Health Tip for the day

  Have you heard about the wonder cure that can regulate your appetite, boost your metabolism, increase your energy levels, alleviate headaches, help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, ease joint pain, decrease your risk of cancer, release toxins and help improve your skin? Chances are you have. Although this may sound like the newest medicinal craze, this amazing product is closer than you think. That’s right: water, nature’s free solution to many common ailments.

While drinking water to achieve better health sounds simple, it is one of the most neglected weight loss and nutrition tips. Drinking water, especially when most of the food consumed is processed, can have dramatic effects on your weight loss efforts.

RSI to face challenges...

The Pound for Pound Challenge!!!

That's right, RSI residents and staff have decided to challenge themselves to healthier lifestyles to help feed the hungry! Across the U.S people are pledging to shed pounds, in order for others to be fed. For every pound you lose, a pound of food is donated to your community shelter of choice. How great is that?!

In preparation for this challenge our fitness specialist, Jena, discusses.....

Healthy Goal Setting

Admit it: we’ve all fallen victim to the occasional junk food trap. From putting a little too much sugar in our morning java to eating a burger topped with “the works” it can be easy to make unhealthy food choices. It can be even easier to forego apples and exercise for ice cream and a lounge chair, but the fact is: in order to live long, healthy lives we need to eat smart and exercise right. The first step towards good health is establishing small reachable goals. This week, as we work on setting our Pound for Pound Challenge weight loss goals, let us be mindful of the bigger picture: good health. While weight loss is a main component in moving towards good health, it does not happen overnight. Smaller goals like drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables and getting 30 minutes of exercise three to five times a week make it easier to manage a lifestyle change. So while you are deciding on how much weight you would like to lose, also be sure to note 3 mini goals that you eventually would like to achieve!

 Let's start goal setting!!!!

Recreational Activity Center progress !!!

We are very excited and pleased with the wonderful progress we are seeing at the site of our future Recreational Activity Center!!!

Now is the perfect time to honor a loved one and support us in the construction of our activity center by purchasing a brick through our Brick Campaign!!

Become a Smart Snacker!

Check out Smart Snacker : our new favorite blog!!! (Link also listed under "Blogs we love", right below Pages section). Friend and Registered Dietitian, Lindsay, updates her smart snackin' blog with helpful tips, including everything from on-the-go healthy snack recipes, nutritional ins and outs, exercise tips, healthy weight management, as well as information regarding what vitamins you need and how to get them!

Here are some "Nutrient Bites" from Smart Snacker:

Nutrient Bites:

-Luetin: a compound that helps your vision found in dark green leafy veggies (think kale and spinach), tomatoes, squash and carrots
-Cinnamon: good for heart health and may reduce blood
glucose levels...hello diabetics
-Catecholamines: your "fight-or-flight" hormones released in response to stress...these little suckers cause sodium retention
-Queritin (a flavonoid): a potent cancer-fighting antioxidant found in cherries
-Vitamin D and Calcium work best in the body when consumed together 

At RSI we want our residents to live long, fulfilling and healthy lives.......and we want the same for you! Join us in becoming smarter snackers. :) 

We love PODS of Greater Raleigh Metro Area!

A big thanks to Mr. Jim Loy and our friends at PODS Storage and Moving center of greater Raleigh metro area for DONATING an 8x16 storage unit!!! Thanks to them we have a place to store necessary equipment and materials throughout the construction of our Recreational Activity Center!

We would also like to recognize them for their long-standing involvement in the community. They are admired for their continued support of local charities such as Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity, and the Triangle Down Syndrome Network Charity Golf Tournament, as well as many more.

"PODS revolutionized moving and storage by introducing the concept of portable storage containers. With PODS, portable storage containers come to you, so you can pack at your leisure. When you're ready, we'll move your PODS container across town, across the country or to one of our secure Storage Center facilities."

Check them out!!!  PODS Raleigh

RSI news on AthleticBusiness.com

Ground to be broken on rec center for individuals with developmental disabilities

Construction begins!

The future site of RSI's Recreational Activity Center is beginning to be cleared so construction can start!

This thing makes progress fast!

Future site of the Recreational Activity Center!

Updates from RSI!

What a hectic but joyful holiday season! RSI was blessed with several surprises this holiday season!

Each year RSI has it's annual Holiday Wish List, much like an "angel tree" however the lists are for residents who don't receive gifts from family or friends. Volunteers then "sponsor" the resident, by shopping for the items on the resident's wish list. Supporters can also make monetary donations to go towards the holiday wish list.

This year we were pleasantly surprised with the amount of feedback and support we received for the holiday wish list! So many wonderful individuals opened their heart and demonstrated the true meaning of Christmas. It is safe to say that everyone had a very merry Christmas!

And, there certainly seemed to be plenty of Christmas spirit!

















