NBN Earth Day Celebration

 Purchase Street's Earth Day Participants

In recognition of Earth Day, staff and persons served worked together to beautify the Purchase Street’s group home patio area. “Earth Day is a good day to recycle,” stated Brandon D. The weather was warm and a few clouds speckled the sky, creating a picturesque environment. Person served, Brad L., said it best when he exclaimed, “It’s the perfect day for an outdoor event!”

In an effort to attain full participation, “stations” were created to appeal to the various interests and strengths of each person served. These stations included a crafts table in which stepping stones/bricks were created with mosaic tiles, a planting station for herb seeds, sweeping and cleaning the debris from the front porch area, and filling buckets with dirt for new flowers. Marcia P. related her work as progress towards her goal of more independent living, “We get rewarded later when we can live on our own and do our own yard work,” she said.

Throughout the day, several earth worms were found bringing both delight and disgust to those in attendance, which prompted Karen S. to cleverly remark, “it was the lure of the worm.” Mike S. added that he hopes “future generations to come will be able to enjoy the progress made today on Earth Day.”

Overall, the event was a huge success and marked the beginning of a new tradition at Purchase Street. A special thanks to Jennifer Lima (RRC), Melanie Sousa (RRL), Kathy Bonas (HSS), and MaryHelen Marina (COTA) for their assistance in coordinating the first Purchase Street Earth Day Celebration! Persons served Rene N. and Donna D. put it best with their gratitude to staff: “All staff are dynamite! Purchase Street rocks! S.S.S. for Super Sensational Staff!”

Contributed by: Nely Blackwell, NBS Team Leader