from The Shop, there was a total of 138lbs lost! The winners of the cash were Diane [Gagnon] who won $175, Rhonda [Martel] who won $75 and Mona [Boucher] who won $45. But this is one situation where we can truly say everyone who participated was a winner - for the group it was a great team-building exercise and improved morale overall. Each participant was healthier, happier and had made some positive lifestyle changes.
The second 15-week challenge is underway and you can bet there will be more winning losers at MSMF.
STANDING: Kimberly Earle, Elixabeth Perkins, Rhonda Martel, 
Diane Gagnon, Mona Boucher, Tabitha Aube 
KNEELING: Amanda Sessions, Missy Anderson, Pam Steven

The Lifecenter Partners in Progress
For Patty Rose and Kim Redmun working together has always been fun and rewarding. This year it's also been the support system each of them needed to be successful 'Weight Watchers'. Together Kim and Patty have lost more than 100lbs and both of them say it was the support that got them through the tough times. As Kim said "it's not always fun to exercise, but it's easier when you have a partner." Although 'misery loves company' comes to mind, so does a 'burden shared is half the load'.


Dancing the Night Away
Three years ago, Kathy Mandeville went to her nephew's wedding - a very fancy affair in Long Island, NY. At the reception in no time at all everyone was up dancing and Kathy joined in - for about half a dance. By then she was so exhausted and out-of-breath that she had to sit down. That's where she spent the rest of the night watching everyone else have a good time. Right then and there, she decided she had to make some lifestyle changes. She joined a gym and started eating 'right'. Fruit with a Fiber 1 bar or some oatmeal has replaced her breakfast that once consisted of a Sunkist Orange Soda and Pop Tarts or even a candy bar. Over the last two and a half years, she has lost over 80lbs and her energy level has soared.
On New Year's Eve (2013), Kathy enjoyed the music of Tony Boffa at the Ramada and danced all night!! She admitted that at the end of the night she was a "little tired", just like everyone else! 


The Most Inspirational Loser of All
AJ Alexander has lost a person - really! May will mark two years since AJ began her journey with Weight Watchers and to date she has lost a total of 109�lbs! What inspired AJ to get started on this journey was her realization that she wanted to be 'younger', since that really wasn't possible she determined she could live longer if she got healthier. AJ is a very strong woman with great faith but there were times when her commitment waivered and when that happened her husband Wayne was right there supporting her. Wayne also managed to lose 50 pounds himself. These days they are quite the energetic couple climbing to the peak of Oversett Pond trail - AJ's favorite spot!

 

AJ has been an inspiration to many JFMers, including Joy Dinsmore at Maple Street who also follows Weight Watchers and has lost a total of 27lbs since the beginning of the year.

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I hope you found these stories as inspirational as I did when hearing them from each of these amazing women.  If you are looking to lose a few pounds (or more) as we shed heavy winter clothes and spring finally arrives, maybe one of them is just what you need to get you started on your journey to better health.

In This Issue
Winning at Losing
MARCH ACTIVITIES
MOMs Update
Professional Development Workshops
Special Olympics
BOWLING
March 28th at
Sparetime Lanes

Get Ready to Start Moving with MOM!

 

Today is officially the first day of spring and that means warmer weather is coming!  The Murphy Outdoor Movers (MOM) are gearing up for a busy season of outdoor activities. 

On the last Wednesday of every month, starting April 30th thru September 24th a group hike is scheduled. Most of the hikes will be nearby but there will be one big hike to an exciting location. Every other month the location will be wheelchair accessible so everyone can join in! 

Watch for more details as we get closer to the first hike date!

Upcoming
Professional Development Workshops

MARCH 25th  

Personality Disorders and People with Intellectual Disabilities

- a daylong workshop developed for direct care staff and managers, providing an understanding of long-term personality disorders.  Focused on developmental perspective while exploring cognitive and perceptual limitations as barriers to change.
  

APRIL 8th

Understanding Behavior as related to Adults with Intellectual Disabilities

- an introductory course discusses Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and the use of methods and interventions for teaching new behaviors, especially as related to adults with intellectual disabilities.

 

To learn more about any of these workshops or register for them please visit 

www.jfmhomes.org/training

or contact the Training Department office

at 782-2726. 

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