Welcome!

This newsletter is sent on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.  If you would like to include a news item or announcement, please contact Maeve Shaughnessy.  
Countdown to Kickoff!  

Tomorrow we will be kicking off our 2016 United Way Workplace Campaign!

Check your inbox for a special edition of ServiceNotes and a letter from our president, Sue Stubbs!

This year, the campaign will encompass FOUR United Ways - one from each county in Western Massachusetts.  

Our goal is to raise the level of employee participation - no amount is too small.  You can give less than $1 per pay period and still make a huge difference in your community!
A Win-Win  

Recently, a participant in the Peer Mentors program began volunteering for the Meals on Wheels Program.

Joy Eisenberg, wellness mentor for MHRS Franklin Mutual Support program connected program participant Shelly May with the Franklin County Meals on Wheels volunteer program.

"By connecting volunteerism with our current program, participants are able to heal - it is soothing to feel worthwhile, to be able to give back, and to feel pride in yourself for being able to make a positive difference in someone's life."

Shelly herself is excited to be a volunteer - serving 20 meals on her weekly route.  

" The mutual support team's ongoing support and compassion has helped me to do this wonderful work and I am getting so much back from it.  I have a purpose to get out of the house and socialize with other people."
Preventing Sickness, One Germ at a Time
This week we observe National Infection Control Week.  

I don't work for a hospital... how does this affect me?

Take a look at your hands, right now there are thousands of microscopic bacteria living all over the surface of your hands!

As we approach flu season, vigilance of our own hygiene will improve the health of our clients, coworkers, and ourselves! 

Okay... but what should I do?

Wash your hands! Often!  30 seconds of using hand sanitizer kills as much bacteria as 2 full minutes of handwashing.

Don't share cups, dishes, or cutlery!  Saliva naturally drips into drinks and onto food/cutlery surfaces even without your knowledge!  This can easily spread strep throat, the common cold, or herpes! 

Clean your workspace! Regularly!  Using antibacterial wipes, wipe the surface of commonly touched areas - doorknobs, counters, arms of chairs, computer keyboards and mice, phone screens, and light switches.
Is your friend or family member looking for work? 

Tell them to join our team!  We have a job fair TODAY at the
Enrichment Center in Chicopee from 10am-1pm.
355 Front Street - Chicopee

Can't make it? Tell them about our next fair, Tuesday, 11/1 at the Behavioral Health Center in Pittsfield from 10:30am-1:30pm
141 North Street - Pittsfield
It's that time of year...

Luckily,  Prospect Meadow Farm is offering fall landscaping services!

For more information on contact info or pricing, read their  flyer .
IDEA System - Featured Idea 

What was the problem?
Homecare case managers were having trouble finding clients' homes and accessing materials for client health education.

What's the solution?
Provide case managers with smart phones, enabled with GPS systems to locate clients homes.  Additionally, download health educator apps to easily transport and distribute needed materials to clients.

Kudos to the Homecare team!
Let us Know!

Are you a painter? Crafter? Collector? Baker? Knitter? Biker? Photographer? On a team sport?

We are so much more than what we do at work on a daily basis! We each had hidden talents and passions that we utilize outside of work.  

Beginning in the next edition, we would like to feature YOU in a brief column - your name and role at ServiceNet, what you do outside of work, as well as a picture of you and/or your hobby. Don't write yourself off- anything you'd like to share is welcome!

Does this sound like something in which you or a co-worker should be featured? Let us know! Email or call Maeve (413) 387-1186 or mshaughnessy@servicenet.org.
Is Shared Living right for you?

Many of your coworkers have chosen to become Shared Living providers - a unique lifestyle and career opportunity!  In addition to your job at ServiceNet, this program asks you to welcome someone with a developmental disability into your home - you in turn are provided with a monthly stipend.

Interested? Come to the info session on Saturday 10/22 at 10am at 355 Front Street in Chicopee and hear from your peers about their experience in Shared Living.  

Can't make the session? E-mail jobs@servicenet.org or call Logan (413) 387-1110.
Trick or Treat!
This year, ServiceNet will be participating in Northampton's Downtown Trick-or-Treat on Halloween!

From 4pm-6pm at our 131 King Street Admin office, we'll be spinning the prize wheel and handing out treats for our neighborhood trick or treaters!

Stop by with your family and friends to have some fun. We'll be dressed up, hope you'll be too!
Wellness News
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And speaking of Halloween, will you be staying at home this year? Dare to be different and consider giving away some healthier options for spooktacular treats!  

The American Heart Association provided a list of alternative foods:
Clementines or small oranges
100% juice boxes or pouches
Snack-sized packages of trail mix, dried fruit, or nuts
Snack-sized packages or fruit
Mini boxes of raisins
100% real fruit strips
Sugar-free chewing gum

Get creative with non-edibles too!
Glo-sticks
Crayons or coloring books
Stickers or stamps
Bubbles
Plastic spider rings
A Little Trivia for Today...

In 1781, the British surrendered to George Washington in Yorktown, VA - effectively ending the Revolutionary War.

In 1849, the first woman (Elizabeth Blackwell) was awarded a medical degree.

In 1917the first donut was fried by Salvation Army volunteer women for American troops in France during WWI.

In 1983, US Senate passed a bill making Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday a national holiday.

In 1985, the first Blockbuster store opened in Dallas, TX with over 8,000 VHS's on display.

Co-creator of South Park  Trey Parker turns 47
Actress  Gillian Jacobs turns 34
Actor  Michael Gambon turns 76

Happy Wednesday!