New Beginnings bring a New Year.

I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season. A new year seems to make necessary change a little easier to handle because it feels like the right time for new beginnings. We, at Fayette Resources, had such a busy year full of great things — the expansion of services through the organization, the beginning of informational sessions on various topics in the community, and the celebration of direct support professionals week. In 2009 the staff and individuals enjoyed many wonderful outings and vacations together, which you can see photos of throughout our newsletter.

This upcoming year poses new challenges and opportunities. We continue to look at ways to improve support for people and to assist all employees with this process. We will be asking everyone for their recommendations, suggestions, and feedback which helps us become a better, more efficient organization. There will be many occasions in the future where your voice can be heard, so stay tuned.

On behalf of the board of directors and myself, we wish you and your families a year of good health and prosperity. We thank you for your support in the past year and look forward to continuing our partnerships and creating new ones. I'm closing with this quote that I keep in my calendar, it seems to apply to so many situations we face. "When the path ahead of you is uphill, surrounded by rough spots, hazards, and obstacles: Use a pitching wedge." — Lee Bracken It puts things in perspective even if you're not a golfer.

Sincerely,

Kathryn Susano Morris
President/CEO

Fayette Wellness Program

This past summer, the individuals who participate in the Wellness Program, and their staff, joined together for a picnic to celebrate the efforts put forth by the individuals who have successfully improved their health by losing weight through diet, exercise, and intense support from staff. Everyone had a wonderful time swimming and socializing - congratulations to Shannon Helsel and Chastity Weakley, who received gift cards for being the winners of the "Biggest Loser" competition.

Group Walk

On October 11th, seven individuals from Fayette Resources Wellness Program, and six staff walked laps at Uniontown High School's track to raise money for the Prostrate Cancer Foundation. The individuals and staff walked a total of seventy laps and raised $300, which will be donated to the Foundation in memory of William Winfield Barckhoff, father of Lori Gelosh. Congratulations and thank you to Annie Lawrence, Erica Phillips, Mary Sue Lasure, Cindy Gelotti, June Lerch, Chastity Weakley and Sandy Michael - thanks also to the staff who participated - Ashley Cunningham (Marissa Roll, friend of Ashley's), Sheryl Capan, Sherise Collins, Kaleigh Swaney, Gina King and a special thank you goes out to Lori Gelosh and Kathy Morris, who sponsored the individuals in the walk.

Sending Holiday Cheer to our Troops

The Adult Training Facility in Uniontown is sending holiday cheer to our troops this Holiday. So far there are 18 boxes ready to be sent with more to come. Individuals also collected $75 in monetary donations to help pay for shipping and handling! What a success! Everyone at Fayette is so proud of everyone!

Keep the Holidays Safe and Happy!

Holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's bring to mind thoughts of family, friends, fun and food. However, each year, millions of Americans struggle to maintain their waistlines during the holidays while surrounded by tempting holiday treats.

Holiday Parties

By following the healthy tips below, you will be on your way to enjoying all your holiday parties, while also staying in control of your eating. For example:

Do not leave the house on an empty stomach — it promotes overeating. Avoid standing near the food table, a sure-fire way to overindulge. Make socializing your top priority; conversation will keep you occupied and away from the food. Limit your drinking; alcohol increases hunger and lowers willpower. Offer a low-calorie alternative; for example, if you have volunteered to bring a dessert, bring fruit rather than a cheesecake. Listen to your stomach; reduce your portion sizes and stop eating when you feel satisfied rather than stuffed.

Cooking and Baking

If you are the one hosting, use that to your advantage — it puts you in control of what will be served. For example, substitute high-fat or calorie-laden ingredients with more healthy choices, such as using an egg substitute rather than a whole egg. There can also be a downfall when it comes to hosting: the temptation to sample the food while you are preparing it. To help you resist the urge to snack while cooking:

Keep your mouth occupied with a piece of sugar-free gum or sip tea to reduce your urge to sample while you cook.

Prepare foods on a full stomach. You will not be as tempted to taste what you are making.

Cocktails and Beverages

Before you reach for the eggnog, remember that some mixed drinks may have as many calories as a dessert. It's okay to indulge in some holiday spirits, but keep the following suggestions in mind:

Pace yourself; drink water or seltzer between drinks. The more you drink, the more the temptation to snack increases. Try ice water with lemon or non-caffeinated soft drinks. Consume mixed drinks with diet soda, club soda or tonic when possible.