Not only were we surprised about the wonderful response we received for the resident's holiday wish lists, but also for the house's holiday wish lists! Each group home gets together and as roommates they come up with a wish list, items they would like for Christmas that everyone in the house can enjoy.

These lists generally include more "big ticket" items (ex, tv's, dvd players, Wii's, bicycles, etc.). With the economy at the current moment, things weren't looking so good for the house items. However, at the last minute we received a very special phone call.

Follow link to The Chapel Hill News "Roses" to read more!
 A Special Christmas Story

It's official! Groundbreaking of the RSI Recreational Activty Center

Breaking the ground for healthy more active lifestyles at RSI!

Pictured (left to right): RSI Executive Director; Dennis Bradshaw, Board of Directors President; Victoria Shea and RSI resident Craig Tate, take part in this exciting event during our annual pig pickin' on November 7th, 2010. Actual construction of the site will begin in the near future.

Pig Pickin' 2010

 From RSI's Annual Pig Pickin' Sunday, November 7th 2010:



This year's event was particularly "eventful" with the ribbon cutting of the walking trail, groundbreaking of RSI's Recreational Activity Center, Mesibov and McIver Awards, and not to mention delicious homemade Carolina style BBQ that was roasted overnight by two of our Board members- John Stewart and Jerry Levit!









 Bruce Saunders and his band kicked up the tunes while guests enjoyed their BBQ!






RSI's pig pickin' is a very special time for our organization, not only because it is our biggest event of the year, but at this event the Mesibov Award and McIver Award are announced. These awards are both unique and significant in their meanings.

The Mesibov Award was created in honor of Dr. Gary Mesibov, former director of UNC's division TEACCH which serves people with autism. Dr. Mesibov played a significant role in the field of autism and autism research, and was leader in TEACCH's success. Residential Services Inc. is proud to recognize Scott Keller as the recipient of the 2010 Mesibov Award.

 Scott,  Director of Supported Living, has been instrumental here at RSI; not only demonstrating and implementing our vision, but surpassing it as well.









The McIver Award was created in honor of Dr. F. Thomas McIver, this award recognizes and honors outstanding community service providers. Dr. McIver,  former RSI board member and pediatric dentist at UNC, was a tremendous contributor in providing services to the developmentally disabled community.

This year RSI is proud to recognize Kimi Dew and the Goodwill Foundation as the recipient of the 2010 McIver Award, honoring her and the foundations outstanding efforts.











Once again, the Pig Pickin' was a great time and we thank everyone who was able to make it out! Also, thank you to all of our friends,family and staff who have supported this event in the past.

GlaxoSmithKline Volunteer Day!

Our friends from the GlaxoSmithKline Internal Audit, and the Audit & Assurance Global Quality Compliance groups, came out on Tuesday October 26th  for a fun-filled day of building, painting, and of course, pressure washing! 

GlaxoSmithKline volunteers with RSI Executive Director, Dennis Bradshaw, busy building picnic tables at Spring Glen. Their hard work paid off because RSI now has 15 beautiful new picnic tables!

GlaxoSmithKline volunteer having fun pressure washing Spring Glen! Not only did this group have a good time, but they did a wonderful job!






GlaxoSmithKline is a global leader in the pharmaceutical and consumer health care industry. Highly distinguished for their forward thinking skills, they are one of the few pharmaceutical companies researching both medicines and vaccines for the World Health Organization's three priority diseases- HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. GSK has developed leading global medicines in these fields.

We extend a special thanks to these wonderful individuals from GSK, and truly appreciate their hard work and commitment to Residential Services Inc.

New Final Floor Plans and Elevations!

Thanks, again to Szostak Design Firm for their amazing work! We are very excited to start building!

The Herald-Sun - RSI to break ground on activity center

The Herald-Sun - RSI to break ground on activity center

Bruegger's Fundraising!

Bruegger’s! Bruegger’s! We LOVE Bruegger’s!

….....or at least we do on TUESDAY OCTOBER 26TH and the weekend of NOVEMBER 12TH-14TH !
On Tuesday October 26th and Friday November 12th- Sunday November 14th Bruegger’s Bagels at Eastgate Shopping Center located on E Franklin St. Chapel Hill, will be participating in a RSI Fundraiser!

Bruegger’s is donating 15% of total sales with flyer to RSI on these event dates! You MUST present the flyer in order for it to “count” ! Click on the flyer to open printable version.


As you may know, we are working very hard on raising the remainder of the money needed for our Recreational Activity Center. So please, pass the flyer along to friends, family, neighbors, etc! The more help we can get the better off our activity center will be!

Groundbreaking Announced

Residential Services, Inc.

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Mandi Miller
Development Assistant
Residential Services, Inc.
mmiller@rsi-nc.org
(919)942-7391x200

                    RSI is ensuring healthier lifestyles for their residents
                    Groundbreaking of new activity center announced

CHAPEL HILL, N.C.-  Residential Services, Inc. is extending its commitment to improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities, and in a very active way. Encouraging healthy active lifestyles has always been a top priority for RSI, but with the development of their new recreational activity center they will have the resources and facility to implement them.

Groundbreaking for the 3,400 square foot recreational activity center will be held November 7th, 2010 during RSI’s annual Pig Pickin’. Thanks to Szostak Design, a renowned Chapel Hill architectural firm, the facility will boast a half-court gymnasium, fitness area, multi-purpose room, and engaging outside social area.

According to a University of Minnesota study, individuals with developmental disabilities are
likely to experience the impacts of aging decades before others. Also, among individuals with developmental disabilities there are higher rates of obesity, hypertension, osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes (Kailes, 2003).  While physical activity is an important facet for all individuals facing aging, the benefits of recreational activity are significantly greater for those with developmental disabilities. Aside from the health benefits, it also improves cognitive abilities, social skills, and most importantly fosters a sense of self belief.

Over the last 35 years Residential Services Inc. has dedicated its time and energy to improving the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. RSI is recognized as a leader among similar organizations, particularly in their ability to acknowledge the onset of challenges proactively. This was evident in 2003 with the opening of Spring Glen, a retirement community for adults with developmental disabilities, and the first of its kind in the state of North Carolina. Now, once again, Residential Services Inc. is raising the standard for providing quality support.

Many of RSI’s residents are very active, especially with Special Olympics, some competing weekly. They enjoy a range of activities from basketball to yoga to golfing. The facility will offer residents a chance to participate in these activities on a more regular basis as well as in other team activities, and independent exercise, and will also provide opportunities to host and entertain.

The recreational activity center is expected to open in June 2011. RSI anticipates observing a variety of health improvements when conducting their future annual quality of life assessments, specifically a decrease in the rates of obesity.  They are hoping that the development of the recreational activity center will initiate the practice of healthier more active lifestyles among residents, as well as increase awareness among other state organizations.

Located in Chapel Hill, NC Residential Services Inc. was founded in 1974 as one of the first organizations in the state to provide community-based housing options as well as other related supports. Today, RSI operates 17 different homes and supports over 120 residents. It is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors and staffed with loyal individuals who all work towards the same simple goal: for the residents to lead fulfilling lives within the community.

Szostak Project Description

About the architects...
 Szostak Design is an award winning architectural firm located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Led by principal Philip Szostak, the firm is well known for its unyielding commitment to design in a variety of project types including performing arts centers, recreational and fitness facilities, laboratories, and single family residences. In the preceding decade, the firm has garnered twelve state and regional AIA awards for design excellence.

About the project...
 The RSI activity center is an approximately 3,400 square foot facility located adjacent to RSI's Spring Glen Retirement Community on Mount Hermon Church  Road in Orange County, NC. The main purpose of the proposed facility is for recreation and fitness, the space may also be used for events, classes, and social gatherings for residents. The facility will boast a half court gymnasium, multi-purpose room, fitness area, seating options, generous bathroom facilities, and an engaging outside social area.

Provided by Szostak Design.

Floor Plans

Thanks to Szostak Design, we are excited to introduce the final floor plans of our activity center!

Activity Center to Benefit RSI’s Special Olympics Athletes

Enabling residents to lead fulfilling, long and healthy lives

The only experiences I’ve had with Bocce Ball have been those involving sand, salt water and a lot of sunscreen. Although I’ve never played, I always knew it as a casual “beach game”. Saturday morning, as I pulled into the gravel lot at a Clayton facility, I realized how wrong I am.


I had arrived at the Special Olympics Bocce Ball preliminaries for State playoffs. I see teams grouped together wearing matching shirts, and other individuals in white shirts with large black letters reading “Officials”, accompanied by clipboards, tape measures, and whistles . Officials? I don’t remember seeing officials out in the sun and sand with tape measures.

The surrounding counties are represented by athletes in singles and double matches. I find the Orange County team; in their matching navy blue polo’s, with smiles on their faces. Quickly, I am approached by Colleen Lanigan, Orange County’s Special Olympics Coordinator.

Lanigan is one of fastest movinig and friendliest individuals I’ve ever met. Regardless of how busy she is making sure the athletes know the times of their matches and on which court, she is eager to take me around and introduce me to everyone. All of the athletes shake my hand, introduce themselves, and quickly help me learn the game of bocce. As they explain, I realize bocce ball is much more involved than the ambling beach version I was familiar with.

I find Ken Reid and Richard Williams waiting their turn in the shade, with their water bottles by their side. Reid and Williams are roommates at the Spring Glen Retirement Center, Residential Services Inc.’s retirement community for aging individuals with developmental disabilities. Reid and Williams lived in another RSI house, before Spring Glen opened in 2003. Reid offers me a seat next to him, and the 73-year-old who just celebrated his birthday last week, is eager to chat.